Fall is officially here, which means Halloween and trick-or-treat are not far behind. Given current health concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, trick-or-treat will continue as planned, but with some new safety recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health and Franklin County Public Health.
General Trick-or-Treat/Beggar's Night Information
- Date: Thursday, October 29
- Time: 6-8 p.m.
- Location: Throughout Whitehall
COVID-19 Trick-or-Treat Health Safety Guidelines
Ohio Department of Health Guidance | Franklin County Public Health Guidance | MORPC Guidance
When trick-or-treating:
- Trick-or-treat at your own risk. Those who are at a greater risk of contracting or having complications from COVID-19 should consult a physician before trick-or-treating.
- Stay home if you are sick or if you have recently been in contact with an individual suspected of having COVID-19.
- Wear a face covering. A costume mask is not a substitute for a face mask that covers the nose and mouth.
- Socially distance. Remain six feet away from people who are not from your household. When coming up to a home where other guests are already visiting, be sure to wait and give the other group enough time and space to safely pass.
- Trick-or-treat with those in your own home. Limit your Trick-or-Treat groups to less than 10 individuals total.
- Wipe down candy wrappers when you get home, and avoid any homemade treats or unwrapped candy. Never attempt to wipe down or sanitize unpackaged food.
- Bring hand sanitizer as you trick-or-treat and wash your hands when you get home.
When passing out candy:
- Wear a face mask.
- Consider ways to socially distance from the trick-or-treaters. This may include placing a table outside your door to use to pass candy to trick-or-treaters.
- Avoid allowing trick-or-treaters to grab candy from a collective bowl. Consider pre-bagging candy for trick-or-treaters to grab, or hanging treats on a wall or from a tree.
- Turn off exterior lights if you prefer to not participate in passing out candy this year.
General Trick-or-Treat Safety Tips
- Watch for traffic, obey all traffic signs, look before crossing the street and never cross between parked cards or in the middle of the block. Walk instead of running between houses.
- Make sure your costume fits appropriately and does not create a tripping or visibility hazard.
- Carry flashlights or add reflective elements to your costume.
- Only visit well lit houses and never enter a stranger's house without a trusted adult.
- For drivers: Drive safely and slow down!