By JULIE CUNNINGHAM
(Orange, MA) Trick-or-treating this year will look a little different with the COVID-19 pandemic. Orange announced today trick-or-treating guidelines for October 31. Trick-or-treating will take place between 5pm-8pm. Trick-or-treaters should observe social distancing guidelines and stay within their family unit. Halloween costume masks are not sufficient COVID-19 masks according to the CDC, and anyone wearing a costume should also wear a COVID-19 mask. Anyone handing out candy should use individually wrapped goodie bags and use the end of the driveaway or yard instead of having trick-or-treaters come to the house and anyone who feels sick should stay home. The “light on light off” rule applies and trick-or-treaters should not approach any house or business without a light on or a visible person handing out candy.
The Northfield Selectboard also released guidelines for trick-or-treating in that area. Residents should wear gloves while distributing candy and not allow children to reach into a bowl and pick candy themselves. One way trick-or-treating with social distancing guidelines is encouraged and anyone exposed to COVID-19 or possibly exposed to COVID-19 should stay home.