Artist Matthias Kretschmer has been entertaining himself and others by creating unconventional face masks throughout most of the lockdown in his country Austria, and he believes we can still have fun during the creepiest night of the year. "Halloween is originally a Celtic tradition, but like every good tradition, it develops with every year and every generation. So let's keep it alive!" he told Bored Panda.
Professional makeup and Special Fx artist Cynthia Pinedo said Halloween has always been her favorite holiday. "Growing up, we were always having Halloween parties, dressing up, decorating our house," she explained. "My birthday also is the day before Halloween, so it's always just been a month to celebrate."
The pandemic has changed her Halloween as well. "Trick or treating is not really happening this year, I really feel like there is just no Halloween spirit this year, only because we all need to stay safe and get through this. So I'm making Halloween COVID masks." Hers are made of thin rubber, with a fabric lining, and they also have adjustable ear loops. "What inspired me to make these, was basically a way you can go out, do your errands, and wear one of the masks I make, to have a little fun. I wear my jack o lantern mask everywhere. People are really enjoying them, by even wearing them to work! That makes me so happy that I brought a little joy to those Halloween lovers this year during the pandemic."
If you participate in higher-risk activities or think that you may have been exposed during your celebration, the CDC advises considering extra precautions for 14 days after the event to protect others. These include staying home as much as possible, avoid being around people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and getting tested for the virus.
