The year 2020 in it of itself been scary! A contagious virus, a remote school year. and numerous canceled events.
"It is different. COVID is on everyone’s minds," said Oakland County Spokesperson Bill Mullan.
It’s throwing into question, what all of this means for one of metro Detroit’s most beloved traditions. When we asked you on social media about whether you’d participate in trick or treating and passing out candy this year -- 46% of you said you wouldn't.
That means you can expect to see more porch lights off and signs in some front yards saying no candy because of COVID-19. More than half said they were still planning to stick with the Halloween shtick, many choosing to keep the tradition alive with a twist.
"We’re gonna fasten this so that we can just shoot candy down the shoot," explains Carey Gustafson.
"They can put their bag at the bottom and just grab it and take off," she explains. Carey Gustafson of Oak Park building a contraption so creative, frankly it's spooky!
"We ran in the basement and got a couple of long boxes and put it together and wrapped it and painted it up," said Gustafson.
She’s not the only one vying to be the ghostess with the mostest this year.
"They’ll say trick or treat, I’ll let them know, take, have your pick, pick a skewer, take a candy bag," said Jennifer Block in Roseville.
Jennifer Block will have this sweet surprise waiting for spellbound candy hunters on Haggerty in Roseville, putting in extra hours packaging candy into a more COVID-friendly grab-n-go option.
"With the year that we’ve had," said Block. "If we can create something safe that they can do and their parents won’t have to worry, then why not."
So do you have to worry? Well the CDC and most health departments across metro Detroit consider trick or treating a high-risk activity, but they know, that won't stop many.
"It’s clear to us that people really want to trick or treat this year especially after being so confined for months," said Mullan. "We just want people to do it within a safe way. We’re recommending that you only go out with members of your household this year."
Wear a face mask, a costume mask is not a substitute and if you’re passing out candy, be safe.
"Set up a table on your driveway," said Mullan.
A table can help you keep your distance. Disinfect it or use a clean tablecloth.
Steer clear of the communal candy bowl - if you can’t do the individual candy bags, then sanitize your hands and spread the candy out spaced apart for quick grabbing.
And if your house is the kind that gets a crowd, then you’ll need the duct tape to measure and then mark waiting spots that are six feet apart.
Ultimately, if you do the work to stay safe, the end result will be just as sweet!
"It’s all about the smile," said Block. "You know, watching their faces."
Here is a list of links with more tips for a safe Halloween:
CDC:
State of Michigan
Oakland County:
Detroit:
You can also check with your city.
