MDHHS, CDC Release Safety Tips For Michigan Trick-Or-Treaters

MICHIGAN — Halloween trick-or-treating is allowed in Michigan during the coronavirus pandemic, but the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has suggested steps parents can take to ensure the holiday is celebrated safely.

“The way we celebrate Halloween in Michigan will be different this year due to COVID-19,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “However, there are still many ways to celebrate safely. The guidance MDHHS issued today provides tips for trick-or-treaters and their parents along with homeowners who wish to hand out treats.”

Tips for all groups include staying home if you are sick, maintaining social distancing of at least six feet, wearing a cloth mask that covers both the mouth and nose and washing hands often or frequently using hand sanitizer.

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In addition to the MDHHS guidance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also issued recommendations this week. CDC considers trick-or-treating a high-risk activity and offers alternative activities to consider as well as safety tips if parents and children choose to trick-or-treat.

Tips for trick-or-treaters and parents include:

• Share with your children that this year may be different than last but let them know some of the new ways you plan to celebrate and still have lots of fun.
• Talk with children about safety and social distancing guidelines and expectations. Keep a six-foot distance from others not in your group.
• Participate in one-way trick-or-treating and guide children to stay to the right to ensure social distancing.
• Trick or treat with people you live with
• Wear a face mask covering both mouth and nose.
• Only go to houses with safety measures in place.

Here is a list of safety measures homeowners can take if trick-or-treaters are expected to stop by their home on Halloween:

• Use duct tape to mark six-foot lines in front of home and leading to driveway/front door.
• Position a distribution table between yourself and trick-or-treaters.
• Distribute candy on a disinfected table to eliminate direct contact.
• Consider handing out candy in an open space where distancing is possible, rather than from the front door.
• Consider a neighborhood costume parade; it is an easy way to keep safe space between children.