Trick-Or-Treat Discouraged In Alexandria, 2 Events Canceled

ALEXANDRIA, VA — City of Alexandria government and the health department will recommend against traditional trick-or-treating, but the decision lies with individuals. However, the city was notified the Halloween event on Lee Street and the Del Ray Halloween Parade have been canceled. The Del Ray parade will have virtual festivities with an announcement coming soon.

Trick-or-treat isn't set by the city, but it typically happens on the evening of Oct. 31. According to Patch's informal survey of more than 500 Virginia readers, 46.9 percent say their kids will not trick-or-treat, 36.3 percent say they will, and 16.8 percent are unsure.

The city is discouraging higher-risk activities in line with the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for Halloween and other fall activities. Activities identified as higher risk include traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treat events with treats handed out from trunks of cars, crowded indoor costume parties, large dinner parties with different households in different geographical areas, and using alcohol or drugs.

Activities categorized as moderate risk are also not recommended by the city and health department. These are one-way trick-or-treat with individual wrapped treat bags, outdoor, small group costume parades with social distancing and face masks, outdoor, one-way haunted forest or Halloween movie night with local family and friends and social distancing, and visiting pumpkin patches or orchard with hand sanitizer use, mask wearing and social distancing between households.

The city and health department suggest lower risk activities to reduce the chance of COVID-19 outbreaks. These include carving or decorating pumpkins with the same household or at a safe distance with friends, decorating a residence, hosting a virtual Halloween costume contest, scavenger hunt with the same household and movie night with the same household.

For any kind of Halloween activity, anyone who is ill or has been exposed to COVID-19 is asked to stay home. Individuals are urged to maintain at least six feet from other households, and greater distance is recommended when screaming is involved. A costume mask is not recommended as a substitute for a face mask unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face. Costume masks should not be worn over protective cloth mask if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. For those passing out candy, washing hands for 20 seconds before and after preparing treat bags.

Here are some other tips from the city and health department for trick-or-treat:

• Those accompanying trick or treaters should wear protective face masks.
• Use flashlights, stay on sidewalks, and avoid crossing yards.
• Wear clothing that is bright, reflective, and flame retardant.
• Travel in small groups with an adult accompanying children.
• Make sure children under age 10 are supervised as they cross the street.
• Drive slowly; watch for children in the street and on medians; exit driveways and alleyways carefully.
• Attach children’s names and phone numbers to their costumes.
• Parents should inspect any food prior to children eating it
• Tell children not to accept – and especially not to eat – anything that isn't commercially wrapped.
• Before eating, wash hands thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds.

The CDC also has guidance for Dia de los Muertos, Thanksgiving and other fall holidays and activities.