Milford Offers Halloween Trick-or-Treat Advice Amid Pandemic

Milford MA

06 October, 2020

8:01 AM

Description

MILFORD, MA — Halloween will be a little more scary this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, but local health officials are offering advice to make trick-or-treating a little safer. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has labeled trick-or-treating a "higher-risk" activity along with activities like enclosed haunted houses, costume parties and pumpkin carving events. Low-risk activities include neighborhood pumpkin carving where everyone is at a safe distance, outdoor treat scavenger hunts and decorating your home. Some Massachusetts communities are banning trick-or-treating due to high risk, including Worcester and Springfield. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno is allowing some activities, like car parades, and drive-up events where kids grab a bag of treats outdoors. The Milford Board of Health will recommend families take these steps to modify trick-or-treating on Halloween this year: For trick-or-treaters Maintain 6 feet physical distance from anyone not in your householdAvoid large groups or clustering at doorstepsMake sure your costume includes a mask that covers your nose and mouth and is effective at limiting the spread of COVID-19 Carry hand-sanitizer and wash hands thoroughly before eating anythingDo not participate if you are feeling unwell, exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19For people handing out candy Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing treat bags or candy for trick-or-treatersConsider lining up prepacked treat bags for families to take outside while maintaining social distancing, such as at the end of a driveway or yardWear a mask and maintain 6 feet physical distance from any trick-or-treatersAnd Milford advises avoiding these activities: Attending crowded indoor costume parties, or any other large indoor gatheringsGoing to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screamingParticipating in activities like hayrides or tractor rides if you cannot socially distance 6 feet from other participants who are not in your household.