Seasonal & Holidays
How To Trick-Or-Treat Safely In Fairfax City
Fun and creative ideas have been shared for celebrating Halloween while social distancing in Fairfax City.
FAIRFAX CITY, VA — Halloween will have a much different feel in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Trick-or-treating in large groups and hosting parties are against recommendations, but some people have found creative ways to keep the spirit of the annual Oct. 31 holiday.
In surrounding Fairfax County, government and health department officials are recommending against traditional trick-or-treating but will not cancel it altogether. The county's guidance is in line with the Centers for Disease Control recommendations for Halloween and other fall activities.
"While Fairfax County cannot 'cancel' trick-or-treating, we do hope our residents will continue to prioritize safety just as we have all year," said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay in a statement. "There are simple solutions to continue to enjoy the scares of the holiday — remember to wear a mask that matches your costume, social distance and have small Halloween activities outside."
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Unlike St. Patrick’s Day, when the pandemic was just a few days old, Halloween enthusiasts have had time to prepare for different kinds of celebrations this year.
Building a candy chute has been touted as a fast and fairly simple way to ensure trick-or-treaters can get the sweets without contact.
Find out what's happening in Fairfax Cityfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
An Arlington woman told the Washington, D.C., ABC affiliate she bought a PVC pipe, had the kids paint it orange and black, decorated it and attached it to the porch.
Transforming a front yard into a candy graveyard and holding a Halloween egg hunt are among 14 other ideas for low-contact trick-or-treating shared by Fun365, a website that offers party, wedding and classroom ideas.
Lower-risk activities recommended by the CDC include carving pumpkins, decorating the house, having a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt and a virtual costume contest.
“If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters,” the CDC states.
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