While it hasn’t always been an activity traditionally celebrated in Australia, trick-or-treating on Halloween has become more customary since the start of the new millennium. Show
And for the first time in half a decade, Halloween will fall on a weekend. Both kids and adults alike are already planning to take to the neighbourhood streets in search of some free thrills and sweet treats. For more Lifestyle related news and videos check out Lifestyle >> It’s an opportunity for our communities to don some simple Halloween costumes, find some fun Halloween makeup, and get out of the homes that most have been largely confined to over the past months. If you’re planning on trick-or-treating throughout the Halloween weekend, you’ll need to take note of the restrictions for Halloween 2020 that vary from state to state. If you don’t, you might find yourself a ghastly surprise courtesy of a costly fine. While it’s not always been an activity traditionally celebrated in Australia, trick-or-treating on Halloween has become more customary since the start of the new millennium. Credit: Sergio Dionisio/Getty ImagesHalloween tips for all AustraliansCoronavirus can spread on surfaces, including fences, food or packaging, according to experts. Most states in Australia have their own rules, which you can find below, but here are some general handy tips for safely celebrating Halloween in 2020. COVID-SAFE RULES FOR HALLOWEEN
COVID-SAFE RULES FOR AUSTRALIANS HANDING OUT TREATS FOR HALLOWEEN 2020
COVID-SAFE RULES FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS
Halloween in Melbourne & VictoriaVictorians may find navigating Halloween more tricky than their counterparts in other states across Australia. The Andrews Government says that all Victorians can leave the house to celebrate Halloween, but they must stick to a series of requirements to ensure that their Halloween events remain contactless. On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services confirmed Halloween and trick-or-treating can go ahead. Under the third step for regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne, there are no limits on the reasons residents can leave their homes. This means contactless trick-or-treating can take place. Those trick-or-treating in Melbourne must abide by the new rules, including the limit of 10 people gathering outdoors. They must also stick to the 25km limit and not go outside their radius. “Private gathering restrictions also prevent people entering property, including front yards and door knocking – so contactless or outdoor gatherings within limits is the best approach,” a DHHS statement said. Children over 12 years of age must also wear a mask. Victoria’s Department of Health and Human Services has outlined a number of key rules for Victorians to follow to enjoy Halloween while keeping friends, families and communities safe. The official DHHS Halloween advice includes:
The DHHS is encouraging Victorians to celebrate Halloween in alternative ways, such as carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household only, or having a virtual costume party or party with friends and family on video chat. Halloween, also known as Hallowe'en and shortened from its original form of All Hallows' Even, is internationally celebrated on October 31 and originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was a celebration recognising the end of the harvest in Gaelic culture. Credit: Sergio Dionisio/Getty ImagesHalloween in Sydney & NSWNSW Health has thrown its support behind safe Halloween celebrations going ahead. While limits on gatherings across the state have been increased to 30 people, NSW Health says there are a few caveats to safe trick-or-treating for Halloween. “Halloween celebrations will need to be a little different this year due to COVID-19 and we are urging everyone in the community to play their part,” Executive Director of NSW Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said. The NSW Health COVID-19 Halloween advice includes:
Queensland Police has put together a fun video filled with tips on how you can safely celebrate Halloween in 2020.Queensland Police has put together a fun video filled with tips on how you can safely celebrate Halloween in 2020.Halloween in Brisbane & QueenslandHalloween celebrations in Queensland are permitted to go ahead as they normally would, since there has been virtually no community transmission of COVID-19 since the start of October. Up to 40 people are allowed to gather in homes and public places throughout Queensland. While Queensland Health is supporting of the community celebrating Halloween, it is encouraging everyone to make sure that they’re up-to-date with the following health directions. The Queensland Health COVID-19 Halloween advice for trick-or-treaters is:
Queensland Police has also provided a series of posters for people to print and display outside their homes to let trick-or-treaters know if they are participating in Halloween in 2020. Click here to download the ‘Trick-or-treaters welcome’ poster. Click here to download the ‘No thank you’ poster in colour or click here to download the ‘No thank you’ poster in black and white. If you’re planning on trick-or-treating throughout the Halloween weekend, you’ll need to take note of the restrictions for Halloween 2020 that vary from state to state. Credit: Sergio Dionisio/Getty ImagesHalloween in Canberra & the ACTThere are currently no restrictions to celebrating Halloween 2020 in the Australian Capital Territory, and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people are permitted. ACT Health has warned Canberrans celebrating Halloween to avoid entering homes that already have a large number of people inside. “Despite the encouraging position of the ACT, the situation could change quickly, both in the ACT and in our neighbouring jurisdictions before Halloween,” said an ACT Health spokesperson. “While there are no longer restrictions for household visits, we must all be sensible when having people to our homes and put control measures in place. “We are all used to the ongoing physical distancing and personal hygiene public health advice, so let’s continue this for the safety of our families, friends, colleagues and the wider community.” ACT Health is also encouraging anyone participating in Halloween to follow the COVID-safe Halloween tips listed above. Trick or treating can be COVID-safe while still being lots of fun. Credit: Jeenah Moon/Getty ImagesHalloween in Adelaide & South AustraliaIn South Australia, Halloween 2020 will be almost business as usual. There are no limits on the number of people that can gather outdoors, but private residences are restricted to hosting up to 50 people. SA Police has created some fun Halloween posters so that residents can welcome or discourage visitors from entering their homes for trick-or-treating. South Australians won’t need a COVID Marshall or a COVID Management Plan if they’re having a Halloween party, but they will need to be up-to-date with the latest COVID restrictions in South Australia. Here is the official advice and safety tips for South Australia residents for Halloween 2020:
“Remember to wear your scariest costume, but please do not go out if you are unwell,” a SA Health spokesperson said. “Trick or treating can be COVID-safe while still being lots of fun.” WA residents may be the only Aussies able to see a super rare and full Blue Moon on SaturdayHalloween in Perth & Western AustraliaWA Health is supporting Halloween in Western Australia in 2020. While there are no specific restrictions in place for Halloween, WA Health has put together the following recommendations to help Western Australians participate in COVID-safe Halloween celebrations. COVID-safe tips if you plan to hand out treats
COVID-safe tips if you plan to trick-or-treat
Halloween in Darwin & the Northern TerritoryNT Health has thrown its support behind safe Halloween celebrations in the Northern Territory, encouraging trick-or-treaters to “keep it local to your street or your suburb” and stay in small household groups. It’s encouraging anyone participating in Halloween to follow the COVID-safe Halloween tips listed above. Halloween in Hobart & TasmaniaWhile Halloween in Tasmania is not forbidden, and up to 20 people can visit Tasmanian homes, Tasmania Public Health Services are encouraging local communities to think of alternatives to trick-or-treating or hosting Halloween parties in 2020. The health authority says it is risky to have “unnecessary close contact with many unfamiliar people whose current health you don’t know”. “As an alternative to knocking on the doors of people you are unfamiliar with, it would be a better to organise such activities with a limited number of healthy friends or family known to you,” a spokesperson told the ABC. Dentists’ tips on keeping your teeth safe this HalloweenAnd while we’re on the topic of keeping safe, the Australian Dental Association has provided some tips on how to ensure your trick-or-treating doesn’t end up in an expensive trip to the dentist. According to the ADA, Australians should eat their treats in a single sitting, as grazing on sweet treats throughout the day is one of the worst habits for teeth. “Most people won’t know this, but it’s better to consume sweets over a shorter period, than to repeatedly expose your teeth to them over a prolonged period of time,” says Canberra dentist and Australian Dental Association (ADA) President Dr Carmelo Bonanno. “This is because every assault of sugar that goes into your mouth feeds bacteria which create acid that dissolve the tooth enamel, exposing the mouth to decay. Doing this repeatedly throughout the day, over a few days or in the week after Halloween, is cumulative.” Here is the ADA’s list of top tooth tips to reduce risk of decay this Halloween:
What night is Trick or Treat in Australia?Many Australians celebrate Halloween, which occurs annually on October 31. It is also known as All Hallows' Eve and is the day before All Saints' Day. Costume parties are held and many children go trick-or-treating around this time of the year.
What is the official start time for trickTypically, the earlier it is, the younger the trick or treaters. In most communities, trick-or-treating begins around sunset, the time of which may vary by your time zone (but typically, on Halloween, it's around 5:30 and 6 p.m.).
When did trickIt was first celebrated in Australia in Castlemaine, Victoria, in October 1858. Halloween had its origins in Scotland and Ireland thousands of years ago as the festival of Samhuinn – marking summer's end. When the Scots emigrated to America during the Highland Clearances, they took their Halloween traditions with them.
Do they go trickThe popularity of Halloween continues to grow worldwide. It's now popular in Australia, complete with costume parties, spooky decorations, and kids going trick-or-treating. A quarter of Australians surveyed reported they planned to celebrate Halloween.
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