Milford Offers Halloween Trick-or-Treat Advice Amid Pandemic

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 household
• Avoid large groups or clustering at doorsteps
• Make 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 anything
• Do not participate if you are feeling unwell, exhibit any COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19

For 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-treaters
• Consider lining up prepacked treat bags for families to take outside while maintaining social distancing, such as at the end of a driveway or yard
• Wear a mask and maintain 6 feet physical distance from any trick-or-treaters

And Milford advises avoiding these activities:

• Attending crowded indoor costume parties, or any other large indoor gatherings
• Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming
• Participating in activities like hayrides or tractor rides if you cannot socially distance 6 feet from other participants who are not in your household.