Westford Halloween 2020: What You Need To Know

WESTFORD, MA — This year amid the coronavirus pandemic, families and health departments are noting the holiday will look considerably different.

Coronavirus hospitalizations continued to rise through October, according to the Department of Public Health's data.

Read more: Coronavirus Hospitalizations Continue Climbing Across MA

Although it's not canceled here, Westford U.S. Health officials are recommending that residents be extremely careful if they choose to do the traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating this Halloween or other activities that risk transmission of the coronavirus.

The Westford Board of health recommended:

• Trick or Treaters stay in family units or known bubbles.
• Allow families to leave a house before the next one approaches.
• For those handing out candy, they recommend individually prepacking goodie bags to hand out on the porch or front steps.
• The Board recommends the use of gloves or tongs for handing out treats: "No communal bowls!"
• Maintain 6 feet from the entry doors of houses whenever possible.
• Masks should be worn when at doors of houses and when Trick or Treaters cannot socially distance.
• If you are sick or you are under Isolation or Quarantine Orders stay home and do not participate by handing out or receiving candy or treats.

The Westford Health Department also recommends that all activities be carried out with all public safety guidance.

The Board strongly discourages:

• Parties of any type including costume parties.
• “Trunk or Treat” activities.
• Activities that foster "risky" behaviors.

For those who are planning to participate in Halloween events, officials urge people to wash their hands before and during trick-or-treating or handing out candy.

The CDC is reminding trick-or-treaters to wear face coverings that fit right and protect against inhaling respiratory droplets from other people, and recommend a cloth mask that doesn't leave gaps around your face.