CLEVELAND — As the COVID-19 numbers continue to rise in Ohio, the city of Cleveland is urging residents not to participate in trick-or-treating this year.
However, if residents in the city choose to trick-or-treat or pass out candy, you will be able to do so from the hours of 6-8 p.m.
But they are asking these people to follow the rules that our outlined in the "Ohio Department of Health's Celebrating Halloween" guidelines.
The list of regulations includes:
- Always wear a face covering and stay 6 feet away from people who are not from your household, whether trick-or-treating, passing out treats or attending attractions or events.
- 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 it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
- If you may have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.
- Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.
- If taking your children trick-or-treating, limit the number of houses you visit and ask your children to stay as far from treat-givers as possible. For small children, consider holding the bag for them.
- Wipe off candy wrappers with sanitizing wipes when you arrive home. (NOTE: Never wipe unpackaged food with wipes.)
If you decide that you do not want to participate in the traditional way of trick-or-treating, the city is offering "grab-and-go candy bags" for kids.
These candy bags will be available tonight from 6-7 p.m. at the 18 open City of Cleveland Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Centers (NRRCs).