Important Health and Safety Trick-or-Treating Information

Halloween is not a City sanctioned event, but a national holiday known for its popular trick-or-treating activity on October 31. The City establishes a specific time frame (6-8 p.m.) for trick-or-treating, to safely coordinate foot and vehicular traffic patterns.

Due to COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has categorized trick-or-treating and trunk-or-treating as high-risk activities. The CDC urges individuals to participate in lower risk activities such as virtual Halloween costume contests or celebrations with individuals within your same household. For a complete list of lower-risk celebrations visit the CDC website at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween

Trick-or-treating is a personal choice for both trick-or-treaters and residents. If you do decide to participate in this activity, only go to households with the porch light on and follow these CDC safety measures:

•A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave gaps around the face.

•Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has also outlined safety protocols for trick-or-treating. https://www.michigan.gov/documents/coronavirus/Halloween_Guidance_703282_7.pdf

Please also keep in mind the Central Michigan District Health Department’s Public Health Emergency Order which limits outdoor group sizes to 25 people or less within the City of Mt. Pleasant and Union Township.

As always, individuals should continue to wear a face mask, practice social distancing, and follow gathering guidelines.

In addition to COVID-19 safety protocols, trick-or-treaters should follow these standard safety tips:

• Remain on well-lit streets, and use sidewalks.
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children.
• Look both ways before crossing the street, and use crosswalks.
• Carry a flashlight and/or wear reflective clothing.

Updates from health officials will be provided if they become available.