DHHS Regional Victoria’s Halloween advice for trick or treating during COVID 2020
Trick or treating is at the top of most children’s must-do lists each year, but going around to neighbours’ homes doorknocking for lollies feels like a lineball thing to do in regional Victoria’s COVID-19 climate. So we asked DHHS if it will be allowed.
Albury Wodonga
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Halloween enthusiasts across regional Victoria will have to scale back their spooky celebrations this year, as COVID-19 restrictions continue.
DHHS Victoria said residents of regional towns could go trick or treating, provided they followed health guidelines and social distancing rules.
The stay safe guidelines advise washing hands regularly, wearing a face mask when outside, and keeping at least 1.5m from others.
For Peter and Justin Walle, it means Halloween – their favourite day of the year – will be a little different this year.
The couple run the Halloween Enthusiasts Albury-Wodonga Facebook group, and usually go big celebrating the holiday at their Lavington home.
“Normally we have an interactive haunted house that I set up in my carport, but we won’t be doing that this year,” Mr Walle said.
“Last year we had over 600 kids come through, so it’s a shame we can’t run that this year because of confined spaces and all that.
“This year will probably be more along the lines of a static display.”
Mr Walle said a lot of residents from both sides of the border has expressed their interest in celebrating Halloween this year, despite the restrictions being in place.
“We are getting some interest and people sending their addresses saying they’re open to trick or treaters,” he said.
“There’s a couple of houses in Wodonga that do a very decent display every year.
“In previous years we’ve had people come in from Chiltern to come in and see our displays.
“But I think this year is going to be pretty low-key this year which is a shame.”
According to The Australian, Premier Daniel Andrews earlier this week said announcements on what would be allowed in Melbourne would be made on Sunday.
But he said there was “no Halloween plan”.
“I don’t know that that particular festivity will be central to our considerations, but I think people will be able, to the extent they need to, to interpret the rules and work out what is appropriate on the 31st, if that’s something they’re interested in doing,” Mr Andrews said.
For more information about Halloween in Albury-Wodonga visit the Halloween Enthusiasts Albury Wodonga Facebook page.
Contact Cassandra at cassandra.glover@news.com.au
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