Livingston's Halloween Celebration Guidance During COVID-19

Press release from the Livingston Township:

Oct. 9, 2020

As with all celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic, Halloween brings its own challenges.

NJ Department of Health

The NJ Department of Health has provided us with Halloween Celebration Guidance (PDF).

This document provides guidelines, recommendations, and reminders to help celebrate safely during COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The CDC has also released guidelines that are more strict.

The CDC's guidelines are divided into lower-, moderate- and higher-risk activities. The CDC says:

• No trick-or-treating
• No costume masks
• No indoor costume parties
• No haunted houses

Healthy & Safe

When considering how to celebrate Halloween during COVID-19, all are reminded that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic.

Individuals and families will have different levels of comfort with different types of interactions and activities.

Remember that Halloween face masks will not stop the spread of COVID-19; those in costume should always use a cloth mask either in addition to or instead of a face mask.

Children who are allowed to trick-or-treat may find many houses are not participating this year.

Parents

Parents, too, are reminded to be respectful of those houses not choosing to participate in trick-or-treating.

Please remind children not to approach homes that are not clearly participating in Halloween festivities. A house may have its lights off, blinds closed, and/or perhaps a barrier of some type near the door access.

• Be respectful of those who choose not to take part.
• Don't knock or ring at any house that does not show signs of participating, such as having lights on or a door open.

Remember: Although you and your children may be healthy and well, others may be infected with the virus and under quarantine, may have underlying conditions, or may have someone in their home who is immunocompromised.

Be respectful.

This press release was produced by the Livingston Township>. The views expressed here are the author’s own.