Halloween Not Canceled But 'Discouraged' In Norwalk: Mayor

NORWALK, CT — With the city on red alert status due to an uptick in coronavirus cases, Mayor Harry Rilling is "strongly discouraging traditional Halloween activities" in Norwalk this year, such as trick-or-treating.

Rilling and city officials are not canceling the annual event, but wants residents to stay safe and avoid "trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating, indoor haunted houses, costume parties and social gatherings."

Traditional trick-or-treating "involves going house-to-house, ringing doorbells, knocking doors, and taking goodies often from a shared container." Such activities are discouraged, because any contact with people from outside the same household presents a risk of spreading the coronavirus (COVID-19).

"We are seeing a rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, and while I understand there is quarantine fatigue, and people are itching for normalcy, no amount of candy is worth putting loved ones in jeopardy," said Rilling, who is currently under quarantine due to exposure to the virus. "I encourage residents to make alternative plans this weekend, avoid going door-to-door with neighborhood friends, and do not gather in groups for parties or events. It is an unnecessary risk that I ask us all to avoid given the current health conditions in our community."

As of Monday evening, 68 new coronavirus cases were reported in Norwalk, bringing the city's total since the pandemic began to 2,871. John Murphy, president and CEO of the parent company of Norwalk Hospital, also is predicting coronavirus cases will continue to climb in Connecticut into January.

"Please consider the health and safety of family and friends and follow all public health guidance," Rilling said. "I thank the many groups, businesses, and organizations who have postponed or modified their Halloween events to meet the recommendations from the state Health Department. We must continue to take COVID-19 seriously."

The state Department of Public Health has a list of recommendations for communities in red alert status, such as limiting gatherings and encouraging high-risk individuals to stay home. Additionally, the state health department issued guidance to modify Halloween activities to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has recommendations for safer Halloween activities.

"Trick-or-treating brings an increased risk of spreading the virus as people are having prolonged close contact and touching shared objects," added Deanna D'Amore, director of the Norwalk Health Department. "It's also not just going to one house; it involves going to multiple houses and meeting multiple groups which increases the risk of exposure. Traditional Halloween activities bring groups of families and friends together from different households which goes against public health guidelines."

The Norwalk Health Department and Norwalk Police Department will have increased enforcement and spot checks of businesses throughout the weekend to ensure compliance with state and local health protocols. Residents also can report issues to the Norwalk Police Department non-emergency line at 203-854-3000.