The Only Thing Scary About Halloween Should be the Costumes

COVID-19 Halloween recommendations 

“The way we celebrate Halloween in Michigan will be different this year due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “However, there are still many ways to celebrate safely. The guidance MDHHS issued today provides tips for trick-or-treaters and their parents along with homeowners who wish to hand out treats.”

Tips for all groups include staying home if you are sick; maintaining social distancing of at least six feet; wearing a cloth mask that covers both the mouth and nose; and washing hands often or frequently using hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also recently issued recommendations and considers trick-or-treating a high-risk activity. The CDC offers alternative activities to consider as well as safety tips if parents and children choose to trick-or-treat.

Tips for trick-or-treaters and parents:

• Let your children know this year may be different but that you have new ways you plan to celebrate and still have fun.
• Stay home if sick.
• Talk with children about safety and social distancing guidelines. 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.
• Carry a flashlight and wear reflective clothing to keep safe.
• 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.
• Inspect candy.
• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or use sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol, especially before eating or after coughing/sneezing, and as soon as you return home.
• Visit 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:

• Do not hand out candy if you are sick.
• Wear a face mask covering BOTH your mouth and nose.
• Use duct tape to mark 6 foot lines in front of your home and leading to driveway/front door.
• Position a distribution table between yourself and trick or treaters.
• Distribute candy on disinfected table to eliminate direct contact.
• Wash hands often.
• 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.

The guidance also urges Michiganders to consider hosting virtual parties instead of in-person Halloween gatherings. If an in-person gathering is hosted, limit it to 10 people or less per Executive Order 2020-176. Maintain social distancing, wear cloth masks and food and party favors should be set out individually to prevent cross contamination.

Information around this outbreak is changing rapidly. The latest information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.