Melbourne Halloween: Trick or treating rules in Victorian COVID restrictions

With strict trick or treating rules around the spooky celebrations this year, we’ve put together an easy guide to help you search safely for sweets in your neighbourhood.

All Halloween costumes will need to include masks this year. Source: DHHS

Zombies and vampires might give you goosebumps, but they won’t scare away COVID-19.

The DHHS has set clear rules around the spooky celebrations that take children door to door in search of sweets.

Current restrictions mean common activities including handing out candy, visiting several houses and themed indoor parties are not allowed.

If you can’t resist the scary holiday the state government has outlined exactly how you can celebrate and give the kids what they want.

WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T DO UNDER COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

STAY HOME IF

Don’t leave the house if you have any symptoms of coronavirus and get tested as soon as possible.

CELEBRATING HALLOWEEN

Halloween comes to Melbourne with Willow Smith, 6, and Anouk Smith, 4, and their pumpkins from Coles.

Having a small party in a public place is allowed under COVID-19 restrictions with up to 10 people able to gather outside.

For kids leaving the house an eye-spy scavenger hunt to spot a list of themed items on a walk can be made.

Decorate your house or carve a pumpkin at home.

Celebrate online with family and friends by dressing up on video.

GIVING OUT LOLLIES FROM YOUR HOME

Trick or treat? The state government has set clear rules around the spooky celebrations that take children door to door in search of sweets. Source: DHHS

Individuals handing out candy by hand is not allowed but there are some alternatives if you can’t resist organising sweets.

Putting out a communal candy bowl or opening the door for each trick-or-treater is not allowed under COVID-19 restrictions because the virus can spread on food or packaging.

The DHHS have suggested putting out individually wrapped sweets in bags and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before preparing the bags.

Bags can be hung on the fence, left outside your house or front gate to ensure a safe non contact collection.

NEIGHBOURHOOD TRICK OR TREATING

Cate Parsons and her three girls Faith, Storm and Hunter. Cate has organised an online community in previous years where you could list your home on the map if you are being part of Halloween. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Knocking on front doors is not allowed and anyone heading out should continue social distancing 1.5 meters apart from people

outside your household.

Only receive sweets or goods that have been individually wrapped and meet advice on safe distribution.

DRESSING UP

Arcare residents celebrating Halloween with Epping Primary school students pre-covid. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Wearing a costume is no excuse for not wearing an adequate face mask.

Authorities have warned if a costume mask is part of your dress up it is not a substitute and a mask should be incorporated into any themed dress-up.

You can make your own mask following DHHS advice and decorate it to match your costume.