As Halloween draws nearer, the question of whether people can trick-or-treat is coming to everyone’s minds. Even though long-time favorites like the Pirates of Emerson or the Museum on Main’s Ghost Walk have adapted to the pandemic, it remains difficult to see how trick-or-treating can be similarly revived.

The official Alameda County guidance rules says that parties or in-person trick-or-treating aren’t encouraged. They offer alternatives such as a socially distanced costume parade, setting up a candy scavenger hunt, and more. 

Yet some experts suggest that trick-or-treating may not be as high stakes as it seems.

“As an infectious disease specialist, I really don’t see Halloween trick-or-treating as being a super high risk activity by any means… After you ring the doorbell, step back six feet, and wear your mask or face covering. But I think that this is probably one of the low-risk holidays since it is primarily an outdoor event,” said Dr. Dean Winslow in an interview for ABC7.

Citizens around town have continued the Halloween spirit by offering creative ideas like individually wrapped candy bags, candy slides, and more to minimize the risk of spreading the virus.

 “I guess [people] want to go because it’s a tradition and at this point people are willing to do anything to try and make everything like it was last year,” said Jessie Chan (‘23).

It’s plain to see that the majority of people will be staying home this year. In a Nextdoor poll, 68% of the participants said they would not be trick-or-treating.

For those who will be going out on the streets, Nextdoor’s Treat Map is a great resource to find houses that are decorated and prepped with candy. Even if you don’t pick up some Hersheys or Swedish Fish along the way, seeing the gruesome decorations is a treat in itself!