With COVID-19 “increasingly infecting American children and teens in a trend authorities say appears fueled by school[s] reopening” according to APNews, Halloween seems to be getting affected too. “Three towns in New Jersey announced trick-or-treating will not be allowed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic” ABC 7 NY reported.

However, some are deciding to go against the precedent of the New Jersey towns. Math teacher Mrs. Jenny Beigel said that “Before any neighborhoods or towns were making decisions about Halloween, a close friend was already setting up a trunk-or-treat / fall fun event for some family and friends. We already committed to that as a family.” Psychology teacher Mrs. Winter also wrote that she “does plan on taking [her children], and I do plan on taking all of my kids.”

Beigel noted that “trick-or-treating will vary by town and neighborhood. I do not believe there is a one-size-fits-all decision. Like every Halloween, families have the choice whether [or not] to trick-or-treat and households have the choice to pass our or not to pass out candy,” Beigel noted. Just because some family decides to trick-or-treat does not mean the other families have to. It allows people to stay comfortable as only the people who want to go out are the ones going out, and the people who are not comfortable to stay in their homes.

Beigel notes “we all come from different situations and have different needs. I think the most important piece of advice is to be respectful of each other’s decisions.” Winter also notes “I would say that whatever [other peoples’] choice is, there is no wrong answer. They need to do what is best for themselves and their children however they see fit. But if they are going – I would tell them to wear masks and social distance as best as they can.”

COVID-19 is still a risk to a ton of people, especially younger children, as according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “the symptoms of COVID-19 are similar in adults and children and can look like other common illnesses, likes colds, strep throat, or allergies.” ABC 7 NY also notes “The CDC has determined that traditional trick-or-treating is a high-risk activity.”