SAFETY BEFORE SWEETS
CDC lists trick-or-treating as high-risk; rules vary in Hampton Roads
Halloween is right around the corner and, although no cities in Hampton Roads have banned trick-or-treating, it will definitely look different this year.
To help people celebrate safely during the pandemic, cities are encouraging residents to look at federal and state guidelines.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control have identified trick-ortreating as a high-risk activity and recommends families look into safer alternatives. The Virginia Department of Health has published a list of low-risk alternatives including a Halloween scavenger hunt, a virtual costume contest or carving pumpkins — either with your household or in a socially distanced way with friends.
If you do decide to go trick-ortreating, the VDH has published recommendations on how to minimize exposure to others. It cautions against visiting multiple neighborhoods or going door to door. Instead, visit homes that have candy placed outside in individually wrapped bags. You should also bring hand sanitizer and wear a mask the whole time.
The CDC emphasized that costume masks are not effective. You and your child should wear a normal cloth mask that covers your mouth and nose.
If you are planning to give out candy, the VDH recommends setting up an outdoor table to lay out the treats and avoid using communal bowls. If you’re feeling ambitious, the VDH also approves of using a 6-foot long “candy chute” to deliver your treats. Additionally, when putting together goody bags, be sure to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before touching anything.
If you have been diagnosed with, or exposed to, COVID-19, follow VDH guidelines for quarantining and skip the in-person festivities altogether.
Some cities have specific rules for this year’s trick-or-treating. (Cities not listed separately here did not issue rules of their own, but recommended residents follow state health department guidelines.)
Virginia Beach
The designated hours for trickor-treating are dusk (usually 6 p.m.) to 8 p.m. for children 12 and under.
Hampton
The designated hours for trickor-treating are dusk to 8 p.m. for children under 12.
There will be no trunk-or-treat parties held on city property this year. If you attend a trunk-or-treat party off of city property, the VDH recommends parking in every other space to create distance.
Chesapeake
Trick-or-treating ends at 8 p.m for children up to age 14.
The age limit was recently raised after Chesapeake’s infamous 1970 law went viral. The law used to say children over the age of 12 could face fines or even jail time for trick-or-treating. While it has never been enforced, the law has garnered national attention in the past two years. (Last year, Mayor Rick West said in frustration, “I hope we decide there’s no such thing as Halloween,” which is ironic considering this year’s circumstances.)
Newport News
A city official said they plan to release guidelines for trick-ortreating in Newport News later this week.
In normal years, trick-or-treating ends at 8 p.m for children up to age 12.