Orange County leaders fear trick-or-treating for Halloween may help spread COVID-19

ORLANDO, Fla. — Is it possible to celebrate Halloween virtually? That’s what Orange County Mayor Jerry Demings is recommending this year.

Demings and Orange County’s top doctor said trick-or-treating during a pandemic would be a nightmare.

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It’s not so much the crowds of people they’re worried about, but having a child grab a piece of candy that has already been touched by several other people, unwrapping it, then popping it into their mouth.

Although masks fit perfectly with dressing up for Halloween, Orange County leaders said they are afraid trick-or-treating could increase the spread of COVID-19.

“It’s clear that, like life, it cannot continue the same way that we have done it,” said Orange County health officer, Dr. Raul Pino.

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Pino said if trick-or-treating is going to happen, some cleaning protocols need to be established.

“How about the parents wearing a glove and opening the candies for the kids, so they get the product inside and not what is on the surface?” Pino said.

But Demings wants parents to get creative.

“I believe that the overwhelming majority of our parents will not want their child knocking on people’s doors,” Demings said.

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When Demings was asked if he is considering any kind of order or mandate against Halloween festivities as we approach October, he said, “at this point, I don’t believe that is necessary.”

The mayor said Orange County will be putting out an advisory about what they think should happen with trick-or-treating when we get closer to Halloween.

Cox Media Group