Newton Halloween 2020: What You Need To Know

NEWTON, MA — If you were thinking about shutting down your block for Trick-or-Treating, or wondering which street might do that so you could take your kids there for treats, think again. That's not going to be allowed this year, amid pandemic.

"Block parties and other events that involve Newton Police or Newton DPW support are still not permitted as we still need to avoid large gatherings," said Mayor Ruthanne Fuller Thursday.

Halloween will be different this year, and comes at a time when coronavirus hospitalizations continued to rise at the end of September, according to the Department of Public Health's data. It comes as many are bracing for a "second wave" of the virus.

Read more: Coronavirus Hospitalizations Continue Climbing Across MA

Some towns and cities, like Worcester, are recommending trick-or-treating be canceled altogether to avoid the risk of spreading the virus. Newton hasn't canceled it, nor does it usually make a call as to whether residents should participate if the weather is bad, like last year. But Fuller pointed to a few thinks to consider when thinking about a party or handing out candy:

• Indoor gatherings pose a higher risk than outdoor gatherings.

• Large gatherings should be avoided and all gatherings must comply with the Governor’s Gathering Orders.

• Practice frequent hand washing, mask wearing, and physical distancing before, during and after any gatherings

• If you have been in contact with someone with the virus or have the COVID-19 virus yourself, you should not attend any gatherings or participate in trick-or-treating or handing out candy.

A few ideas from the CDC's list of lower, moderate and higher risk Halloween activities:

• Lower risk: Pumpkin carving/decorating at a safe distance, with a very small group; a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home, rather than going house to house; a virtual Halloween costume contest.

• Moderate risk: One-way trick-or-treating, with individually wrapped bags lined up for families to grab on a driveway or at the edge of a yard; having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than 6 feet apart; visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apples, wearing masks is enforced, and people are able to maintain physical distancing.

• Higher risk (avoid these activities this year): Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door-to-door; having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots; attending crowded parties, especially those held indoors; using alcohol or drugs which can cloud judgment and increase risky behaviors.

The CDC is reminding trick-or-treaters to wear face coverings that fit right and protect against inhaling respiratory droplets from other people, and recommend a cloth mask that doesn't leave gaps around your face.

What is your plan? Tell us in the comments