Data released today is making Halloween participation look less than spooktacular this year due to COVID-19.
The report, which was published in "Choices," a publication of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, is predicting that trick-or-treating could be down about 41 percent for households with kids under the age of 14 years old with a third of those households saying COVID-19 is a contributing factor in their decision. Households handing out candy may also decrease by about half, according to the study.
Other Halloween plans are also falling by the wayside as the data shows 47 percent of households are not likely to participate in any Halloween activity.
“As we move into the holiday season, our survey suggests that COVID-19 will generate a chilling effect on the fun social activities we all traditionally enjoy during this time,” said Dr. Trey Malone, MSU Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food, & Resource Economics, who did the analysis.
Dr. Malone worked in partnership with an assistant professor at the University of Delaware. The information was compiled from 2,043 U.S. respondents from 18 to 85 years old.
To read the full report, click here.
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