Officials suggesting alternative activities
When it comes to trickor- treating or “trunk- ortreating,” local, state and federal health officials are in agreement that the traditional Halloween activities should be nixed this year due to the dangers posed by COVID-19.
“COVID-19 continues to pose a severe risk and requires all Californians to follow necessary precautions to keep themselves and their communities safe. As a parent I know the difficulty of explaining the need to modify annual traditions because of the COVID-19 pandemic, ” said Dr. Erica Pan, acting state Public Health officer, in a press release.
Under the current State Health Officer order gatherings, events or parties of any size with non-household members are not permitted, even if they are conducted outdoors. This means that events such as Halloween carnivals, festivals, live entertainment or haunted house attractions are not allowed. Also not allowed are hay and tractor rides with people from different households. Traveling out of area to attend festivals in other communities is also discouraged.
“Now that we have moved into a less restrictive tier and our numbers are fairly low, it would be devastating if people celebrating Halloween ignored the prevention measures, engaged inunsafe activities
or gatherings andwe suffer a spike in cases. It’s simply not worth it and could be devastating for everyone, especially our businesses.” said Danette York, director of Butte County Public Health in a press release.
This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also advises against engaging in traditional Halloween activities where social distancing cannot be guaranteed stating the safest way to celebrate the spookiest day of the year is to spend time with people in the same household or to celebrate
virtually.
Staying home for the holiday is safer and can be fun with a bit of creativity. Among the novel coronavirus safe activities suggested by public health experts are:
• Have a scavenger hunt with members of your household for treats in the yard or around the house. You could hide mini pumpkins, candy or other goodies.
• Turn your home into a haunted house.
• Have a scary movie night and Halloweenthemed activities ( pump
kin carving, face painting) at home.
• Host a virtual party that includes a costume or pumpkin carving contest.
• Talk to your neighbors and arrange to place goodies in bags at the edge of your yard. Have the kiddos stay with members of their household and have everyone walk in one direction while maintaining social distancing.
• Decorate the outside of your home and yard for Halloween.
• Take a drive to see other holiday-decorated homes in the area.