- Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters. Give out treats outdoors, if possible. Set up a station with individually bagged treats and wash hands before handling treats.
- Wear a mask and make your cloth mask part of your costume. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth mask as it can make breathing more difficult. Masks should not be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has difficulty breathing.
- Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you. Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time.
- Wash your hands, bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.
- Walk on sidewalks, not in the street. Look both ways before crossing the street to check for cars and cross only at intersections. If you are driving, make sure to drive slowly and safely. Children are twice as likely to be struck by a vehicle on Halloween than any other day of the year.
- Children should never go trick-or-treating alone, never go inside a stranger’s house to get treats and should always stay outside at a safe distance. Carry a glow stick or flashlight to make sure people see you and you can see them.
- Children should have their parents check all treats before they eat them and should not eat candy if the package is already opened.
- Make sure a responsible adult is with your young children when they go trick-or-treating.
If children will be going trick-or-treating alone, set a safe route and a time for them to be home. Have them check in with you at regular intervals.