How to celebrate Halloween during COVID-19

10/23/2020 

This year, Halloween will come and go under the unprecedented circumstances of a pandemic. Still, SUNY Cortland students can have fun while following COVID-19 guidelines.

Remember, unless you are under quarantine or isolation, you are not confined to your house or residence hall as long as you follow all COVID safety guidelines.

Of course, the safest way to participate in the holiday on Saturday, Oct. 31, is within one’s own residence hall room, apartment or house, according to the New York State Department of Health. Here are some ideas:

• Roommates can decorate their living space, or doors. Maybe have a physically-distant competition with neighbors.
• Carve pumpkins.
• Binge watch scary movies.
• Splurge on Halloween candy.
• Organize a virtual Halloween party with costumes and games.
• Dress up for the holiday and share your new persona through social media.
• Leave a Halloween treat bag on the door step of a friend In quarantine and Isolation.

Here’s a list of some DOs and DON'Ts when celebrating a pandemic Halloween:

DO  participate in virtual and small, physically distanced activities.

DO engage In outdoor activities as much as possible.

DO practice physical distancing AND wear a face covering whenever you are around anyone outside of your Immediate household.

DO participate In SUNY Cortland-organized activities.

DO NOT attend any large gatherings, inside or outside.

DO NOT give Halloween candy to Trick-or-Treaters if they are sick, live with someone who is sick, have been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19 in the last 14 days, are under isolation or quarantine, or have traveled internationally or to a state affected by the NYS Travel Advisory in the last 14 days.

A Red Dragon Halloween

SUNY Cortland’s Student Activities Board (SAB) and Campus Activities and Corey Union are offering lots of safety-conscious events all week long to celebrate the occasion.

Monday, Oct. 26 Scavenger Hunt Follow @CortlandNites on Instagram for clues to find dragons hidden around campus. Dragons can be redeemed at the Corey Union Information Desk for Cortland apparel on Friday, Oct 30 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 1 from 3 to 5 p.m. Get ready! First clue drops at 3 p.m. Turn your notifications on.

Tuesday, Oct. 27 Halloween Trivia 9 p.m. Webex First place prize is a Cortland sweatshirt. 2nd and 3rd place prizes are long-sleeve t-shirts.

Wednesday, Oct. 28 Pumpkin Painting with Tyler Oakley 8 p.m. Webex All SUNY Cortland students are welcome to join the call with YouTube star Tyler Oakley. Only students permitted on-campus during the study in place may pick up painting supplies. Limited supplies available at the Corey Union Information Desk from Tuesday 1 to 3 p.m. and 5 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday 12 to 2 p.m. and 4 to 6 p.m. or while supplies last. Hosted by SAB.

Thursday, Oct. 29 Costume Contest 9 p.m. Webex Show off your Halloween costume! Prizes for most creative, best duo/team, scariest and funniest.

Friday, Oct. 30 Pumpkin Carving 1 to 3 p.m. On-campus students: Pick up a free pumpkin at the Corey Union Information Desk. Off-campus students: Drive by the Stadium Complex to pick up a free pumpkin. Tag @CortlandNites or DM us a picture of your jack-o-lanterns!

Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween Treats 1 to 3 p.m. Be on the lookout for university staff walking around with Halloween treats. Psychic Fair 7 to 10 p.m. Signups start Wednesday. 

The spirit of Halloween remains alive this year. So, take the proper precautions to keep yourself and others safe this Oct. 31.

Prepared by Communications Office writing intern Nicholas Boyer