Bound Brook Bans Door-To-Door Trick Or Treating

BOUND BROOK, NJ — Bound Brook banned outdoor door-to-door trick or treating and many other Halloween activities on Wednesday due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Along with trick or treating, the borough also banned outdoor trunk or treating, Halloween parties that exceed limitations in effect on indoor and outdoor gatherings, haunted houses, hayrides and corn mazes.

The borough listed some socially-distant Hallowed activities that would be acceptable including:

• Virtual activities such as online costume parties
• Drive-thru events where individuals remain in their vehicles and drive through an area or neighborhood with Halloween displays
• Carving pumpkins with family
• Dressing up homes and yards with Halloween themed decorations
• Halloween themed movie nights with family

The notice was sent out Wednesday by Bound Brook OEM Coordinator James Suk.

Although Bound Brook is banning trick or treating, Gov. Phil Murphy has said Halloween should proceed as planned in New Jersey. He also released guidelines on trick or treating on Monday. Read More: Gov. Murphy Issues NJ Halloween Rules, Guidance Amid Coronavirus

Murphy said local and state health officials have worked to ensure a safe halloween for all communities, which includes wearing masks – not just Halloween masks – and limiting "touches" of candy.

"Wear a mask that covers the nose and mouth," Murphy said. "A Jabba the Hutt mask is not a substitute."

Here are some of the rules and guidance:

• In place of placing treats in bags, the candy should be arranged way so that they can be accessed but can't be touched "multiple times."
• Those distributing candy should have treats individually packaged so trick-or-treaters can "grab and go" with no shared bowl.
• Trick-or-treaters and those distributing candy need to wear masks.
• Groups should be limited to household members.
• Groups should stay local.
• Trick-or-treaters should limit the number of homes on their route.
• Social distancing is required for groups who are not all from the same household
• Handing out candy is not recommended.
• Those distributing candy should wash your hands repeatedly.
• Commercially packaged and non-perishable treats are recommended.
• Outdoor trunk-or-treat events can be held, but the number of cars should be limited for social distancing. Lines should be single-file and socially distanced.

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