Trick-Or-Treat Safety Tips For Fredericksburg Children, Residents

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The city of Fredericksburg and Mary Washington Healthcare are recommending that children and their parents find an alternative to trick-or-treating this Halloween due to the coronavirus pandemic.

But if children do go trick-and-treating, the city and hospital system offered some safety tips for both trick-or-treaters and residents handing out candy.

For trick-or-treaters, the city and hospital system recommend:

• Mask up —not just the costume mask. Every person should wear a covering over their mouth and nose.
• Avoid going door-to-door in large clusters; best to stay in your household group.
• Carry hand sanitizer and use after visiting each house.
• Go to only familiar homes, staying in one’s neighborhood.
• After ringing bell or knocking on the door of a home, step back allowing safe distancing between the trick-or-treater and those giving out candy.
• Make sure the children’s costumes are comfortable.
• Get the flu shot.

For neighbors who choose to give out treats, they should also wear masks and get the flu shot, along with:

• Control candy. Instead of letting children help themselves, one person should be designated to dole out the treats at each home.
• When possible, set up a table outside to maximize space between you and the trick-or-treaters.
• Have hand sanitizer handy for yourself and for visitors.
• Give wrapped candy or small age appropriate toys, stickers, etc.

If you opt not to hand out candy this Halloween, residents should turn off porch lights, signaling to the trick-or-treaters not to stop.