To Halloween… Or Not to Halloween. That is the question for many.
After a thorough consideration and analysis of Covid indicators, the Jalisco Health Board held a meeting to determine the allowances and protocols for this year’s Halloween and Day of the Dead festivities.
It was decided not to outright ban Halloween as they did last year, but instead issued a warning regarding the attendance of Halloween parties. It is recommended to avoid such gatherings, and if you do, make sure they are outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and that the host location provides measures of mitigation against Covid. And of course, all personal precautions should be taken such as wearing a mask, washing your hands often, and maintaining a safe social distance.
The Health Board also established that during the Day of the Dead activities cemeteries may allow visitors at 70% of their normal capacity between October 25 and November 6, with some additional rules. Groups of no more than 10 will be allowed entrance, and the consumption of food and alcoholic beverages will be prohibited this year, though hydrating beverages will be allowed. Also, live music inside the cemeteries will not be allowed. The sale of flowers and adornment of graves will be allowed.
During all activities, maintaining a social distance of 1.5 meters and the use of face masks, which covers the nose, mouth and chin, is mandatory; as well as avoiding exposing people with any condition that predisposes them to greater risk.
A ban on trick-or-treating was not mentioned nor discouraged. These decisions were made at the state level, and individual municipalities will most likely follow these guidelines. We’ll let you know if we hear any different. Happy Halloween!