Halloween Guidelines Released By Bucks Co. Health Officials

BUCKS COUNTY, PA — Trick-or-treating is OK in Bucks County for Halloween 2020, health officials say, as long as kids and their parents take some coronavirus precautions. Costume parties, meanwhile, are probably a bad idea.

Trick-or-treaters and those handing out candy should remain outside, kids should travel in small groups and everyone should maintain social distancing as much as possible, according to the guidelines released Monday by the Bucks County Department of Health.

Dr. David Damsker, director of the health department, had shared many of the tips with Patch last week.

"Halloween is a fun and exciting holiday for children and the whole family," the Bucks County Health Department said in the guidance. "The Bucks County Health Department and Emergency Management want to share COVID-19 and other general precautions for Bucks County residents to help ensure Halloween is held as safely as possible this year."

The department offered the following Halloween safety guidelines:

• Trick-or-treaters should stay outdoors at all times. The coronavirus has been shown to have a lower rate of transmission outside.
• Trick-or-treaters should wear reflective clothing and use a flashlight to remain visible to drivers and others.
• Kids should trick-or-treat in small groups, making it easier to social-distance. Face coverings should be worn if you can't stay six feet away from others from outside your household. Most Halloween masks are not considered protective face covering.
• Avoid being within six feet of anyone from outside your household for more than 15 consecutive minutes.
• Anyone handing out candy should wear a face covering and stay outside the entire time if possible.
• Both trick-or-treaters and those handing out candy should sanitize their hands frequently.
• Avoid costume parties and other large indoor gatherings, especially those with alcohol present.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued guidance saying trick-or-treating this year brings "high risk" for spread of the coronavirus. The centers also cautioned against trunk-or-treat events, indoor haunted houses and costume parties.

With case numbers rising again in some areas of the country, Bucks County infection rates have been hovering around a low baseline number for the past several weeks, with hospitalizations and deaths from the virus on the decline.

Since the coronavirus pandemic began, Bucks County has had 8,457 residents test positive. A total of 530 deaths have been attributed to the virus, including 413 long-term care residents. Another 7,561 people are confirmed to have recovered.

The median age of those who have been infected in Bucks County is 50, while the median age of those who have died is 84.