UPDATE 10/20/21: In addition to the safety tips released by the City of East Lansing, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has released its guidance on best practices to safely celebrate Halloween.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — This Halloween, trick-or-treating hours in the City of East Lansing’s residential neighborhoods will be from 6-8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 31.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, those who choose to participate in Halloween activities and/or trick-or-treating are strongly encouraged to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Ingham County Health Department regarding crowd sizes, masking and social distancing.
Ingham County is currently an area with a high level of COVID-19 transmission and, as such, the CDC advises that community members should consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated. Costume masks are not a substitute for cloth masks and costume masks should not be worn over or under cloth masks as it could make it difficult to breathe.
In addition to masking and social distancing, those participating in trick-or-treating should also consider using hand sanitizer when out and washing their hands for at least 20 seconds when they arrive home, especially prior to enjoying treats.
Residents who choose to distribute candy may also want to consider wearing masks and distributing treats outdoors. Distributing treats on a disinfected table is also an option for minimizing contact with trick-or-treaters. Residents who do not feel comfortable distributing candy during East Lansing’s designated trick-or-treat hours should keep their porch lights off.
Community members are also reminded of these traditional trick-or-treating safety tips adapted from various sources:
- Plan costumes that are bright and/or reflective and consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes or treat bags for greater visibility.
- Make sure costumes are the right size to prevent trips and falls.
- Make sure all costumes, wigs and accessories are flame-resistant.
- Make sure children under the age of 12 are supervised by adults when trick-or-treating.
- Walk on sidewalks and paths when at all possible and look both ways before crossing streets.
- Remind children not to enter a stranger’s house or car.
- Have children bring treats home for adult inspection before they are eaten.
- Motorists are advised to exercise caution and travel at low speeds while driving during trick-or-treating hours.
For questions or concerns regarding trick-or-treating, please contact the East Lansing Police Department at (517) 351-4220, option 1. In an emergency, call 911.