New Rules For Halloween: No Parties, Trick-Or-Treat Before Dark

PROVIDENCE, RI — Halloween is just a few weeks away, and state leaders are reminding all Rhode Islanders to celebrate safely to avoid a chain-reaction outbreak of the coronavirus heading into the holiday season. With new cases, hospitalizations and the percent positive rate all on the rise, there's no safe way to have a Halloween party this year, Gov. Gina Raimondo said.

"If you have a Halloween party planned, cancel it now," Raimondo said. "We're at a critical time."

It is of paramount importance that no one hold Halloween parties this year, the governor said. Adults, college students and high school students who get together to celebrate are a part of the problem, she said, and could potentially cause a surge in cases that would force the state to close parts of the economy again or go back a phase of reopening.

"I'm asking you to forgo Halloween parties for one year, to save lives," Raimondo said.

The governor also reminded all Rhode Islanders that social gatherings are still limited to 15 people or fewer, and violators can be fined $500 per person. State police will be tripling their enforcement in the days surrounding the holiday, she said, and the state is working with communities to step up enforcement from local police, as well. In addition, Department of Business Regulation inspectors will be out "in full force" to crack down on parties at restaurants and bars, Raimondo said.

Safe trick-or-treating

While trick-or-treating will still be allowed, there will need to be more restrictions than initially planned, Raimondo said. As much as possible, the governor asked parents to take their children trick-or-treating before the sun goes down, and limit how long they are out. Children should not be allowed to go out in large groups, instead sticking with members of their household and maybe one or two close friends.

Instead of passing out candy, homeowners are asked to keep their door closed, and to spread out candy rather than placing it in one large bowls. Individually-wrapped treat bags are a good option, or spread out candy across the step to allow children to take a piece without touch all the others.

Raimondo also encouraged parents to come up with "creative, safe" alternative to trick or treating, such as buying candy for a family Halloween movie night, having a Zoom costume parade with friends or having a candy hunt in the house.

"This isn't forever," Raimondo said, acknowledging that it's difficult for everyone, but it's important to take steps now to avoid a widespread outbreak.

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