Here's How Michigan Health Officials Say You Can Celebrate Halloween Safely

Approaching Halloween, state officials are stressing guidelines to ensure safe celebrations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services wants people to remain at least six feet from others, wear a mask over the nose and mouth, washing hands or sanitizing often and more.

Officials also outlined trick-or-treat tips for homeowners, including to avoid direct contact and distribute candy in an open space rather than at the door.

“The way we celebrate Halloween in Michigan will be different this year due to COVID-19,” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said in a Local4 story. “However, there are still many ways to celebrate safely. The guidance MDHHS issued today provides tips for trick-or-treaters and their parents along with homeowners who wish to hand out treats.”

Last week, the City of Detroit also announced guidelines to encourage safe Halloween celebrations, including for trick-or-treaters, homeowners and businesses hosting Halloween events.

“Detroiters have done a great job following safety protocols and keeping our city among the lowest infection rates in Michigan,” Mayor Mike Duggan said in a news release. “Community activities like Halloween present opportunities for spread, so the Health Department has laid out some very sensible guidelines for families to follow to keep our children safe this year."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has deemed trick-or-treating a higher-risk activity, relative to some lower-risk Halloween alternatives, including pumpkin carving, decorating and trick-or-treating in a scavenger-hunt style.

State officials advise people to opt for virtual parties rather than hosting in-person gatherings, which should include no more than 10 people and should still maintain social distancing and masks.

Visit halloween2020.org to make decisions based on COVID-19 risk levels broken down county-by-county in each state.

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