Montgomery County has developed a list of safe alternatives to trick-or-treating and Halloween parties.
Halloween is just a few weeks away, but officials in Montgomery County are already issuing guidance for the fall holiday. In light of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, officials are recommending that residents skip trick-or-treating. The county isn’t outright banning the popular holiday pastime, but they are asking people to avoid any activities where crowds can form. Outdoor festivals, haunted houses and other large Halloween events are also prohibited. Officials in neighboring Howard County have also issued similar guidance. Los Angeles was the first metropolitan area to discourage trick-or-treating early last month.
Montgomery County is also discouraging events like trunk-or-treat, where children go from car to car collecting candy. Any public event with 50 people or over must apply for a letter of approval from the county. In lieu of trick-or-treating and Halloween parties, the county is recommend the following:
- Car parades with pre-packaged bags of candy
- Online parties and costume contests
- Movie night at a drive-in or large public parking lot
- Halloween meals at an outdoor restaurant
- Viewing Halloween decorations at outdoor museum or drive-thru at a park
🎃 As Halloween approaches, Montgomery County officials are offering guidance about how to celebrate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Details: https://t.co/A9DyTh7CCM. pic.twitter.com/1tDlPv1VSW
— Montgomery County MD (@MontgomeryCoMD) October 2, 2020
Residents are still encouraged to decorate their homes and yards for the holiday. Revelers are also encouraged to follow standard coronavirus health and safety guidelines that include wearing a mask (under your Halloween mask, too), washing hands and/or using hand sanitizer, avoiding crowds, and practicing social distancing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers trick-or-treating a high-risk activity and instead recommends creating a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt where children can search for landmarks outside and from a safe distance. The CDC also recommends that parents wash their hands before and after preparing treat bags and leaving them at the end of the driveway or yard for pickup.
