Dedham BOH: Halloween Festivities 'Personal, Informed Decision'

DEDHAM, MA — In a notice to the community, the Dedham Board of Health said that Halloween festivities are up to the personal and informed decision of each resident, not officially banning trick-or-treating in town.

"Those who choose to participate by way of Trick or Treating with their children, or passing out candy to Trick or Treaters are urged to follow CDC and MDPH guidelines," the BOH said.

There are 527 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Dedham as of Oct. 7. As a result of the recent increase in confirmed cases across the Commonwealth, the Board strongly urges residents to continue to practice social distancing, proper hygiene and the wearing of a face covering.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends trick-or-treaters wear face masks, aside from Halloween costume masks, frequently wash hands and trick-or-treating only within immediate families, rather than forming groups.

For those planning on giving out candy, the board recommends placing treats at the end of your walkway or driveway instead of handing them to trick-or-treaters.