Michigan health officials weigh in on Halloween

State health officials have issued guidelines on how to have a safe Halloween during the coronavirus pandemic and it doesn’t completely rule out trick-or-treating.

The advisory from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) dovetails with those put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention earlier this week. But while the CDC labels trick-or-treating a high-risk activity, the MDHHS gives guidance on how to do it safely.

They include tips for parents:

• Talk to your kids about social distancing
• Participate in one-way trick-or-treating where children pick up candy from houses without interacting with people
• Avoid groups of people
• Wear a protective face covering
• Only visit houses with safety measures in place

They also have tips for people who want to hand out candy this Halloween:

• Mark six-foot distances on the ground in front of your home
• Set up a table between yourself and visiting trick-or-treaters
• Set candy out so kids can take their own without getting close to you

The MDHHS also encourages virtual Halloween parties and other measures that allow people to celebrate without getting together in person.

You can read the full news release here.