Halloween: County health agency discourages trick-or-treating
Dr. Borenstein strongly discourages standard Halloween activities like traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating because they can easily spread COVID-19 to multiple households. In this 2019 image, Paso Robles kids walk door-to-door for Halloween candy.
–The San Luis Obispo County Health Officer has issued “guidance for safer Halloween activities during COVID-19.”
County Health Officer Dr. Penny Borenstein issued Halloween Guidance to reduce the risk of COVID-19 during Halloween celebrations. “We can still enjoy Halloween and prevent outbreaks of COVID-19 in our communities,” said Dr. Borenstein. “This guidance gives you choices to celebrate Halloween safely. Please take the time to review it and take steps to reduce the risk to you, your family, your neighbors, and our whole community.”
Traditional holiday activities often promote congregating and the mixing of households, which increases the risk of transmitting COVID-19. The County’s COVID-19 Halloween Guidance directs community members to limit contact while distributing treats, safely prepare treats, wear a cloth face covering with your costume and as you hand out treats, stick to your social bubble, and more.
Dr. Borenstein strongly discourages standard Halloween activities like traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating because they can easily spread COVID-19 to multiple households. However, the guidance provides low-risk alternatives, including leaving bowls or pre-packaged treats on your doorstep or porch for trick-or-treaters to enjoy, online parties or costume contests, drive- through parades, socially distanced activities, a movie night at a drive-in theater, and more.
Highest risk activities and those that are not permitted include carnivals or festivals, live entertainment (including live music), indoor and outdoor haunted house attractions where people are gathered close and screaming, and in-person parties or gatherings (including outdoor social gatherings) with people not part of your small “social bubble.”
For updates on COVID-19 in SLO County, visit ReadySLO.org or call the recorded Public Health Information Line at (805) 788-2903. A staffed phone assistance center at (805) 543-2444 is available Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to assist with COVID-19 questions.
📢 #COVID19 is still here and still spreading.
Wear a mask and physically distance to keep California healthy. #SlowtheSpread pic.twitter.com/8I3CC5Yqiy
This Halloween, ghost on big parties. #YourActionsSaveLives pic.twitter.com/H40Syq1prP
— Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) October 15, 2020
Yes, you still have to physically distance on Halloween. 🦇
Read California Department of Public Health’s #COVID19…
Posted by California Governor on Tuesday, October 13, 2020
