MDHHS Offers Suggestions for Safe Trick-or-Treating in Michigan

Halloween is not canceled. There has, however, been a fair amount of grumbling online that the CDC and government agencies putting the kibosh on trick-or-treating this year because of the pandemic, and that is simply not true.

AJ addressed the online-hysteria in this opinion piece, saying "There's nothing to get your undies in a bundle about...yet."

But what we do have is suggestions. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has published a list of recommendations for parents and for homeowners who are planning to pass out Halloween candy this year.

Tips for trick-or-treaters and parents:

• Share with your children that this year may be different than last but let them know some of the new ways you plan to celebrate and still have lots of fun.
• Talk with children about safety and social distancing guidelines and expectations. Keep a six-foot distance from others not in your group.
• Participate in one-way trick-or-treating and guide children to stay to the right to ensure social distancing.
• Trick or treat with people you live with.
• Avoid congregating in groups around houses.
• Wear a face mask covering both mouth and nose.
  • A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
  • Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask if wearing both causes difficulty breathing. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
• Only go to houses with safety measures in place.
• Check out halloween2020.org to find exciting activities and ways to celebrate Halloween this year based on levels of COVID risks in your area.

Tips for homeowners:

• Use duct tape to mark six-foot lines in front of home and leading to driveway/front door.
• Position a distribution table between yourself and trick-or-treaters.
• Distribute candy on a disinfected table to eliminate direct contact.
• Consider handing out candy in an open space where distancing is possible, rather than from the front door.
• Consider a neighborhood costume parade; it is an easy way to keep safe space between children.