Trick or Treat Safety
- Trick or treating is considered a moderate risk activity.
- Stay home if you don’t feel well, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19!
Follow these safety guidelines for both neighbors and Trick or Treaters
Distance
- Neighbors: Prepare individually wrapped treat bags, and put them outside your door where Trick-or-Treaters can get them and stay distanced. Put treats out separately, rather than in a bowl. Do not allow or encourage Trick-
or-Treaters to knock on your door or ring your doorbell. - Trick-or-Treaters: Group only with members of your household. Keep 6 feet of distance from people not in your household, and do not share or trade treats. Please do not approach front doors, and instead pick up individual treats at a distance.
Face Covering
- Neighbors: Wear a face covering when preparing treat bags, when taking your treats outdoors, and if you are greeting trick or treaters, while maintaining 6 feet of distance.
- Trick-or-Treaters: You must wear a cloth face covering over your nose and mouth at all times while trick or treating. A costume mask is not a suitable substitute for a cloth face covering. Do not wear a costume mask over a cloth face covering because it makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth face covering.
Density
- Neighbors: Place your treats as close to the sidewalk or edge of your property as is practical to avoid crowding and congestion along narrow walkways or entryways.
- Trick-or-Treaters: Please don’t crowd porches, sidewalks, or entryways. Only one household at a time should go on a neighbor’s property for treats. Make sure your household group stays at least 6 feet away from other groups. Household groups need to take turns, so please be patient so everyone stays safe and has fun!
Hand Hygiene
- Neighbors: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing your treats, and anytime you take a break from preparation activities.
- Trick-or-Treaters: Wait until you get home before you eat any of your treats, and discard any that are unwrapped or damaged. Consider carrying hand sanitizer with you, and use it between households. Wash your hands well with soap and water when you get home.
Do not share costumes unless they are laundered first. Never share costume masks unless they are thoroughly sanitized.
Click here to download the Welcome sign and safety guidance (PDF)
NYS guidance document, click here (PDF)
Wishing everyone a safe and festive holiday season!