The spooky season will be spooky this year in Philadelphia in spite of the coronavirus pandemic, although things will be a little different than usual.

Counties and Municipal governments across the state have been determining which Halloween activities will carry on and which ones will be canceled due concerns of COVID-19 being spread throughout them. Many of the counties, however, are allowing their residents to make the ultimate decision of participating or not. 

As of right now, the state of Pennsylvania is allowing trick-or-treating to take place, keeping in mind that proper social distancing protocols must be followed. 

The CDC recommends avoiding high-risk activities such as participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed out door to door. Instead, communities can consider moderate risk activities such as one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while maintaining social distancing. 

Tips for trick-or-treating during COVID-19 include: 

• Avoid trick-or-treating in large groups. It is better to attend with only the participant’s household.
• Wear a mask that covers the mouth and nose.
• Keep your distance from other groups when going from house to house.
• Use hand sanitizer frequently while trick-or-treating, and wash your hands when you get home.

Teenagers and adults, however, are more likely to participate in haunted houses and other scream-filled activities. Advance tickets are highly recommended or required at many events and attractions.

For those who dare, explore one of the most famous prisons in the world during the Eastern  States Penitentiary’s new Night Tours.

Another daring haunted house is Fright Factory in South Philadelphia. Guests can explore 25,000 square feet of environments across three separate areas in a 120-year-old factory. Pre-purchased time tickets are required. 

These are just two examples of the fun frightening activities scheduled this year. The attendee’s  best bet will be to plan ahead. Look online or call to get a better sense of what experience to expect. 

Some of the students at Carroll voiced their opinions about trick-or-treating as well as participating in haunted houses.

“I think it should be fine to attend haunted houses as long as you have a mask on and try to stay 6 feet apart from groups. I probably won’t be attending just to be cautious,” said Anyae Hall, a student in the junior class. 

“With the COVID-19 restrictions, participating in a haunted house may not be the best idea but I feel like if all of us take precautions and wear masks we should be fine. I even plan on participating in an escape room. Surprisingly, I did not have to make reservations or pre-order tickets,” stated Awtum Mintze, a junior. 

Parents, however, may feel uncomfortable with their children attending Halloween activities even with COVID precautions. 

“As long as it is not crowded, I think it is OK. My children are old enough to participate in these things without my input. I will say wear your mask, don’t get too close to anybody, and sanitize often,” stated Clarissa Winslow, this writer’s mother.