Brookline Shares Coronavirus Safety Guidance Ahead Of Halloween

BROOKLINE, MA — The Brookline Department of Public Health has shared COVID-19 public event guidance ahead of Halloween, which will be celebrated in the town on Sunday, October 31.

Health officials said public community events will go on, but residents are encouraged to take extra precautions in order to keep themselves and others safe.

"The Town of Brookline remains committed to stopping the spread of COVID-19, which is why we are issuing the following requirements for public community events ahead of Halloween," said Interim Health Commissioner Patrick Maloney in a statement. "We want our residents to enjoy the holiday and have the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, but we would like them to be able to do so in a safe environment."

The Department of Health institutes the following to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 at indoor and outdoor events:

• Event organizers must ensure hand sanitizers are available and conspicuously stationed.
• All COVID-19 recommendations must be posted at venue entry points. Recommendations also must be included in event publicity and emails.
• All food handlers must wear face coverings and gloves.
• A temporary food permit may be required from the Department of Health for food served and sold.
• Unvaccinated attendees should wear face coverings. Face coverings are required for all at indoor events, regardless of vaccination status.
• Event staff and attendees should stay home if they feel unwell, have COVID-19 symptoms, are awaiting COVID-19 test results, have been advised to quarantine or have tested positive for COVID-19.

All indoor and outdoor events are subject to cancellation or restrictions if Brookline experiences a spike in COVID-19 cases leading up to Halloween, said the town.