Halloween Coronavirus Guidelines Released By Ohio Officials

COLUMBUS, OH — Health and safety guidelines for trick-or-treating have been released by the Ohio Department of Health.

Gov. Mike DeWine and state officials said the decision to pursue trick-or-treating will be left to local communities. However, health officials are urging Ohioans to use caution while celebrating Halloween.

If families are doing a traditional trick-or-treating evening on Halloween, parents should carry hand sanitizer and have children use it frequently. Families should not use large bowls to distribute candy, but find something creative (like a pipe) to pass candy safely to children.

Here's a sample of the guidance and ideas for Halloween activities:

• Cities are urged to cancel hayrides and haunted houses
• Do not hold an indoor trick-or-treating event
• Do not hold in-person Halloween parties
• Hold online pumpkin carving contests
• Do a reverse Halloween, with neighbors leaving candy in mailboxes for kids
• Consider holding a drive-thru trick-or-treat event
• Hold a drive-by costume or car decorating contest

Some cities have already announced the intention to move forward with a traditional trick-or-treating event on Halloween.

To see the state's full Halloween safety guidance, visit the Ohio Department of Health website.