Board of Health Provides Recommendations for Halloween

Click here to get free, daily alerts for all your Westford news.

TO: Andrea Peraner-Sweet: Chair, Westford Select Board

FROM: Jeffrey P. Stephens, R.S. CP-FS, Health Director DATE: October 19, 2020

SUBJECT: Board of Health Halloween Recommendations

Dear Ms. Peraner-Sweet, On September 30, 2020, by a vote of 4-0, the Board of Health recommends that the Town of Westford adopt the CDC holiday guidance for Halloween with modifications.

If families choose to trick or treat, we recommend the following modifications.  Trick or Treaters stay in family units or known bubbles.

 Allow families to leave a house before the next one approaches.

 For those handing out candy, we recommend individually prepacked goodie bags to hand out on the porch or front steps.

 The Board recommends the use of gloves or tongs for handing out treats. (No communal bowls!)

 Maintain 6 feet from the entry doors of houses whenever possible.

 Face coverings or masks should be worn at all times while Trick or Treating.

 If you are sick with COVID-19, or you are under Isolation and/or Quarantine Orders, please stay home and please do not participate by handing out or receiving candy or treats.

 The Westford Health Department also recommends that all activities be carried out with all public safety guidance. Please be respectful of those not participating. Please do not go to houses when the lights are off. Furthermore: The Board strongly discourages:

 Parties of any type including costume parties.

 “Trunk or Treat” activities.

 Activities that foster risky behaviors. For more information on the CDC guidance go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html