Have a safer San Francisco Halloween


October has fallen upon us, which means Halloween is just around the corner! Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, traditional activities like trick-or-treating, indoor parties, and sharing food and drink can put people at risk for the virus. However, there are still fun and innovative ways to celebrate while keeping you, your loved ones, and community safe, and the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) has recently shared some ideas.

The safest options to celebrate Halloween include home-based activities with members of your household, such as creating your own haunted house, a scavenger hunt, a movie night, or pumpkin carving. Virtual events with those outside your household, like costume contests/parties, are also encouraged. 

If you choose to celebrate outdoors, limit it to 12 people and make sure to wear a face covering and stay six feet apart. Outdoor activities can include open-air costume parades, pumpkin carving, and dining outdoors at your local restaurant.

At this time SFDPH prohibits and discourages outdoor gatherings with more than 12 people, indoor gatherings of any size with those you do not live with, trips to festivals, haunted houses, and other live entertainment attractions, door-to-door trick-or-treating, and “trunk-or-treating” (trick-or-treating between cars).

However you choose to celebrate, always follow these general guidelines:

  • Wear a mask above your nose and mouth (Halloween costume masks do not count!)
  • Practice physical distancing
  • Avoid confined spaces
  • Wash or sanitize your hands often
  • Minimize mixing households
  • Stay home if you’re sick or are in a high-risk group

To view more guidance issued by SFDPH, visit sf.gov/HalloweenAtHome.

Have a happy and safe Halloween!


Comments