The COVID-19 crisis has not halted the White House's plans for this year's Halloween celebration. The East Wing, headed by Melania Trump, released an official announcement on Friday that the annual festivities will proceed with pandemic restrictions.
The First Lady invites all "ghosts, fairies," and other trick-or-treaters in costumes to the White House grounds as the annual Halloween party under the Trump administration commences on Sunday. The statement says that the gates will open from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. EDT, according to USA Today.
Aside from the costumed participants, the celebration, also, encourages frontline workers, schoolchildren, and military families to accept the invitation. But, all individuals ages two and above must submit to the requirements of distancing socially and wearing face masks.
Melania Trump's official statement adds that the celebration this year will feature "bright-colored leaves" in shades of autumn, particularly at the South Portico columns. The East and West staircases will, also, highlight its "festive pumpkins," which will greet the audience and participants on Sunday.
Donald Trump will be present at the event to join the First Lady in welcoming the trick-or-treaters. Reports said that this is the same setup that they do every year.
On Sunday, @POTUS & I will safely welcome frontline workers, military families, schoolchildren & trick-or-treaters for the annual @WhiteHouse #Halloween celebration. We look forward to seeing all of you for this year’s festivities! https://t.co/ax905gVIDR — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) October 23, 2020
Following the official press release of the East Wing, Melania Trump, later on, took her excitement to social media as she invited everyone on the platform to join the celebration. However, many people appealed that the event is inappropriate due to the apparent risks of contracting the deadly coronavirus.
This is "another superspreader event," one netizen said. "Organise parties so that (coronavirus) can continue on its exponential growth," another replied with a retweet of a photo showing the latest data of COVID-19 cases and deaths in the United States.
Several others slammed for not doing their jobs properly as the First Lady and the President of the country. "We need better examples in the White House," one critic tweeted with the hashtags, "resign" and "unfit to be president."
But, despite all the negative reception, many supporters and followers praised her for the effort. Some even defended Melania Trump from the critics.
Melania and Donald Trump are "amazing." You have "passion and caring hearts," which makes America truly amazing, one fan posted.
The First Lady is bringing the "normal back. Wished (sic) my grandsons still live in Fredericksburg, I'd bring them to the White House," another follower stated, arguing that there is nothing wrong in hosting a party if they are doing it "safely."
