With Halloween 2020 happening during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jackson City Council recently approved a resolution that sets trick-or-treat hours and safety recommendations for residents participating in this fall tradition.
The resolution establishes Halloween hours from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Residents wishing to participate in Halloween activities are encouraged to observe these hours for passing out treats or trick-or-treating. The following recommendations for safe Halloween activities were laid out in the approved resolution, based on guidelines from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS AND PARENTS:
- Stay home if you are sick.
- Maintain social distancing of at least six feet.
- Wear a cloth mask that covers both the mouth and nose. A costume mask does not provide adequate protection.
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer while trick-or-treating.
FOR RESIDENTS:
- If you intend to hand out treats, turn your porch light on as a sign of welcome. If you don’t wish to participate, turn off your porch light or exterior lighting.
- Mark six-foot lines on your front sidewalk or driveway so trick-or-treaters know to social distance as they wait for candy.
- Position a distribution table between yourself and trick-or-treaters to maintain distance.
- Leave treats on a table outside your home where trick-or-treaters can pick them up.
- Consider handing out treats in an open space where distancing is possible, rather than a front door.
Residents wanting further guidance on safe Halloween celebrations are directed to online information from MDHHS.