The Ohio Department of Health discouraged people from Trick-or-Treat celebrations due to COVID. ODH suggested communities cancel many popular Halloween activities, including Trick-or-Treat. Near the top of the state’s guidelines it reads, It is strongly recommended that Ohioans exercise caution when deciding to participate in trick-or-treating and events that put them in close contact with people outside their households.”
Scioto County Commissioners scheduled Trick-or-Treat for October 31 from 5 to 7 pm. Trick-or-Treat, Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis explained that the Trick-or-Treat experience is special to parents and children. He also pointed out that other events are permitted this fall. “If we can have Trade Days, we can have Trick-or-Treat. Kids are already wearing masks.”
The Ohio Department of Health also suggested canceling hayrides and haunted houses. In their place, it requested Ohioans turn to socially distant celebrations.
Socially Distant Celebrations
ODH offered suggestions for alternatives to Trick-or-Treat and other traditional Halloween festivities:
- Drive-through or drive-in Trick-or-Treat events with an emphasis on maintaining social distance.
- Drive-by costume and car-decorating contests with physically-distanced judges
- Leaving treats on the porch for friends and neighbors
- Hiding treats at home in the same fashion as Easter eggs.
- Online costume parties and events.
If you ignore the advice to avoid in-person events, ODH suggests you hold gatherings outdoors and limit attendance to 10 or fewer people. Skip activities such as bobbing for apples that bring people in close contact. Keep your face mask on and use plenty of hand sanitizer.
Trick-Or-Treat Tips
For families that choose to participate in Trick-or-Treat, ODH suggests that you reach out to neighbors to come up with ways to ensure physical distancing. Don’t allow children to take treats from a common bowl. Place them on the steps or a table in the driveway with a sign asking children to take only one. Other suggestions include using a slide made of PVC pipe to deliver candy or hanging treats from a wall or fence.