Moorestown Urges Precautions On Halloween Amid Pandemic

MOORESTOWN, NJ — There will be no changes in trick-or-treating hours for Moorestown this Halloween, but township officials are advising residents to follow the safety guidelines set forth by the state and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The curfew will remain at 10 p.m. on Oct. 31, per township code, officials announced. Council has discussed the issue publicly, and reiterated last month that Halloween was not canceled in the township. Read more here: Moorestown Looks To Dispel Halloween Cancelation Rumors

During a news conference on Monday, Gov. Phil Murphy set forth some safety guidelines, which include wearing a cloth or surgical mask beneath their costumes and trick-or-treating only with members of the same household. If trick-or-treating with people in different households, though, he recommended social distancing. Read more here: Gov. Murphy Issues NJ Halloween Rules, Guidance Amid Coronavirus

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According to the most recent numbers provided by Burlington County officials, there are 468 cases of the coronavirus in Moorestown with 63 confirmed deaths. Countywide, there are 7,817 cases of the coronavirus, 477 confirmed deaths and 54 probable deaths. Read more here: Moorestown Halloween Parade Canceled Due To Coronavirus Concerns

Here are some rules and guidance Murphy spoke about on Monday:

• 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.

Township officials have advised residents to review and follow safety guidelines recommended by the NJ Department of Health and the CDC.

With reporting by Tom Davis

See related: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know