CLEVELAND — The City of Cleveland is discouraging residents from participating in trick-or-treating and Halloween festivities this year amid the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
On Wednesday in a notice sent out to residents, the city confirmed that trick-or-treating will be allowed from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. but that the city "strongly encourages" residents not participate.
Cleveland officials also announced the cancelation of the annual "Big City Boo" event due to COVID-19 concerns.
As an alternative, the city is offering grab-and go candy bags to residents and their children. The bags will be available at 18 of the city's Neighborhood Resource and Recreation Centers (NRRCs) on October 30 from 6 to 7 p.m.
The bags will not be available at the following locations:
- Halloran
- Sterling
- Hamilton
- Kovacic
- Camp Forbes
The city is asking residents that do decide to trick-or-treat to adhere to the guidelines outlined by the Ohio Department of Health for safely celebrating the holiday. The Department's safety measures include:
- Always wearing a face covering, maintaining a safe physical distance ( six feet) away from people not within your household, whether trick-or-treating, passing out treats or attending attractions or events.
- Do not substitute a costume mask 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.)
For more information on safe practices and the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic here in Ohio, click here.