Natick Warns Against Halloween Trick-Or-Treating

NATICK, MA — The Natick Health Department has released guidelines on how to celebrate Halloween during the pandemic — including advice to avoid trick-or-treating if you have safety concerns.

The town is largely following guidelines released earlier this month by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Those guidelines differ slightly from advice released by the state, and Gov. Charlie Baker's support of traditional trick-or-treating.

"If there are any concerns regarding the safety of family members, it is recommended that you do not partake in traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating," Natick's advice says.

Natick is explicitly advising town residents to avoid indoor parties and indoor haunted houses.

Coronavirus cases in Natick are low compared to nearby communities, but there's growing concern Massachusetts could be quickly heading toward a larger uptick in cases. An activity like trick-or-treating could help spread the virus if revelers are mingling in large groups or interacting with people handing out candy.

High-risk communities like Worcester and Springfield have banned trick-or-treating this year. Framingham has canceled an annual trick-or-treating event at the city hall.

Here are some suggestions from Natick health officials about how to trick-or-treat safely:

• Trick or treaters should stay in family units called "bubbles."
• Don't crowd houses. Allow a group to depart a home before approaching for candy.
• Give only prepackaged candy, and only hand it out while outdoors on a porch or stairs.
• Wear a face covering while handing out candy.
• Use gloves or tongs to dispense candy, no bare hands — and no communal bowls.
• Offer hand sanitizer to trick-or-treaters.
• Maintain 6 feet of distance between trick-or-treaters and candy-givers.
• Trick-or-treating hours should be 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• If you feel sick, don't go trick-or-treating, and don't hand out candy.
• Turn porch lights off if there's no candy to give.