As we enter fall, families are starting to plan for the upcoming holiday season, starting with Halloween. Because some of the traditional ways to celebrate this holiday do not allow for proper social distancing, the Board of Health is providing the following guidance to allow for safe Halloween celebrations.

Trick-or-treating events need to incorporate social distancing, masking, and proper handwashing, as well as adherence to event size limitations. For this year, it would be safest to plan special events at home, using social media and other meeting platforms to connect with family and friends.

However, for those who choose to celebrate in person the Board of Health is offering the following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), available at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween.

We encourage low risk activities, such as the Parks and Recreation Pumpkin Carving Event on October 17 (registration required).

As a reminder, if you think you could have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.  Individuals at increased risk for severe illness should not attend in-person Halloween gatherings.