The City wants everyone to steer clear of risky Halloween plans this week
Today, the City of Cambridge shared that it’s keeping the ban on City-run community events, park permits, and other public gatherings sponsored by the City until December 31, 2020. Since March 16, 2020, no events have been allowed through the special events approval process. This pause is part of their efforts to help stop COVID-19 from spreading.
With Halloween coming up, the City reminds folks that many usual Halloween activities are considered higher risk for spreading viruses according to the CDC. If you’re thinking about celebrating, you’re strongly encouraged to follow advice from both the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and CDC. The goal is to stick with lower or moderate risk activities so everyone stays safer from COVID-19. Remember that any Halloween get-togethers must follow current limits on group sizes set by both state and local rules plus any workplace safety guidelines for certain businesses. According to the City’s Temporary Emergency Order about Gatherings dated October 2, 2020, outdoor gatherings at event spots or public areas can’t have more than 50 people in one place at a time. Also under another order from October 2 delaying Step 2 of Phase III reopening in Cambridge, only businesses allowed under Phase III Step 1 can open with approved capacity limits.
This year for Halloween, folks are really encouraged to stay home and skip going door-to-door.
The CDC splits Halloween fun into higher, moderate, and lower risk categories. They recommend avoiding higher-risk stuff and sticking mostly with low or medium-risk options instead.
Here are some lower-risk ideas:
Carving or decorating pumpkins with just your household
Pumpkin carving or decorating outside while keeping distance from neighbors or friends
Putting up decorations around your home
Doing a scavenger hunt where kids walk outside looking for Halloween-themed things while staying apart
Hosting a virtual costume contest online
Watching a Halloween movie night only with people you live with
Having a trick-or-treat style scavenger hunt inside your home with just your household
Moderate-risk stuff includes:
One-way trick-or-treating where pre-packaged goodie bags are set out for families to take quickly. Some tips:
Wash your hands well (at least 20 seconds) before and after making treat bags.
Put bags at driveway ends or yard edges; maybe leave hand sanitizer nearby for kids.
Kids should avoid eating candy during trick-or-treating; once they get home they should wash their hands. If worried about virus on wrappers, think about waiting three days before eating candy. Toss any candy not wrapped individually.
Small outdoor costume parades where everyone stays over six feet apart
Outdoor costume parties where masks are worn and people keep distance beyond six feet
Outdoor movie nights with local family friends spaced out properly
Avoid these higher-risk activities:
Traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating handing out treats directly
Trunk-or-treat events handing out goodies from car trunks lined up in parking lots
Crowded indoor costume parties
Going inside haunted houses packed tight where people might scream close together
Hayrides or tractor rides with people outside your household
Remember to keep at least six feet away from anyone not in your household when you’re out and about, wash hands often, and wear masks anytime you’re in public places or common areas of apartment buildings. Public spaces mean sidewalks, streets, parks, plazas, bus stops as well as parking lots open to everyone. Costume masks don’t count as face coverings-you still need a proper mask.
You can see the full details on Temporary Emergency Restrictions about Public Meetings and Events due to COVID-19 here.
For updates and more info on COVID-19 in Cambridge visit: https://www. cambridgema. gov/covid19
