No Tricks, Pre-Packaged Treats: Health Department Announces Halloween Recommendations

It's hardly a surprise to learn that going door-to-door with all your neighbors and collecting candy from communal bowls is a bad idea during a pandemic.

The Pima County Health Department today announced recommendations for how to safely enjoy Halloween during COVID-19. They continue to advise against large gatherings in favor of drive-thru events and maintained social distancing. PCHD is also getting creative, stating how wearing facemasks can even be incorporated into your Halloween costume.

Instead of attending Halloween carnivals or door-to-door trick-or-treating, PCHD recommends:

• Online parties/contests such as costume or pumpkin carving
• Car parades that comply with public health guidance for vehicle-based parades. Consider drive-by events or contests where individuals dress up or decorate their vehicles and drive-by “judges” who are appropriately physically distanced. Or do drive-through events where kids remain in vehicles and drive through an area with Halloween displays. Or do drive-in events where individuals can receive a treat bag—limited to commercially packaged, non-perishable treats—or a take-away item from an organizer with appropriate PPE while the participants remain in their vehicle.
• Halloween movie nights at drive-in theaters, which must comply with the public health drive-in movie theater guidance.
• Halloween-themed meals at outdoor restaurants that comply with the restaurant protocol.
  
• Dressing up homes and yards with Halloween-themed decorations.

“The entire 2020 holiday season will look different this year,” said PCHD director Dr. Theresa Cullen. “I encourage everyone to have fun, but do so safely. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate Halloween, it is important to continue to wear facemasks, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer, and follow physical distancing.”