Bison students and children out and about on Halloween

Halloween 2020 is about to be spooky. We do not know what is going to happen and whether or not the COVID-19 cases in Cass County will go up after Halloween. If the numbers go up, it may lead the public to question if those with COVID-19 went out and about on Halloween night. 

Some may question if it is a smart idea for college students and children to be going out with people they do not know, going around knocking on doors. Personally, if you feel safe enough to go out and you understand the consequences, I believe it is perfectly okay to go have fun on Halloween.

However, there is no hate to you if you want to stay in for the night and be extra cautious. But now that I think about it, maybe everyone is in danger by staying home or going out. There will be little trick or treaters going from house to house to get candy… let that sink in. If one trick or treater or neighborhood house has COVID-19, everyone has a higher chance of getting it. From children ringing doorbells and putting their hands in a candy bowl to college students going to parties together.

While the Cass County cases are rising in this college town, I still think it is okay for children to go out trick or treating. If they have a weakened immune system, maybe it would be better for them to stay home; however, if they are completely healthy maybe at least let them walk around the neighborhood and get candy. While younger kids may be out and about trick or treating, college kids will also be living it up.

While in high school, I would look up to college upperclassmen, I would notice how they all dressed up these past years for Halloween. College Halloween parties and dressing up looked like so much fun. 

However, Halloween this year may look a little different. As my roommate and I will be dressing up, so will a lot of our friends. We never know what the weekend plans are, as they are super last minute because of COVID. If we decide to go out, we understand that we need to be cautious about what we are doing and where we are going. There are many people I am with on a day-to-day basis who will not be okay if they get COVID. We should monitor our symptoms and how we are feeling just in case.

Whether you are staying in or going out for Halloween, I advise you to be safe. With the rise in COVID-19 cases, there is a higher chance of getting it. If you are dressing up for Halloween, maybe get a cool mask that matches your costume. I have seen some cool masks at Ragstock that would work perfectly for a Halloween costume.

If you know parents who are questioning whether or not their children should go trick or treating, or college students who are questioning if they should go out for Halloween, remind them that it is their decision. Parents and students need to be responsible for their own choices and if that is going out on Halloween then so be it. However, you should just be aware of the consequences of going out, the chances of getting COVID-19, or you having it, being asymptomatic and passing it to someone else and the cycle goes on.

Finally, make sure you have tons of candy and fun on Halloween. It doesn’t matter if you are staying in for the night or going out, you need to be extra cautious of those around you. Do not go around sharing drinks or candy. And remember COVID-19 is real. Halloween 2020, you are about to be so spooky.