The City of Dubuque discussed Halloween this year during their city council meeting tonight (10/5).

While there were a number of issues discussed, Halloween was a big talking point.

With Covid-19 on the minds of many tri-staters, the city issued the following proclamation regarding Halloween this year.

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 Iowa 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: "PHYSICALLY DISTANCED," 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.

What do you think? Are you planning to do trick-or-treating, or will you skip the festivities altogether?

~ Chris Farber

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