Trick-Or-Treating OK, With Precautions: Bucks Co. Health Dept.

Morrisville PA

02 October, 2020

10:05 AM

Description

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Bucks County's government has not issued any official guidance on how kids and others should celebrate Halloween in 2020. But the county's health director said this week he thinks trick-or-treating can happen here, as long as people take precautions. Coronavirus is not gone in Bucks County, but recent news has been largely positive. Last week, there were no new deaths from the virus in Bucks and new infections had settled at what health officials call an expected baseline level. Dr. David Damsker, director of the Bucks County Department of Health, told Patch that the county may issue official guidelines for Halloween closer to the holiday. For now, he said, he's offering the following tips for residents considering how to approach Halloween 2020. Avoid costume parties and other large indoor social gatherings, especially ones with alcohol presentTrick-or-treating should be done in small groups, making it easier to social distance when necessaryTrick-or-treaters should stay outside at all times, as it is clearly a lower risk for transmissionTry to avoid being within six feet of people outside your household for more than 15 consecutive minutesAnyone handing out candy should be wearing a face covering and, if possible, remain outsideBoth trick-or-treaters and homeowners giving out candy should sanitize their hands on a regular basis The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday released guidance for the holiday, saying traditional trick-or-treating, trunk-or-treating, parties, hayrides and haunted houses should be avoided. Communities across Pennsylvania are currently determining what holiday celebrations should continue and which should be canceled in light of the pandemic. RELATED: Halloween 2020 In PA: CDC Weighs In On Trick-Or-Treating In Newtown, the popular Halloween parade has been canceled, but an outdoor costume contest will continue. The mayor said there were no current plans to limit trick-or-treating for the public. Doylestown has also canceled its parade and will hold a virtual costume contest instead. The CDC says people should avoid high-risk Halloween activities, including: Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to doorHaving trunk-or-treat activities, where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lotsGoing to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screamingGoing on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your householdUsing alcohol or drugs, which can cloud judgment and increase risky behaviorsTraveling to a rural fall festival that is not in your community if you live in an area with community spread of COVID-19]