It’s that time of the year to dress up and wander the streets in search of treats. Our young ones, and those still young at heart, love this night, but like so many other public and private celebrations this year, our trick and treaters will need to follow some additional rules this year to ensure they remain COVID safe.
COVID-safe Halloween advice – What you need to know about trick or treating in 2020.
The following information is based on current guidelines and could be subject to change before October 31. Of course, anyone who is feeling unwell is advised to stay home.
New South Wales
NSW residents are currently under more relaxed restrictions and are able to travel within the state, meaning trick or treating won’t technically break any rules.
Trick or treating should be kept to a front-yard event – not a front-door – and communal lolly bowls should be avoided.
NSW Health recommends distributing treats by putting them along the front fence and having hand sanitiser at the front gate.
Police have advised against visiting ‘treat streets’ and homeowners could risk being fined in the event more than 20 people gather on their properties, so keep a close eye on the numbers.
Maintain physical distancing between trick or treating households — don’t all crowd together in a pack — and most importantly, don’t share costume face masks.
The NSW government advises that if you are self-isolating, you must not answer the door to trick-or-treaters.
For updates and more information, head to the state government website.
Queensland
Current restrictions in Queensland have relaxed, and residents are able to travel around the state and visit one another for any reason.
As of Friday 16 October all of Queensland can gather in groups of up to 40 people both in their homes and public spaces.
However, Queenslanders are still advised to practice social distancing as much as possible and wash or sanitise their hands regularly.
As such, locals can expect to be allowed to trick or treat provided they follow the health advice set out by the Queensland government.
Check the Queensland government website to find out what the rules are in your area.
Head to the state government website for updates and more information.
Victoria
After experiencing one of the strictest lockdowns around the world, Victoria has more freedom on the horizon, – but residents still shouldn’t trick or treat at all under the current rules.
From 18 October, Metropolitan Victorians can now travel within a 25 km radius from their homes.
They can now also leave home for any period of time to exercise or see friends and family outdoors, replacing the previous two hour limit.
People may also meet up in group of up to ten people from a maximum of two households outdoors in a public place to socialise – including local parks and beaches.
However, considering socialisation is restricted to two households, Melbournians are not permitted to Trick or Treat under the current restrictions.
In regional Victoria, you can now have up to 10 people gather outdoors and up to two visitors in the home everyday from different households.
Head to the state government website for updates and more information.
So that’s the “business” side of treating dealt with, now let’s look at the fun side.
Meet more than just your neighbours
As you walk around the streets keeping an eye on your little ghouls, princesses and vampires, you will notice how relaxed and chatty other people are. Halloween is a great way to catch up with old friends and even make some new ones.
Explore your neighbourhood
What better way to see more streets and more of the area in which you live than by walking around?
Added bonus – the more you walk, the less those candy calories will have an impact!
Creative family time
Planning and creating a Halloween look for your house and yourselves, is a great change from homework and sitting on electronic devices. Children love having the chance to be creative, love the whole Halloween theme, and love spending time decorating their house, planning and creating the costumes for the big night.
It really IS fun!
You’re never too old to let loose and join in. Whether you are in character waiting for trick or treaters, or out on the street with your little ones.
As Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, the young ones can really enjoy themselves knowing there is no school the next day. Now, that really is a treat!
