North Adams Sets Trick Or Treat Guidelines
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Trick-or-treat is a go as the city has set guidelines for Halloween this year.
Thursday morning the city announced that trick-or-treat hours will be held Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
G: Grab & Go Only
Participating residents should hand out treats in goodie bags or other contactless ways.
H: Have Fun
This should need no explanation!
O: Only Visit Participating Houses
Traditionally people leave on a light or decorate to signal they are participating; trick-or-treaters should respect those who choose not to participate.
S: Stay Close to Home
Participants should remain in a compact, walkable neighborhood as much as possible.
T: Take Your Mask
As with any public activity, trick-or-treaters should wear a cloth face covering to protect themselves and those with whom they come in contact; following CDC guidance, trick-or-treaters should not wear a costume mask over their cloth face covering.
While the city supports activities during the announced hours, the following activities are not recommended during the Halloween season:
- "Trunk or Treat" events at which children go from car to car instead of door to door to receive treats are not recommended.
- Gatherings or parties with non-household members are not recommended even if they are conducted outdoors.
- Carnivals, festivals, live entertainments, and haunted house attractions are not recommended.
- Observe good hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60 percent alcohol. Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy;
- Stay home and refrain from Halloween activities, including handing out Halloween treats, if they feel unwell, have tested positive for COVID-19 or been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have traveled to or from a higher risk state in the two weeks prior to Halloween; and
- Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from all other participants who are not members of the same household.
The CDC website also offers suggestions for other lower-risk alternatives to participate in Halloween.
"I know nothing says 'fun' like added rules and regulations," Bernard said. "And I want to be clear that if we experience a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases we might need to cancel Trick or Treat. For now, though, I hope our young people are looking forward to dressing up for Halloween, and I know I can't wait to see all the great costumes in my neighborhood, in a safe and socially distanced way of course."
Tags: Halloween, holiday event, trick-or-treat,