MICHIGAN (WKZO AM/FM) — Halloween is still a go in Michigan.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is following in the footsteps of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and releasing their own list on how to safely celebrate the spooky holiday this year whether trick-or-treating or passing out candy.
Trick-or-treating is not canceled, but health officials say everyone should avoid large groups and congregating around homes and parents should guide children to stay to the right when trick-or-treating, to ensure social distancing.
“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.”
Dr. Khaldun adds that a Halloween costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask, but trick-or-treaters should also not double up on masks. Instead just wear the usual protective face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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.
- Avoid congregating in groups around houses.
- Wear a face mask covering both mouth and nose.
- A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
- Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask if wearing both causes difficulty breathing. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
- Only go to houses with safety measures in place.
- Check out halloween2020.org to find exciting activities and ways to celebrate Halloween this year based on levels of COVID risks in your area.
Tips for homeowners include:
- 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.
More Halloween tips from the CDC can be found here.
