Beverly Cancels Downtown Halloween, Sets Trick-Or-Treat Hours

BEVERLY, MA — Beverly Mayor Mike Cahill is urging those trick-or-treating in the city's neighborhoods on Halloween to do so in small family groups — and avoid large gatherings both indoors and outdoors — amid a surge in coronavirus cases in the state in recent weeks.

"It will be our responsibility together to help our kids safely keep some of the familiar in Halloween," Cahill said in a message to the community. "This does not mean that anything goes. We all need to set some strict parameters to keep both kids and adults safe, and prevent Halloween from becoming a COVID-19 spreader."

Trick-or-treating in neighborhoods is scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. on Halloween night.

Coronavirus numbers jumped in Beverly — along with much of the rest of the state — in the state's most recent reporting period last week.

Cahill said families should stick with small family groups outdoors with no indoor parties or larger outdoor gatherings. Those handing out candy should avoid communal bowls at the door and instead either hand out individual bags or place candy in a table where children can take them. Hand sanitizer on the tables is also advised.

Parents and children should wear cloth or surgical face masks — not just plastic costume masks — while trick-or-treating outdoors and maintain a safe distance from nearby groups.

Parents are asked to consider letting the candy sit for a day or two before letting their children unwrap and eat it.

Those who do not want to take part in trick-or-treating should turn off porch or other outside lights. Anyone trick-or-treating should respect the houses that are not taking part this year.

"Some families with kids will decide that trick-or-treat isn't right for you this year," Cahill said. "Taking these key steps of wearing a mask, keeping our distance, gathering only in small groups outdoors, and washing our hands, we can provide our children a safe and Happy Halloween this year."

Related Beverly Patch Coverage: Beverly Coronavirus Numbers Surge Despite Precautions