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The following is a press release from the City of Framingham submitted to SOURCE media

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FRAMINGHAM – Many traditional Halloween activities can be high-risk for spreading viruses. Therefore, the City will not host its traditional Spooktacular Trick-or-Treating event at City Hall this year to limit gatherings and help reduce COVID-19 transmission.

However, there is still spooky fun to be had! Framingham’s Parks and Recreation team will conduct a COVID-19-friendly drive-through Pumpkins in the Park event, and the City Library is planning several virtual Halloween activities for the entire family.

While we must do things differently to protect ourselves, family, and friends, there are other ways to celebrate Halloween. If you have COVID-19 or may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.

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According to the CDC, below are lower risk activities:

  • Carve or decorate pumpkins with members of your household and display them
  • Decorate your house, apartment, or living space
  • Do a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed things to look for while they walk outdoors, admiring Halloween decorations at a distance
  • Have a Halloween movie night with people you live with
  • Conduct a virtual Halloween costume contest
  • Have a scavenger hunt-style trick-or-treat search with your household members in or around your home rather than going house to house

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“We have had to make many changes this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is still much we can do to celebrate time-honored holidays, like Halloween, while staying safe,” said Mayor Yvonne M. Spicer. “I believe it’s possible to enjoy the festivities while protecting ourselves and loved by changing our regular Halloween activities with a few new ones, and perhaps we can create some new traditions at the same time.”

By editor

Susan Petroni is the former editor for SOURCE. She is the founder of the former news site, which as of May 1, 2023, is now a self-publishing community bulletin board. The website no longer has a journalist but a webmaster.