LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ — This year Halloween will be different due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Town officials last week announced that Halloween activities can proceed, but with caution.
Town officials have urged community members to adopt safer ways to celebrate Halloween this year. They released guidelines and public health recommendations shared by the New Jersey Department of Health.
Masks are mandatory for trick or treaters. And no, costume masks don’t count. Trick or treaters should avoid crowded spaces and limit interactions with those not from their households. Lawrence residents who have a household member exposed to COVID should not participate in activities.
For Trick-Or-Treaters
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Trick-or-treaters should limit their groups to household members.
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Consider staying local.
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Limit the number of houses you visit.
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Social distancing should be practiced by all who are not from the same household.
For Households Putting Out Treats:
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Limit interaction with trick-or-treaters.
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Wear a mask when someone’s at the door, and regularly wash hands.
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A better option is to leave a treat bowl on the porch, table or in a place where it can be easily accessed while adhering to social distancing rules.
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You can also arrange individually packaged candy so that trick-or-treaters can grab and go without accessing a shared bowl.
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Consider coordinating with neighbors to develop a system, such as signs or on/off porch lights, for distinguishing houses participating in trick-or-treating from those that do not wish to participate.
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All candy should be commercially packaged and non-perishable.
For Outdoor Trunk Or Treating
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Limit the number of participating cars.
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Make sure the outdoor area has sufficient space per car to avoid overcrowding and to allow social distancing.
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Follow outdoor gathering limitations.
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Consider having assigned times or shifts to minimize crowds.
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Wear a face mask. Children under two should not wear a cloth mask.
Halloween Parties
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Avoid large indoor or outdoor parties. Follow crowd limitation guidelines set by the town.
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Avoid participating in activities that require close contact and shared items like bobbing for apples
Haunted houses, hayrides, and corn mazes:
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Wear a cloth or disposable mask.
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Avoid indoor haunted houses. A better option would be to host an outdoor haunted house without live performers.
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Hayrides should limit the number of passengers per ride. Shared materials should be cleaned and sanitized after each use.
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Corn mazes should only permit individuals to proceed in one direction. Limit occupancy according to the applicable restrictions in effect. Avoid use of shared materials.
Here are some safe activities you can organize and participate in if not venturing outside.
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An online costume party.
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A drive through event where individuals remain in their vehicles and drive through the neighborhood with Halloween displays.
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Carving pumpkins with the family.
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Decorating homes and yards with Halloween-themed decorations.
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Halloween -themed movie night with family
Lawrence Township is also organizing a Halloween House Decorating Contest. The judging will be done by the Recreation Advisory Committee between Monday to Friday, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The winner will be judged by best overall presentation.
The winner will be announced on Nov. 6 and will receive a gift card from a local business.
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This article originally appeared on the Lawrenceville Patch
