State and local rules and guidelines for celebrating Halloween, 2020
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidance on how to safely celebrate Halloween during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The CDC recommended avoiding high-risk activities, including traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating, attending indoor costume parties, visiting indoor haunted houses, and going on hayrides or tractor rides with large groups of people. Instead, the CDC recommended carving pumpkins and holding virtual costume parties to celebrate the holiday.[1]
For those who decided to go treating, the CDC provided the following guidelines to make trick-or-treating safer:[1][2]
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As of October 28, 2020, none of the 50 states had banned traditional trick-or-treating. Thirty-seven of the 50 states issued specific guidance on celebrating Halloween during the pandemic. The guidance from each state that released directions appears below.
As of October 28, 2020, one of the top 100 U.S. cities by population—El Paso, Texas—banned traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treating. Seventy of the top 100 cities issued specific guidance on celebrating Halloween during the pandemic. The guidance from each city that released directions appears below.
This page tracked state and local Halloween safety guidelines in 2020. It was last updated on October 28, 2020.
For more information on federal, state, and local government responses to the pandemic, click here.
State guidance
Alabama
The Alabama Department of Public Health released a guidance that follows the CDC's recommendations.
Alaska
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services released a guidance on how to safely celebrate Halloween.
Arizona
The Arizona Department of Health Services released a guidance on how to celebrate Halloween safely.
Arkansas
The Arkansas Department of Health released a guidance asking parents to limit the number of houses children visit on Halloween while trick-or-treating.
California
The California Department of Public Health labeled traditional trick-or-treating high-risk, but it did not ban it. The guidance can be viewed here.
Colorado
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment released a guidance asking citizens to "follow the guidance of your local public health department."
Connecticut
The Connecticut State Department of Public Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
Delaware
The Delaware Division of Public Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations. They asked citizens to consider choosing activities other than trick-or-treating, including carving pumpkins and having a virtual costume contest.
Florida
The Florida Department of Health released a guidance on celebrating Halloween safely.
Georgia
As of October 28, 2020, the Georgia Department of Health had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Hawaii
The Hawaii Department of Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
Idaho
As of October 28, 2020, the Idaho Department of Health had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Public Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
Indiana
Indiana officials asked citizens to follow the CDC's guidance on Halloween.[4]
Iowa
The Iowa Department of Public Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
Kansas
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment released a guidance that recommended citizens avoid "[g]atherings, events, or parties with non-household members" and "[d]oor to door trick or treating," among other activities the state labeled high-risk.
Kentucky
The Kentucky Public Health Department released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
Louisiana
As of October 28, 2020, the Louisiana Department of Health had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Maine
Doctor Nirav Shah, of the Maine CDC, said families should ask themselves, "What’s your own family’s risk? Parents and kids? Second, what are the activities that you feel you are really wanting to celebrate as part of your Halloween, and which of those are safe? Which of those are risker? When you index those two together there a bit of a sliding scale. But in the middle somewhere there is a way Halloween can be celebrated for every family. It may look completely different than what other families are doing let alone compared to what we’ve done in previous years. But there is a way for Halloween to go on." As of October 28, the state had not issued an official guidance.[5]
Maryland
As of October 28, 2020, the Maryland Department of Health had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
Michigan
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations. It also advised citizens to "Make sure to also check on and follow guidance or regulations released by the local health department."
Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
Mississippi
As of October 28, 2020, the Mississippi State Department of Health had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Missouri
As of October 28, 2020, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Montana
As of October 28, 2020, the Montana Department of Health and Human Services had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Nebraska
On October 14, 2020, Governor Pete Ricketts (R) said, "You know what, just like everything else this pandemic, I believe we can have Halloween and kids can go trick-or-treating and we're gonna have to manage that. We've had conversations with our public health directors, and I know that they're working on some recommendations with regard to how to do this and still mitigate the, you know, slow the spread of the virus." He did not release an official guidance on Halloween.[6]
Nevada
The Nevada Department of Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire's government released a flyer that advised citizens to wear masks and follow social distancing guidelines while celebrating Halloween.
New Jersey
The New Jersey Department of Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
New Mexico
New Mexico officials released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
New York
The New York Department of Health released a guidance on how to celebrate Halloween safely.
North Carolina
North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations. The guidance stated, "It is strongly recommended that alternative Halloween activities, instead of the traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, be increased as much as possible."
North Dakota
The North Dakota Department of Health released a flyer with suggestions on how to celebrate Halloween safely.
Ohio
The Ohio Department of Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations. It advised citizens to avoid trick-or-treating, if possible.
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma State Department of Health released a guidance on how to celebrate Halloween safely.
Oregon
The Oregon Health Authority released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
Pennsylvania
As of October 28, 2020, the Pennsylvania Department of Health had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Department of Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control released a guidance on how to celebrate Halloween safely.
South Dakota
As of October 28, 2020, the South Dakota Department of Health had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Tennessee
As of October 28, 2020, the Tennessee Department of Health had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Texas
The Texas Department of State Health Services released a guidance on how to celebrate Halloween safely.
Utah
The Utah Department of Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations.
Vermont
The Vermont Department of Health released a flyer with tips on how to celebrate Halloween safely.
Virginia
The Virginia Department of Health released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations. It also asked citizens to avoid large Halloween parties and haunted houses.
Washington
The Washington State Department of Health released a guidance that followed CDC's recommendations.
Washington, D.C.
D.C. Health labeled traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, haunted houses, bobbing for apples, singing and dancing, and gathering in large crowds high-risk activities, but the city did not ban any of these activities. The guidance can be viewed here.
West Virginia
As of October 28, 2020, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources had not released a guidance on Halloween.
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services released a guidance that followed the CDC's recommendations. WDHS asked residents to avoid traditional trick-or-treating.
Wyoming
The Wyoming Department of Health released guidance that followed CDC's recommendations.
Local guidance
New York, New York
New York City officials released a guidance on how to celebrate Halloween. It did not ban trick-or-treating.
Los Angeles, California
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health banned "Halloween gatherings, events or parties with non-household members are not permitted even if they are conducted outdoors" and "[c]arnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions." The department recommended against door-to-door trick-or-treating, but it did not ban it. The guidance can be viewed here.
Chicago, Illinois
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) released a plan to safely celebrate Halloween and trick-or-treat. The guidance can be viewed here.
Houston, Texas
Houston officials released a guidance on celebrating Halloween safely. It did not ban trick-or-treating.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia did not cancel trick-or-treating, but it offered alternatives to the traditional Halloween celebration. The city's Halloween guidance can be viewed here.
Phoenix, Arizona
As of October 28, Phoenix officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
San Antonio, Texas
According to the City of San Antonio's website, "Halloween is not canceled in 2020, it’s just different. Celebrate safely with your newfound safe social distancing and hygiene skills. Maintain your social bubble when engaging in Halloween activities however you choose to celebrate." The city's Halloween guidance can be viewed here.
San Diego, California
San Diego County banned in-person Halloween events or parties containing more than three households, carnivals, festivals, petting zoos, and live entertainment. The county asked residents to avoid door-to-door trick-or-treating but did not ban it. The guidance can be viewed here.
Dallas, Texas
The Dallas County Public Health Committee stated, "Given the current risk level of ORANGE for COVID-19 and the moderate risk of transmission in Dallas County, we DO NOT recommend routine and traditional Halloween activities." The guidance can be viewed here.
San Jose, California
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department labeled trick-or-treating a high-risk activity, but it did not ban it. The guidance can be viewed here.
Honolulu, Hawaii
As of October 28, Honolulu officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Austin, Texas
The Austin Public Health Department released recommendations based on Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) guidance. It did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Indianapolis, Indiana
The City of Indianapolis and Marion County asked citizens to avoid trick-or-treating, but it was not banned. The guidance can be viewed here.
Jacksonville, Florida
As of October 28, Jacksonville officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco officials asked citizens to avoid trick-or-treating, but it was not banned. The guidance can be viewed here.
Columbus, Ohio
Columbus officials released guidelines on how to safely trick-or-treat. The guidance can be viewed here.
Fort Worth, Texas
Fort Worth officials asked citizens to follow the CDC’s guidance. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Charlotte, North Carolina
Mecklenburg County Public Health officials asked citizens to avoid participating in "traditional trick-or-treating in crowded areas, self selecting candy, or touching of candy or candy dishes." Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Detroit, Michigan
The Detroit Health Department released guidance asking citizens to safely celebrate Halloween. The guidance stated, “No matter how you choose to celebrate Halloween this year, if you leave your home, wear a mask and practice social distancing.” Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
El Paso, Texas
The City of El Paso Department of Public Health banned door-to-door trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treating. The guidance stated, "Door to door, trick or treating is not permitted because it can be difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and front doors, individuals answering or coming to the door might belong to at-risk group of people that could pose a threat to their health, and because sharing food or drinks is risky. ... 'Trunk or treating' Halloween events where children go from car to car instead of door to door to receive treats is also not permitted , since it is difficult to avoid crowding and the sharing of food or drinks." The guidance can be viewed here.
Memphis, Tennessee
Shelby County Health Department officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Seattle, Washington
As of October 28, Seattle officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Denver, Colorado
Denver officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Nashville, Tennessee
The Metro Public Health Department released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating.[7]
Baltimore, Maryland
Baltimore officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
OKC-County Health Department officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Louisville, Kentucky
As of October 28, Louisville officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Portland, Oregon
As of October 28, Portland officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Las Vegas, Nevada
Southern Nevada Health District officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee Health Department officials encouraged residents to avoid trick-or-treating, but they did not ban it. The guidance can be viewed here.
Albuquerque, New Mexico
Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller said that trick-or-treating "is not something we’re really encouraging," but he did not ban it. He asked residents to follow the CDC's guidelines for celebrating Halloween.[8]
Tucson, Arizona
Pima County Health officials recommended avoiding trick-or-treating, but officials did not ban it. The guidance can be viewed here.
Fresno, California
Fresno officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Sacramento, California
Sacramento County officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Long Beach, California
Long Beach officials encouraged residents to avoid trick-or-treating, but they did not ban it. The guidance can be viewed here.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Mesa, Arizona
As of October 28, Mesa officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Virginia Beach officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Atlanta, Georgia
As of October 28, Atlanta officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
As of October 28, Colorado Springs officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Omaha, Nebraska
Douglas County Health Department officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Raleigh, North Carolina
Raleigh officials released a guidance on how to celebrate Halloween safely. They did not ban trick-or-treating.
Miami, Florida
As of October 28, Miami officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Oakland, California
The Alameda County Public Health Department released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cleveland officials encouraged residents to avoid trick-or-treating, but they did not ban it. The guidance can be viewed here.
Wichita, Kansas
Wichita officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Arlington, Texas
Tarrant County Public Health officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
New Orleans, Louisiana
As of October 28, New Orleans officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield officials released Halloween guidelines based on the California Department of Public Health’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Tampa, Florida
Tampa officials released guidance on how to celebrate Halloween safely. They did not ban trick-or-treating.
Aurora, Colorado
As of October 28, Aurora officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Anaheim, California
As of October 28, Anaheim officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Santa Ana, California
As of October 28, Santa Ana officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
St. Louis, Missouri
St. Louis officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Riverside, California
As of October 28, Riverside officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Corpus Christi, Texas
Corpus Christi officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Anchorage, Alaska
Anchorage officials released a video on celebrating Halloween safely. They did not ban trick-or-treating.
Stockton, California
Stockton officials released Halloween guidelines based on the California Department of Public Health’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Cincinnati, Ohio
As of October 28, Cincinnati officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
St. Paul, Minnesota
As of October 28, St. Paul officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Toledo, Ohio
Toledo officials released the following statement on Halloween: "The city of Toledo would like to remind residents that Halloween and trick or treating will be observed on Oct. 31, from 6-8 p.m. All residents are asked to observe COVID-19 guidelines established by the local and state health departments."[9]
Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro officials released the following statement on Halloween: "The City of Greensboro does not regulate trick-or-treating activities. Due to the pandemic, this year the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services 'strongly recommends' against traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating in favor of lower risk activities, such as outdoor, socially-distanced pumpkin carving or having a movie night with members of your household." Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The full statement can be viewed here.
Newark, New Jersey
As of October 28, Newark officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Plano, Texas
As of October 28, Plano officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Henderson, Nevada
Southern Nevada Health District officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Buffalo, New York
As of October 28, Buffalo officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Jersey City, New Jersey
As of October 28, Jersey City officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Chula Vista, California
San Diego County banned in-person Halloween events or parties containing more than three households, carnivals, festivals, petting zoos, and live entertainment. The county asked residents to avoid door-to-door trick-or-treating but did not ban it. The guidance can be viewed here.
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Allen County officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating.[10]
Orlando, Florida
As of October 28, Orlando officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
St. Petersburg, Florida
As of October 28, St. Petersburg officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Chandler, Arizona
As of October 28, Chandler officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Laredo, Texas
Laredo officials encouraged residents to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating.[11]
Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Durham, North Carolina
Durham officials released Halloween guidelines based on the North Carolina Health Department’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Madison, Wisconsin
Madison officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock officials released guidelines to celebrate Halloween safely. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Irvine, California
As of October 28, Irvine officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem officials released Halloween guidelines based on the North Carolina Health Department’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Glendale, Arizona
As of October 28, Glendale officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Garland, Texas
As of October 28, Garland officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Hialeah, Florida
As of October 28, Hialeah officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Reno, Nevada
As of October 28, Reno officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
Chesapeake, Virginia
Chesapeake officials released Halloween guidelines based on the Virginia Department of Health's. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Gilbert, Arizona
Gilbert officials released guidance on how to safely celebrate Halloween. They did not ban trick-or-treating.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Baton Rouge officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Irving, Texas
The Dallas County Public Health Committee stated, "Given the current risk level of ORANGE for COVID-19 and the moderate risk of transmission in Dallas County, we DO NOT recommend routine and traditional Halloween activities." The guidance can be viewed here.
Scottsdale, Arizona
As of October 28, Scottsdale officials had not released a statement on Halloween or trick-or-treating.
North Las Vegas, Nevada
Southern Nevada Health District officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Fremont, California
The Alameda County Public Health Department released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Boise, Idaho
Central District Health officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
San Bernardino, California
San Bernardino County Department of Health officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Birmingham, Alabama
Jefferson County Department of Health officials released Halloween guidelines based on the CDC’s. Officials did not ban trick-or-treating. The guidance can be viewed here.
Richmond, Virginia
Richmond officials released guidance on how to celebrate Halloween safely. They did not ban trick-or-treating.
General resources
The chart below shows coronavirus statistics from countries across the world. The information is provided by Real Clear Politics.
Click the links below to explore official resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor
- U.S. Department of Education
- World Health Organization
- Trends in Number of COVID-19 Cases and Deaths in the US Reported to CDC, by State/Territory
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccinations, Our World in Data (Number of vaccines administered)
- Coronavirus Vaccine Tracker, New York Times (Progress of vaccine trials)
Footnotes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Holiday Celebrations," September 21, 2020
- ↑ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Trick or Treating and Other Halloween Activities," October 9, 2020
- ↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Fox59.com, "State shares guidance for Halloween from CDC; School data dashboard set to launch," September 30, 2020
- ↑ WABI.tv, "Maine CDC Director gives insight on potential Halloween plans," October 8, 2020
- ↑ KETV.com, "Gov. Ricketts on trick-or-treating: 'It can't be like it was in the past,'" October 14, 2020
- ↑ New Channel 5, "Metro health officials want Nashvillians to use COVID-19 precautions this Halloween," October 6, 2020
- ↑ Albuquerque Journal, "Mayor Keller: 'I do not control Halloween,'" September 23, 2020
- ↑ City of Toledo, Ohio, "2020 Halloween," accessed October 16, 2020
- ↑ WPTA21.com, "Allen County Health Department officers Halloween safety tips," October 8, 2020
- ↑ KGNS.tv, "City encourages residents to take part in low-risk Halloween activities this year," October 13, 2020
