Gov. Baker: Celebrate Halloween Outside; No Indoor Celebrations & Parties

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BOSTON – Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker said he would not cancel Halloween in Massachusetts, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Governor said however that individual cities and town could make their own rules, but that state wide he would not make that call.

Gov Baker did say he wants residents to celebrate Halloween outside.

“Indoor Halloween parties are a really bad idea,” Gov. Baker said.

“Indoor Halloween parties are, simply put, the wrong way to safely celebrate this particular holiday,” said the Massachusetts Governor.

Trick-or-treating is possible, with some safety precautions.

Trick or treaters should stay in very small groups.

Trick-or-treaters also should wear a face mask and practice social distancing.

Those handing out candy also should wear both a face mask and gloves.

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Consistent with the Halloween activity guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some things to keep in mind in celebrating Halloween this year include:

• Enjoy Halloween outside rather than attending indoor events.
• Place candy on a platter instead of a bowl
• Instead of traditional trick or treating, opt for one-way trick-or-treating, with treats placed outside of the home for trick-or-treaters as a “grab and go” while keeping distance from others.
• Consider leaving hand sanitizer by any treats left out for trick-or-treaters to use.
• Wear a face mask or face covering.  For more information on face masks and face coverings, please see the state’s Mask Up MA webpage.
  • A costume mask is not a substitute for a face mask or face covering.  To protect yourself and others, ensure you are wearing a protective face mask or covering instead of or in addition to a costume mask.  
• Observe good hand hygiene, including hand washing and use of alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol.  Carry hand sanitizer and use it often, especially after coming into contact with frequently touched surfaces and before eating candy.
• Refrain from touching your face.
• Decorate your yard for others to enjoy from their car or while on a socially-distanced walk.
• Hold virtual costume contests or pumpkin carving events.
• Celebrate with members of your household with a Halloween-themed meal, Halloween movie night, or by preparing a Halloween scavenger hunt.
• Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet of physical distance from all other participants who are not members of the same household.
• Avoid:
  • Attending crowded costume parties held indoors, or any gatherings that exceed indoor or outdoor gathering limits;
  • Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming; and
  • Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.
  • Stay home and refrain from Halloween activities, including handing out Halloween treats, if:
    • you feel unwell;
    • you have tested positive for COVID-19;
    • you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19; or
    • you have traveled to or from a state that is not classified as lower risk within the last 14 days.  For more information on lower risk states, please see the state’s COVID-19 Travel Order webpage. 

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