How To Best Do Halloween In Swampscott In 2020

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — While trick-or-treating will be allowed in Swampscott neighborhoods on Halloween night, town health officials are urging families to review and adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for activities that are considered more risky than others amid the coronavirus health crisis.

Under the CDC guidelines, traditional trick-or-treating — where children go from door to door at strangers' homes and take candy from a communal basket — is considered a "higher-risk" activity. Indoor costume parties are also strongly discouraged and anyone feeling ill symptoms is urged to stay home.

Groups should be kept small — 10 or less and consisting of household members is recommended — and hand sanitizer should be carried. Groups should stay at least 6 feet away from each other outdoors.

Those handing out candy should consider placing it on a table outside instead of a basket or bucket at the door.

Those handing out candy are advised to wear masks, while proper face masks should be incorporated into costumes.

Examples of "lower-risk" activities include family pumpkin carving, virtual costume parties and outdoor scavenger hunts.

More information on Swampscott Halloween can be found here.

Related North Shore Patch Halloween Safety Content: Halloween Public Health Amid Coronavirus Crisis A Cautionary Tale