EXPLAINER: How to have a COVID-safe Halloween in NSW this year
It's almost Halloween and many people across NSW want to celebrate with their new freedoms.
NSW Health has encouraged trick or treaters to enjoy the day but to do it in a COVID-safe way, and to stick to public health orders.
Here is how to celebrate Halloween COVID-safely this weekend.
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Halloween is just around the corner and this year it will need be a COVIDsafe celebration. Delyse Phillips
What day is Halloween?
Halloween is on October 31 which falls on Sunday this weekend.
Do we celebrate Halloween in Australia?
Many people do celebrate Halloween, with some households decking out their gardens with ghouls, ghosts and spider webs.
Some kids go trick or treating but the day isn't as popular here as it is in the US.
Is trick or treating allowed in NSW this year?
Yes!
NSW Health has encouraged people to celebrate Halloween outside.
This means trick or treating is encouraged, but with a few caveats.
One of NSW Health's tips is to put lollies in closed packaging outside for trick or treaters to find.
"Provide closed packaging for treats and instead of communal lolly bowls, consider other ways of distributing treats (for example, along the front fence or hidden in your front yard)", a NSW Health spokesperson said.
NSW Health has also encouraged trick or treaters to stay 1.5 metres apart.
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What you can and can't do for Halloween in NSW
Under current NSW restrictions, you can have up to 20 people in your home for fully vaccinated Halloween parties.
Up to 50 fully vaccinated people can gather outdoors.
For the adults, pubs and restaurants are open.
If you're currently isolating because you have COVID-19 or are a close contact, unfortunately, you can't go out and celebrate Halloween.
"People isolating or feeling unwell should not open their door to Halloween visitors," a NSW Health spokesperson said.
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Do I have to wear a face mask when trick or treating?
No you don't.
Under the current restrictions, you only need to wear a face mask indoors.
If you're wearing a costume face mask, NSW Health has recommended that you don't share it with others.
Trick or treaters are encouraged to not share costume face masks. Steven Siewert
COVID-safe tips for Halloween
The main tip for Halloween enthusiasts this year is to celebrate outside.
From gatherings at the park or trick or treating, NSW Health said to "get creative" this year.
NSW Health said you should also try and keep it local as well.
"Put effort into decorating the front yard and staying in your neighbourhood rather than travelling to well-known "treat streets" frequented by many people."
As always if you feel unwell, you should get tested and self-isolate until you get a negative result.
"Stay at home and don't participate if feeling unwell with even the mildest of symptoms," a NSW Health spokesperson said.
Always practice good hand hygiene and pack some hand sanitiser to use when trick or treating.
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