SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — County public health officials have released guidance for celebrating Halloween this month, including recommendations for trick-or-treating and parties.
The county is recommending that residents avoid traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, "trunk-or-treating" where candy is offered from cars, or leaving bowls of candy for others at their door this Halloween due to the pandemic.
For those who want to find a safe alternative to traditional trick-or-treating, the county recommends "one-way" trick-or-treating where residents leave individually wrapped goodies bags outside for families to grab while maintaining physical distance, such as at the end of the driveway or yard.
Parents are also asked to consider giving away treats other than candy, such as stickers, pencils, or mini pumpkins that can be sanitized by parents before given to kids.
There are several activities that are not allowed, according to the county, including:
- In-person gatherings, parties, and events with non-household members even if gatherings are outdoors because physical distancing will not be easy to maintain,
- Carnivals, petting zoos, festivals, and live entertainment are not allowed because of frequent interaction with high touch surfaces by children and participants, and
- Any gatherings already not allowed under current public health orders
Haunted houses are not recommended because of the potential for crowds in tight spaces and poor ventilation, making safety and social distancing a challenge.
County officials recommend that San Diegans celebrate through:
- Online parties or costume contests
- Drive-thru events and car parades
- Decorating homes and yards
- Movie nights within households or at drive-in theaters, and
- Pumpkin patches where social distancing and increased hand hygiene is possible
The county says that whichever way residents end up celebrating Halloween, it's important that they continue to wash and sanitize their hands often and thoroughly, avoid close contact with individuals that are not in the same household, wear a face covering, and stay home and away from others if sick.
More Halloween safety resources are available on the county's website.
