Individually wrapped bags of candy, laid out for non-contact collection, could make for a quintessential 2020 Halloween.
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Health authorities are discouraging the use of communal bowls for lollies, warning the coronavirus can spread on surfaces, including food or packing.
The main message to trick-or-treaters is you cannot knock on doors for Halloween on Saturday and celebrating at home is the safest option.
"Coronavirus is still with us and celebrating at home is the safest way to mark Halloween this year," the Department of Health and Human Services' guidelines read.
"If you do trick or treat, you need to stay safe. It is safer not to hand out lollies or candy to trick-or-treaters this Halloween."
ARE YOU GOING TO CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN OR GOING TO AVOID IT? WE'D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ARTICLE
DHHS is also warning Halloween is not an opportunity to flout face mask guidelines in the name of a scary costume.
"Keep at least 1.5 metres between yourself and people you don't live with. This means no hugging or kissing when greeting people. Don't share food or drinks."
How to safely trick-or-treat
- Don't use communal bowls for lollies or sweets. Putting lollies in a shared bowl will mean everyone is touching the same food and surfaces, which isn't safe.
- Instead, put individually wrapped lollies or candy in bags for non-contact collection.
- Place bags on your fence, at your front gate or outside your home for collection.
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before preparing the bags or individually wrapped lollies or candy.
Celebrating a COVID-safe Halloween
- Have a Halloween party outside in a public place. You can catch up with a group of up to ten people (including yourself). Babies under 12 months age aren't included in the ten-person limit. An outdoor public place means an area accessible to everyone, including local parks and beaches.
- Do a Halloween scavenger hunt by giving children a list of Halloween-themed things to look for as they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance. Just like eye-spy! The limit of ten people (including yourself) applies to scavenger hunts.
- Carve or decorate pumpkins with members of your household.
- Decorate your house.
- Have a virtual costume party or party with friends and family on video chat.
- Have a Halloween movie night with your household.
- Create an around the house trick or treat or scavenger hunt for your household
HAVE YOUR SAY BELOW
Matt Currill
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
