The City of Springfield is making this announcement as early as possible to give families and organizations proper time and notice to plan for safe and fun Halloween events.
Below are the recommendations and guidance from the City of Springfield’s Department of Health and Human Services for everyone to have a fun and safe Halloween.
- Strongly encourages everyone to keep wearing their masks and face coverings
- A costume mask is not a substitute
- Avoid confined spaces, large gatherings and maintain social distancing
- Wash or sanitize your hands often
- Parents, please supervise your children using hand sanitizer
- Wash your hands when you get home with soap and water before you eat any treats
- Clean frequently touched items regularly
- For houses participating and handing out candy, do not allow trick or treaters to grab treats from the bowl or bag. You should be handing out treats and putting them into their bags or buckets
- If possible, have individually bagged treats to give out to kids
- If possible, hand out and give treats outdoors and not by your door
- This will help reduce gatherings in confined spaces – doorways, porches, steps, etc.
- If you are sick, or been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19 stay home, and away from others
In addition, the City of Springfield encourages groups and organizations to hold COVID-19 safe events, such as Halloween drive by, drive through, drive in, and/or car parade events.
Mayor Sarno and HHS Commissioner Caulton-Harris stated, “We want everyone to have a fun but yet safe Halloween experience. We have all worked so hard throughout this COVID-19 pandemic but we must remain vigilant if we are to defeat this virus. Although our vaccination rates continue to steadily improve, we still have a long way to go, especially with vaccinating our younger population. We must be smart and safe in order to continue to build public, consumer, and business confidence. If everyone follows these simple but yet proven and effective precautions, we can all enjoy a fun and safe Halloween.”
The City of Springfield will continue to monitor COVID-19 cases and vaccination rates in the City, the Commonwealth and the nation, and will issue additional guidance and recommendations in the future if needed. For more information, please visit the City of Springfield’s website at www.springfield-ma.gov