Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Newport has canceled its Decoween trick-
or-treating activity. Because of the pandemic, the city urges its residents to consider fun
alternatives that pose a lower risk of spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. There are
several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween. The Oregon Coast Aquarium has also cancelled their annual Halloween activities. The cities of Toledo and Siletz will be holding Halloween events for families utilizing social distancing.
The Oregon Health Authority and Centers for Disease Control provided the following information on Halloween activities. 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 following lower risk activities can be safe alternatives to traditional Halloween festivities:
Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
Decorating your house, apartment, or living space. Holding a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring. Halloween decorations at a distance. Having a virtual Halloween costume contest. Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with. Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house.
The following are moderate risk activities:
Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are
lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the
end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard). If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags. Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced
more than six feet apart. Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than six+ feet apart.
A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Do not
wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the
costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed
cloth mask. If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social distancing. Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least six feet apart. Lower your risk by following CDC’s recommendations on hosting gatherings or cook-outs.
Avoid the following higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go
door to door. Attending trunk-or-treat activities where treats are handed out from the trunk of a vehicle Attending crowded costume parties held indoors. Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming. Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household. Avoid alcohol or drugs that can cloud judgment and increase risky behaviors. Stay at home, in your community, and avoid traveling to festivals outside the city.