Halloween has been one of the high points of the year in Kingspoint as families gather for a little fun on one of the last warm evenings of the year. However, this is 2020, and we are all doing things a bit differently.
Trick-or-treating is classified as a Moderate to High Risk activity in terms of spreading the Covid-19 virus. When you think about it, what makes Halloween celebrations fun- getting together with friends and family- also presents opportunities to spread the virus.
We know that some people with virus symptoms don’t test positive for several days. Some people who test positive – and are contagious- don’t show obvious symptoms. Different families are comfortable with different levels of exposure to the risk of catching- or spreading- the virus.
James City County is currently leaving the decision to participate in traditional Halloween activities – or not- up to individual families. Read their specific guidance here. Households that do not want to participate should turn off their porch lights, as usual.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) have issued guidance for Halloween. Unless new guidance is issued prior to the end of the month, James City County feels that those who want to participate in trick-or-treating should make that decision for their families.
For those who choose to participate, James City County trick-or-treating hours will be 6-8 p.m. on Oct. 31 for children ages 12 and under.
If you do plan to participate in Trick or Treating this year, it is important to protect yourself. Kindly follow this guidance from the Virginia Department of Health:
1. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past ten days, or have been in contact with someone with COVID in the past 14 days, follow VDH guidance to stay home and away from others. If you are self-isolating or self-quarantining, do not participate in trick-or-treating this year, and look for other virtual options to celebrate.
2. Be sure to maintain at least six six feet of distance between yourself and others who do not live in your household at all times.
3. Wash your hands before going trick-or-treating or handing out candy. Hand sanitizer should be used while trick-or-treating or handing out candy when soap and water aren’t available.
4. Wear a cloth mask. Halloween masks may not fit snugly against the face and may not cover the nose and mouth. Halloween masks with gaps and holes do not protect against inhaling respiratory droplets from other people. Wearing a cloth mask under a Halloween mask may make it hard to breathe and is not recommended.
5. If you hand out candy, consider setting up an area outside, like a folding table or chairs, to set out candy. Space out the placement of treats so that multiple people do not have to reach into the same bowl or find contactless ways to deliver treats, like a candy chute that is more than six feet long. For trunk-or-treating, create distance between cars by parking in every other space.
VDH Guidance: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/content/uploads/sites/182/2020/09/VDH-Interim-Guidance-for-Halloween-Events-2.pdf
CDC Guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html
The Kingspoint Neighborhood Association 