Trick-or-treating is back in 2021. Here's how to do it safely in Seattle

National and Washington health experts say trick-or-treating can resume safely in 2021, which likely comes as a relief to all the kids who didn’t get to properly celebrate Halloween last year after the CDC designated the activity as “high risk” because of the coronavirus.    

During a CNN interview on Sunday, Dr. Anthony Fauci — the nation’s top infectious disease expert — told viewers to “go out there and enjoy Halloween.”

“Particularly if you’re vaccinated, you can get out there — you’re outdoors for the most part,” he said. “This is a time that children love. It’s a very important part of the year for children.”

But the activity is not without risk. COVID-19 vaccinations have not yet been approved for use in children under 12, and the disease has become more common in kids over the last few months because of the delta variant’s highly contagious nature.

If you plan on trick-or-treating in Seattle this year, the Washington State Department of Health has guidance for how to do it safely. 

Facial coverings

First, make sure your kids wear cloth facial coverings even if a Halloween mask is part of their costume. A Halloween mask — while good for scoring candy — is not a suitable substitute for cloth masks, which reduce transmission between two people by blocking fine particles and droplets.

Avoid crowded spaces

Next, avoid crowded spaces and maintain six feet of distance between those who are not members of your household. COVID is unlikely to spread between surfaces, but when taking objects that were handled by others, it’s generally good practice to keep sanitizer nearby and wash your hands afterward.  

Prepackage treats 

If you plan on handing out candy, experts recommend prepackaging treats into individual bags. Place those bags on a table in your driveway or yard and stay six feet away while greeting trick-or-treaters. This will reduce face-to-face interactions.

The best trick-or-treating locales in Seattle is a matter of debate. However, a clever calculus created by Zillow provides some insight.
 
To determine which neighborhoods offer the best plunder, the company examined three variables: house size, housing density and population under 10. The theory is simple but brilliant: bigger houses mean bigger candy bars; more houses means more candy; and more kids means more homes willing to participate.

Using this equation, the Whittier Heights neighborhood was dubbed the best for trick-or-treating. The Bryant, Laurelhurst, High Point and Windemere neighborhoods were all honorable mentions.

Last week, the Seattle Department of Transportation announced the return of its “Trick or Streets” program for 2021. Seattle residents can apply for a permit to close their street to vehicle traffic until 10 p.m. on Halloween.

Permit applications are free, and the department is urging residents to get them in by Friday. Applications will still be accepted after Friday, but the department can’t guarantee those applications will be reviewed.

You can apply for a permit on the city’s website.