Marin health officials urge virus safety amid holidays
Some fall traditions discouraged, others prohibited
Marin County residents should plan to celebrate Halloween and Dia de los Muertos at home this year and skip holiday traditions such as trick-or-treating that could increase the spread of the coronavirus, health officials said.
“This is really a year to be celebrating differently,” said the county’s public health officer, Dr. Matt Willis.
Even with the number of COVID-19 hospitalizations at its lowest point in more than three months on Monday, Willis fears traditional holiday celebrations could fuel a new surge of infections. The county’s COVID-19 case rate ticked up slightly this week, which could be evidence of spread resulting from Labor Day gatherings, he said. Hospitalizations could soon follow that trend.
“It’s definitely too early to let down our guard down,” Willis said. “We have evidence from Memorial Day, July 4 and now Labor Day that holidays do increase our vulnerability.”
Although the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower outdoors, trick- ortreating this Halloween is “strongly discouraged,” county health officials said in an announcement.
“It can be very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors, ensure that everyone answering or coming to the door is appropriately masked to prevent disease spread, and it involves touching high contact surfaces such as doorbells and candy bowls,” the statement said.
“It’s definitely too early to let down our guard down.” — Dr. Matt Willis, public health officer
Parties, carnivals and festivals are banned.
Health officials instead recommend “dressing up homes and yards with Halloweenthemed decorations, or decorating homes with images and objects to honor deceased loved ones.”
Officials suggest creating candy scavenger hunts or haunted houses at home for people who live in the household. Online parties and costume contests are encouraged in place of inperson festivities.
“Adopting new ideas or making modifications to our customs can reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19, while allowing families a way to celebrate these time-honored traditions,” Willis said. “Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Halloween or Dia de los Muertos, it is important to maintain vigilance with wearing proper face coverings, practicing physical distancing and good hygiene, and keeping other personal protection measures in mind.”
The Marin Center is planning a Halloweenthemed drive- thru food fair at the Marin County Fairgrounds in San Rafael, serving candy apples, cotton candy, corndogs, turkey legs, funnel cake and churros. The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends from Oct. 21 through Nov. 1.
“We want to offer a fun and safe alternative for families,” said Gabriella Calicchio, the county’s director of cultural services.
Participants are encouraged to wear costumes and “prepare to be spooked with family- friendly haunted surprises and activities all while staying inside your car,” according to the Marin Center.
The Marin Center has also scheduled online Halloweenthemed contests during the month of October, including pumpkin carving, food, art and costume competitions. Contests will be announced each Friday and submissions must be posted by the following Sunday on the Marin County Fair’s Facebook and Instagram pages.