Trick-or-Treat Night & Planning for Halloween with COVID-19 Copyrighted
October 5, 2020
City of Dubuque Proclamation(s) # 1.
City Council Meeting
ITEM TITLE: Trick-or-Treat Night& Planning for Halloween
SUM MARY: The City Council will discuss information provided from the Health
Services Department, the Dubuque County Public Health Incident
Management Team, and lowa Department of Public Health and make a
determination on Trick-or-Treat Night.
SUGGESTED
DISPOSITION:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Health Services Staff Memo Staff Memo
Trick-or-Treat Night Proclamation OPTION Supporting Documentation
lowa Department of Public Health Halloween Supporting Documentation
Guidinelines
Incident Management Team Halloween Flyer Supporting Documentation
Dubuque
THE CITY OF �
All•Mene�City
DuB E ,i i�
I I
2007•2012�2013
Masterpiece on the Mississippi zoi�*zoi9
TO: Mayor Roy D. Buol and City Council Members
FROM: Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist
SUBJECT: Halloween and Trick or Treat Proclamation
DATE: October 1, 2020
Introduction
This memorandum submits information and options for determining the status of Trick
or Treat, 2020 in the City of Dubuque.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently issued guidelines for
celebrating fall holidays, including Halloween. The guidelines should be considered in
conjunction with current COVID-19 levels and spread in the community.
Background
Considering various metrics of the current COVID 19 situations in Dubuque, including
the overall epi-curve, the 14- day trend line, the 14- day average positivity rate,
hospitalization rate,
Lower risk trick or treat activities
These lower risk activities can be safe alternatives:
Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed
things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween
decorations at a distance
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or
around your home rather than going house to house
Moderate risk trick or treat activities
Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are
lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the
end of a driveway or at the edge of a yard)
If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20
second before and after preparing the bags.
Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced
more than 6 feet apart
Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people
can remain more than 6 feet apart
A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume
mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric
that covers the mouth and nose and doesn't leave gaps around the face.
Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous
if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-
themed cloth mask.
If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the
lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the
lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
Higher risk trick or treat activities
Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes
COVID-19:
Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go
door to door
Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large
parking lots
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
Using alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors
The entire CDC fall holiday recommendations can be found at
https://www.cdc.qov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween
Various communities in lowa have different approaches to trick or treat as some are
allowing it and some are not.
Discussion:
Considering the current level of community spread and the required sustained decrease
in the number of new COVID-19 cases, it may take considerable time to affect the
positivity rate, the 14 day average positivity rate, the case rate per 100,000 population
etc. Another factor to consider is, the fewer trick or treat options available in the area will
increase the number of participants and make it more difficult to follow safe public
health measures. For instance, if the City of Dubuque does not allow trick or treat,
another area community or event sponsoring trick or treat may become overwhelmed.
Also, trick or treat is optional, both for the children and for those residences distributing
treats. It is well known that a front light turned on means trick or treaters are welcome
and no front light on means that residence is not handing treats.
Trick or treat could be held in a safe manor, if proper public health, distancing, and other
mitigation strategies along with the suggestions in the CDC guidance, are required and
practiced by those participating. An important consideration is to participate with
members of your own household; keep your family together and do not mix or mingle
with other families or groups.
The following options or variations thereof may be considered by City Council:
• Do not issue a proclamation allowing trick or treat in any fashion
• Proclaim trick or treat only if public health and mitigation strategies listed under
the CDC moderate risk activities are required and adhered
• Proclaim trick or treat only if public health and mitigation strategies listed under
the CDC high risk activities are required and adhered
• Allow trick or treat in the traditional manner without restrictions
Council Action:
Approve one of the above listed options or variation thereof. Also, consideration should
be made for reversing the selected proclamation based on public health
recommendations and the COVID-19 situation.
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
THE C.-1TY OF
Du$ E
Masferpiece oie tlae rVlissrssippi
������������
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted everyday life, and is now causing many to
rethink the Halloween holiday.
WHEREAS, the Dubuque City Council is asking residents to not participate in traditional trick-
or-treating and instead try lower-risk Halloween activities as recommended by
the lowa Department of Health and CDC guidelines; and
WHEREAS, lower-risk, safe, and distanced alternatives include pumpkin carving, decorating
your house, apartment, or living space with household members or neighbors;
conducting a Halloween scavenger hunt where players can locate a list of items
outside from house to house or inside with household members; virtual
Halloween costume contest; Halloween movie night with people you live with;
and
WHEREAS, moderate-risk activities include preparing goodie bags placed outside for
distanced, no-contact grab-and-go; holding a small group, open air costume
parade while socially distancing; and
WHEREAS, avoid higher-risk activities such as hand-distributed treats and mingling with
members outside of your family. Take safety precautions by washing your hands
with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing and
handling goodie bags or treats; do not layer cloth masks with costume masks but
rather wear a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
NOW THEREFORE, I, ROY D. BUOL, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, ON
BEHALF OF THE CITY COUNCIL, STAFF AND CITIZENS OF DUBUQUE, DO HEREBY
PROCLAIM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2020 AS:
"PHYSICLALY DISTANTCED, COVID-19-SAFE TRICK-OR-TREAT NIGHT"
DURING THE HOURS OF 5:30 TO 7:00 PM IN THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, AND URGE
ALL PARTICIPATING RESIDENTS TO REMAIN 6 FEET APART AND FOLLOW COVID-19
HEALTH PROTOCOLS FOR A SAFE, HEALTHY HALLOWEEN.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set
`,��( OF �� my hand and caused the Great Seal of the
G :�•���""""~�••... �G City of Dubuque to be affixed this 5t" day of
� October 20.
� LA Q
C � c� � /�
y� ? PETITE : � �,� � �;�;',��„�„l
0 NUIT �
�` `�� Roy D:% uol, Mayor
��� ..... .�
s � 'd Attest: _
; G%�%
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Kevi S. Firnstahl, CMC, City Clerk
2020: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2019: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Pro Tem Rios.
2018: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Pro Tem Del Toro.
2017: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2016: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2015: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2014: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2013: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2012: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2011: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2010: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2009: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2008: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
2007: Submitted by the City Clerk's Office and accepted by Mayor Buol.
�ratec�jng an� �mpraving
�he Health af Inwans
I➢WA �epart�nent
r,f P11811C HFA�.TH Kim Reynold;,Gnvernnr Ar�t�ni Gregg.lt.Gnvernnr KPII}'Gar�i�.lntnrim Dire�tor
Halloween 2020 COVID-19 Guidance
As lowans prepares to celebrate Halloween, IDPH wants to remind all that COVID-19 is still circulating in lowa
and encourage all lowans to continue to take precautions to protect the health of themselves and their
families. Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. For 2020 Halloween
festivities, IDPH strongly encourage lowans to follow CDC's�uidance when deciding what is appropriate for
their families as described below.
Lower risk activities
These lower risk activities can be safe alternatives:
• Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
• Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
• Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
• Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look
for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
• Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
• Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your
home rather than going house to house
Moderate risk activities
• Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for
families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the
edge of a yard)
o If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
before and after preparing the bags.
• Having a small group, outdoor,open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet
apart
• Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain
more than 6 feet apart
o A costume mask(such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask.A costume mask
should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the
mouth and nose and doesn't leave gaps around the face.
o Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the
costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth
mask.
• Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced,
and people can remain more than 6 feet apart
o If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised.The greater the distance, the lower
the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
Lueas Slate ll�h'ee 8uilriing � 3CI tast IL'[h�treet • Ues Moines.Ik�ll319 � 515.2�1�l0$5 • www_idph.iowa gQv
�EaF RELAY(Hearing or Speech Impairetl)711 nr 1.80�.735.2942
• Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or
picking apples,wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social
distancing
• Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet
apart
o If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower
the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
o Lower your risk by following CDC's recommendations on hostin��atherin�s or cook-outs.
High risk activities
Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19:
• Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door
• Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots
• Attending crowded costume parties held indoors
• Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming
• Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household
• Using alcohol or dru�s, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors
• Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community
spread of COVID-19
Other recommendations:
If you have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19,you SHOULD NOT participate in
in-person Halloween festivities and SHOULD NOT give out candy to trick-or-treaters
For Parents/Guardian:
• If taking your children trick-or-treating, limit the number of houses you visit and ask your children to
maintain at least six feet distance from treat-givers. For small children, consider holding the bag for
them.
• Only accept factory-wrapped treats.Avoid homemade treats made by strangers.
• Wipe off candy wrappers with sanitizing wipes when you arrive home. (NOTE: Never wipe unpackaged
food with sanitizing wipes.)
• If your child is at greater risk of complications from COVID-19, contact your doctor before allowing
participation in Halloween activities.
• Stay local.Avoid the urge to attend events in another town—it can lead to greater spread of the virus.
• Think before you go. Use the CDC's guidance on decidin�to �o out to assess what's best for you and
your family when it comes to celebrating this year.
• Get vaccinated against the flu. Consider getting the flu vaccine before Halloween to keep you healthier
overall. While the flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, it can minimize your risk of getting
sick or being hospitalized from the flu.
For Community Members:
• If your community hosts trick-or-treating this year, do it more safely.
o Refrain from having children select their own treats from a bowl/common container. Leave
individual grab bags (or paper cups)filled with goodies outside your door for children to take.
o If you can,watch and wave to trick-or-treaters through a window. Or, leave Halloween treats
outside the door where friends and loved ones live for a contact-free way of celebrating.
For Operators of Events/Attractions:
• Follow all state requirements and guidelines for Consumer, Retail, Services& Entertainment sectors,
as well as any local requirements or guidelines.
• Utilize the lowa's coronavirus website for updated COVID-19 activity in your county and lowa.
• Do not allow groups to intermingle. Reduce capacity to allow for six feet social distancing between
groups as well as employees/volunteers at all times. Reinforce distancing with markers or dividers.
• Have hand sanitizer readily available to all participants.
• Pre-sell tickets to ensure capacities are limited.
• Consider eliminating common seating areas or play areas where children and others might
congregate. If seating is provided, keep it outdoors, separate benches/tables by at least six feet or use
dividers, and sanitize between each use.
• Notify your local health department immediately if you learn that someone with COVID-19 has visited
your attraction.
For more information:
CDC Holiday Celebrations Guidance
CDC Considerations for Events and Gatherin�s
�ratec�jng an� �mpraving
�he Health af Inwans
I➢WA �epart�nent
r,f P11811C HFA�.TH Kim Reynold;,Gnvernnr Ar�t�ni Gregg.lt.Gnvernnr KPII}'Gar�i�.lntnrim Dire�tor
Halloween 2020 COVID-19 Guidance
As lowans prepares to celebrate Halloween, IDPH wants to remind all that COVID-19 is still circulating in lowa
and encourage all lowans to continue to take precautions to protect the health of themselves and their
families. Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. For 2020 Halloween
festivities, IDPH strongly encourage lowans to follow CDC's�uidance when deciding what is appropriate for
their families as described below.
Lower risk activities
These lower risk activities can be safe alternatives:
• Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
• Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
• Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
• Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look
for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
• Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
• Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
• Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your
home rather than going house to house
Moderate risk activities
• Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for
families to grab and go while continuing to social distance (such as at the end of a driveway or at the
edge of a yard)
o If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
before and after preparing the bags.
• Having a small group, outdoor,open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet
apart
• Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain
more than 6 feet apart
o A costume mask(such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask.A costume mask
should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the
mouth and nose and doesn't leave gaps around the face.
o Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the
costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth
mask.
• Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced,
and people can remain more than 6 feet apart
o If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised.The greater the distance, the lower
the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
Lueas Slate ll�h'ee 8uilriing � 3CI tast IL'[h�treet • Ues Moines.Ik�ll319 � 515.2�1�l0$5 • www_idph.iowa gQv
�EaF RELAY(Hearing or Speech Impairetl)711 nr 1.80�.735.2942
• Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or
picking apples,wearing masks is encouraged or enforced, and people are able to maintain social
distancing
• Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family friends with people spaced at least 6 feet
apart
o If screaming will likely occur, greater distancing is advised. The greater the distance, the lower
the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
o Lower your risk by following CDC's recommendations on hostin��atherin�s or cook-outs.
High risk activities
Avoid these higher risk activities to help prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19:
• Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door
• Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots
• Attending crowded costume parties held indoors
• Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming
• Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household
• Using alcohol or dru�s, which can cloud judgement and increase risky behaviors
• Traveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community
spread of COVID-19
Other recommendations:
If you have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19,you SHOULD NOT participate in
in-person Halloween festivities and SHOULD NOT give out candy to trick-or-treaters
For Parents/Guardian:
• If taking your children trick-or-treating, limit the number of houses you visit and ask your children to
maintain at least six feet distance from treat-givers. For small children, consider holding the bag for
them.
• Only accept factory-wrapped treats.Avoid homemade treats made by strangers.
• Wipe off candy wrappers with sanitizing wipes when you arrive home. (NOTE: Never wipe unpackaged
food with sanitizing wipes.)
• If your child is at greater risk of complications from COVID-19, contact your doctor before allowing
participation in Halloween activities.
• Stay local.Avoid the urge to attend events in another town—it can lead to greater spread of the virus.
• Think before you go. Use the CDC's guidance on decidin�to �o out to assess what's best for you and
your family when it comes to celebrating this year.
• Get vaccinated against the flu. Consider getting the flu vaccine before Halloween to keep you healthier
overall. While the flu vaccine will not protect against COVID-19, it can minimize your risk of getting
sick or being hospitalized from the flu.
For Community Members:
• If your community hosts trick-or-treating this year, do it more safely.
o Refrain from having children select their own treats from a bowl/common container. Leave
individual grab bags (or paper cups)filled with goodies outside your door for children to take.
o If you can,watch and wave to trick-or-treaters through a window. Or, leave Halloween treats
outside the door where friends and loved ones live for a contact-free way of celebrating.
For Operators of Events/Attractions:
• Follow all state requirements and guidelines for Consumer, Retail, Services& Entertainment sectors,
as well as any local requirements or guidelines.
• Utilize the lowa's coronavirus website for updated COVID-19 activity in your county and lowa.
• Do not allow groups to intermingle. Reduce capacity to allow for six feet social distancing between
groups as well as employees/volunteers at all times. Reinforce distancing with markers or dividers.
• Have hand sanitizer readily available to all participants.
• Pre-sell tickets to ensure capacities are limited.
• Consider eliminating common seating areas or play areas where children and others might
congregate. If seating is provided, keep it outdoors, separate benches/tables by at least six feet or use
dividers, and sanitize between each use.
• Notify your local health department immediately if you learn that someone with COVID-19 has visited
your attraction.
For more information:
CDC Holiday Celebrations Guidance
CDC Considerations for Events and Gatherin�s