CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Sacramento County officials recently shared information and guidance regarding Halloween events and activities in our region. It is important we keep our residents safe while simultaneously working to qualify for fewer-restrictions under the Governor’s new “Blueprint For a Safer Economy.” Sacramento County is currently categorized in the State's “purple tier,” which means we have the most restrictive Health Orders. However, the County recently hit numbers that will allow us to move into the next tier, red, if we maintain our counts for a minimum of three consecutive weeks. 

This means that we need our community to stick to the Public Health Official's recommendations as much as possible: continue to wear masks, wash hands, and keep social distance. The red tier is not our final destination. Our goal is to quickly move into the orange tier – which allows for the re-opening of most sectors in our business community, allows for more activities for families – and most importantly – indicates a slowing rate of spread of COVID-19.

With all this context in mind, please note the following guidance regarding Halloween activities and events:

Trick-or-Treating: If you choose to go out trick-or-treating, travel only with your household members, be sure to maintain six feet of social distance from others, and make interactions brief. If residents have set out candy bowls, please encourage your child to only touch the piece of candy that they take, or use tongs. Please practice good hygiene and masking, and, of course, stay home and away from others if you feel sick or could be contagious;

Passing Out Candy: There are several ways to participate in handing out candy while still staying safe. Always wear a face covering around those outside your household and practice hand hygiene. Here are a few ideas... 

(1) In an outdoor area such as a porch or driveway, you can set up to hand out candy using tongs; (2) Set up a candy bowl and hand sanitizer on a table out front. You can still sit outside and enjoy the great costumes (and keep an eye out for candy-hogs); (3) Make treat bags and hang them from streamers outside for trick-or-treaters.

Celebrate Creatively: Citrus Heights is known for it's solid community roots and neighborhood spirit! We want to showcase your safe celebrations! Please email photos of your creative, safe celebrations to share on the City’s social media channels and newsletter to [email protected]. Here are a few ideas to help you start brainstorming:

(1) Host a virtual Halloween “watch” party with online video/chat and have best costume or craft project contests; (2) You can do reverse trick-or-treat by dropping off small gift bags on your neighbor’s porch; (3) Host a trunk-or-treat on your street with socially distanced parked cars in driveways; (4) Coordinate a contact-free neighborhood scavenger hunt or "I Spy" game; (5) Organize a neighborhood car parade or socially distanced costume parade for best decorations/costume.

Remember, please don’t have trick-or-treaters walk up to your door to hand out candy. The County Public Health Official also reminds us that gatherings with individuals outside of your household are not allowed in Sacramento County. Get official details of the Sacramento County COVID-19 Halloween Guidance at SacCounty.net/COVID-19.

We want to “Turn Citrus Heights Orange by Halloween” (both in Halloween holiday spirit, and in regards to the State’s colored tier system for re-opening). We need your help to do it! Please celebrate safely to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.