PEABODY — Calling all ghosts, goblins, monsters and demons. There will be trick-or-treating on Halloween this year in Peabody after all.
Mayor Ted Bettencourt announced, in a robo call to residents, set forth city’s recommendations for celebrating Halloween this year.
“Many residents have contacted my office with questions about Halloween, specifically for guidance on how best to celebrate the holiday safely during this public health emergency,” Bettencourt said. “After consulting with Peabody’s Director of Public Health (Sharon Cameron), and reviewing guidelines from the state and Center for Disease Control (CDC), we are offering recommendations for a safe and healthy Halloween.”
Bettecnourt said trick-or-treating is considered a safer alternative to hosting Halloween parties that are strongly discouraged this year. Trick-or treating should take place on Halloween night (Saturday, Oct. 31) at its traditional time, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Parents should accompany their children whenever possible and keep groups to no larger than 10 people. Large indoor gatherings of any kind are also discouraged.
Everyone should wear a mask as well as carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently-touched surfaces and before eating candy or other treats. Residents are to observe social-distancing guidelines and stay at least six feet apart from others.
The Peabody Department of Public Health (DPH) reminds residents that Halloween masks are not a substitute for face coverings.
Residents who do not wish to participate in handing out treats are advised to turn off their outdoor lights and trick-or-treaters are advised to honor residents’ wishes.
Candy should be individually wrapped in grab-and-go-type bags. Residents are discouraged from handing out candy from bowls or allowing children to help themselves to bowls of unwrapped candy. If you plan to hand out candy, provide individually wrapped grab-and-go goodie bags rather than candy from a bowl.
In a recent post on its website, the DPH advised all residents to stay home and refrain from Halloween activities if you do not feel well; if you have tested positive for COVID-19; if you have been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 or if you have traveled to or from any state not classified as lower risk within the last 14 days.
The DPH says anyone wishing additional information should go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween.
“I hope these guidelines are helpful to you and your family and I wish you a very happy, safe, and healthy Halloween,” Bettencourt said. “I think Halloween is a time for families and friends to be together to celebrate and create some wonderful memories. During these days, we all need some moments to enjoy life, particularly the kids.”
