Are there any Halloween hesitations with COVID cases still looming in the Central Coast?

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. (KION) Halloween canceled? Many feared this would be the case last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead typical celebrations were altered, like trick-or-treating which became drive-thru events. But with COVID cases still looming are there still Halloween hesitations? 

“It seems like COVID 19 is that scary monster. That just won't go away. And here we are, another Halloween dealing with this,” Dr. David Ghilarducci, Health Officer for San Benito and Santa Cruz Counties.

There are still ways to have a safe Halloween. For starters, it helps that most Halloween activities take place outdoors, so try to plan your celebrations with that in mind. 
“Keep your kids in small groups, try to prevent them from clustering in front of the doo,” said Dr. Ghilarducci.

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If you’re handing out candy Dr. Ghilarducci’s advice, try stepping out the door or line up the treats and have kids grab the goodies themselves to make sure their entire hand doesn’t go into that candy bucket. 

“I would advise parents also to be careful about having kids sampling the candy while they're walking around because of the handling. You want to make sure they have a chance to wash their hands or sanitize their hands before they do that,” Dr. Ghilarducci.  

Those scary or cute Halloween masks, Dr. Ghilarducci said, aren’t necessarily going to protect you from COVID. Currently, there are no mask mandates in Santa Cruz or San Benito county, but they are strongly recommended whenever you are in a public place. Something to keep in mind if you plan to join one of the many Central Coast events. 

Hollister is bringing back in-person trick or treating, this will be downtown on Halloween at 11 am. Downtown Santa Cruz businesses will also be handing out candy on Halloween from 2 pm to 5 pm. 

“Trick or treating is again being allowed by the county this year. And we're happy about that. Downtown businesses are going to be prepared with lots of candy for families,” Jorian Wilkins, Executive Director, Downtown Association of Santa Cruz.

Businesses in Oldtown Salinas will be opening their doors to hand out those sweet treats the day before Halloween from 11 am to 2 pm. But if you still have that Halloween hesitation, the city has decided to keep the drive-thru event, you just have to register ahead of time. 

And remember, Halloween isn’t just for the kids! "Adults, we tend to have parties for Halloween. And whenever you gather with other people, especially indoors, with people that are from outside your family unit, that's when the risk really increases," Dr. Ghilarducci.  

If you have an event, let KION know.