WORCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — The City of Worcester has announced door-to-door trick-or-treating this Halloween will be prohibited due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the City's announcement on Friday, Worcester remains at high risk for the transmission of COVID-19.
"Following CDC guidance, the City of Worcester is prohibiting door-to-door trick-or-treating this year," the City said. "The CDC has a number of creative alternatives to observe and enjoy the holiday without putting yourself and others at risk."
The U.S. Center for Disease Control says while many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses, there are several safer, alternative ways to participate in Halloween.
The CDC said these lower-risk activities can be safe alternatives:
- Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household and displaying them
- Carving or decorating pumpkins outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends
- Decorating your house, apartment, or living space
- Doing a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
- Having a virtual Halloween costume contest
- Having a Halloween movie night with people you live with
- Having a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house
The City of Worcester said residents could also host small outdoor open-air costume parades where people are more than six feet apart. For any moderate risk activities, like Haunted Forests, hay-rides, and open-air movies with other people, the City said "face coverings are recommended, especially where screaming may occur."
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(Photo: City of Worcester/Facebook)