Garden City PD Offer Coronavirus Trick-Or-Treating Tips

GARDEN CITY, NY — Halloween is just around the corner. However, the coronavirus is changing the way many people are approaching the holiday this year.

The Garden City Police Department wanted to facility an easy and safe trick-or-treating experience for village residents. To that end, the village is offering special red and green signs that residents can print out to let trick-or-treaters know whether or not they should stop at their house.

Residents are encouraged to print out the appropriate sign and put them in a place that will be visible to trick-or-treaters. You can get the signs by clicking here.

In addition, to make sure everyone has a fun and safe Halloween, the police department offered these tips:

Halloween is supposed to be a time of wholesome fun; however, this year not everyone may feel comfortable with trick-or-treating due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Police Department has made green and red signs for residents to place in their windows, or visible areas, for trick-or-treaters to identify whether you are welcoming them or not. For families who will be participating in trick-or-treating this year, the Garden City Police Department recommends the following:

• Families going door-to-door need to wear face coverings at all times.
• Trick-or-treating groups should be kept small. Groups of trick-or-treaters from more than one household are discouraged.
• Maintain a safe distance from other groups and wait to approach a house until the previous group has left.
• Do not consume any candy until it has been inspected by an adult and you have thoroughly washed your hands.
• Individuals choosing to pass out candy are reminded to wear face coverings and gloves at all times.
• Pass out candy individually with gloved hands instead of inviting children to take a treat from a communal bowl.
• Consider making candy goody bags and place them in your yard or driveway for children to pick up themselves.
• Per the CDC, a Halloween costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask or face covering. Decorated cloth masks masks can be used if it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose.
• If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please make sure it does not create breathing problems. If it does, discard the costume mask.