Dan Andrews Halloween: Will trick or treating be allowed in Melbourne
It may be an American tradition but Halloween has grown in popularity in Melbourne, with thousands of kids normally hitting the streets to collect treats. But opinions are split on whether trick or treating should go ahead this year.
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It’s the spook-tacular Halloween tradition thousands of kids across Melbourne normally love taking part in.
But while the Department of Health and Human Services Victoria said residents of regional towns could go trick or treating, provided they followed health guidelines and social distancing rules, Melbourne Halloween fans will have to wait until Premier Daniel Andrews’ announcement on Sunday to find out if they will be allowed to take part.
Leader social media polls revealed people across Melbourne were divided on whether trick or treating should take place this year.
While some believed it would give children the chance to have some much-needed fun, others believed the risk of spreading COVID-19 was too high.
Many people suggested a compromise – houses could be decorated for children to walk past and enjoy, but not go inside.
“When walking past a decorated home the parent/caregiver give their own child a treat,” Tracy Lee said on the Whittlesea Leader Facebook page.
“I have missed attending my uncle’s funeral yesterday – I had to watch it on my computer and I also have family/friends without incomes coming in.
“We don’t want a third wave.”
While Katie KT said it would just take one person with the virus giving away lollies, to infect possibly hundreds of kids.
“It’s not worth it when there are other ways to have fun, like a scavenger hunt,” she said.
Sarah Kringle Sellman said: “This is my daughter’s favourite day of the year. But even she knows at the age of seven this is a stupid idea!”
But Jum Tryde believed trick or treating should go ahead.
“It’s about the kids not the adults; it’s such a popular thing now and kids love it.
“It’s all outside … parents can still wear the masks and social distance.”
Skye Taylor said it should be allowed within families’ 5km zone.
“Adults have to wear masks – it’s no more risk than school etc and that’s allowed.”
Susie Arvanitis and her husband, who have decorated their house in Bulleen for Halloween, are hoping they will be able to welcome visitors through.
Last year the impressive display, which includes haunted music and evils laughs, attracted more than 100 visitors.
Ms Arvanitis is waiting to hear what Mr Andrews reveals on Sunday but is hopeful she will be able to welcome children through the display again.
“I think if we can try and take appropriate measures, even if it means only allowing a couple of kids through at a time so they can have a look around, it should be allowed to go ahead,” she said.
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.
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