NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Some Halloween traditions may have to change because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but that doesn't mean kids and families can't still have fun.
In Davidson County, since the beginning of September, positive cases in children 0 to 17 years old have increased by 93 percent, according to the Metro Public Health Department.
Pediatrician Dr. Joseph Gigante with Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt says parents can't let your guard down.
"The recommendations for Halloween are really no different than what we've been doing so far," Dr. Gigante said, "I like to refer to them as the three w's - wear a mask, wash your hands, watch your distance. If a child has a costume with a mask, they can wear the mask and then put the mask they are wearing for COVID-19 on top of that."
Just because Halloween has to look different this year due to the pandemic, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. Here are some cool alternatives.
Mommy blogger of "The Nashville Mom," Dawn Burns, says don't be afraid to switch it up this year. You can carve pumpkins outside or set up a scavenger hunt.
"If you want to stay in, do a chili night or make mummy dogs which are hot dogs wrapped in croissants that look like a mummy. It's something easy and festive," Burns said, "or you can decorate Halloween cookies, make some popcorn and put on Halloween movies and play games."
For those wanting to hand out candy - you should avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters. Click here for some fun, creative ways to do that.
Instead, set up a station with individual bags of candy, it's much safer that way. Do not leave out a bucket full of candy.
