Cattaraugus County Halloween Guidelines
Halloween Guidelines
Cattaraugus County Health Department shares Halloween Celebration Guidelines during COVID-19.
Trick-or-treating events need to incorporate social distancing, masking, and proper handwashing, as well as adherence to event size limitations. As a reminder, anyone who thinks they could have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters. Individuals at increased risk for severe illness should not attend in-person Halloween gatherings.
NEIGHBORHOOD TRICK-OR-TREATING:
1. Anyone distributing candy or treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before distributing the candy and when replenishing.
2. All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy, should maintain social distance of at least 6 feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please ensure this does not create breathing problems, and if so, discard the costume mask.
3. Household members should trick-or-treat together, and they should maintain 6-feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are discouraged.
4. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used as necessary.
5. Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after handwashing. As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is wrapped and should discard unwrapped candy.
6. And, of course, practice good dental hygiene as well.
7. Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, like apartment buildings, present greater risk of COVID-19 transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation.
For more information regarding trick-or-treat guidelines visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween