Great Lakes Wire

City of East Grand Rapids issued the following announcement.

In East Grand Rapids, trick-or-treating typically takes place on the evening of Oct. 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. — however, Halloween will look a little different this year. 

Due to COVID-19, the CDC advises against traditional trick-or-treating, fall events and haunted houses. A list of recommended alternative activities are listed on its website. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has also released similar recommendations based on our state’s risk level. Take a look through The Only Thing Scary About Halloween Should be the Costumes.

If your family and/or your neighborhood chooses to trick-or-treat, we ask that you continue practicing social distancing and wear a mask, although outside, due to increased contact and density. Halloween2020.org has additional recommendations and festivity modifications based on the risk level in each county to help keep everyone safe and healthy. 

Please note that Halloween festivities are not organized by the City of East Grand Rapids. You can contact Public Safety at 616.949.7010 with any questions or concerns. 

In the true spirit of Halloween, extra fun and spooky creativity has swept the nation so that everyone can enjoy the holiday safely. Take a look:

• Ohio man creates 'candy chute' to provide social distance, normalcy for trick-or-treaters 
• Scavenger hunts, treats dangling from a tree and Covid-19 maps: Candy makers get creative to save Halloween
• 10 doctor-approved ways for kids to celebrate Halloween during COVID

Public Safety also reminds parents of the following regular precautions and asks that you share them with your children. 

Young children should:

• Be accompanied by an adult at all times
• Have their name, address and phone number on their costume
• Not try to keep up with the “big kids” and venture off

 Older children should:

• Take a pre-established route in a known neighborhood and have a curfew
• Remain on sidewalks and not trampling across yards
• Cross streets at the corner, NOT between parked cars
• Trick-or-treat in (socially-distanced) groups and remain together before crossing the street
• Only go to well-lit houses and do not enter any homes

 Other special notes:

• Costumes should be flame-retardant, fit properly and marked with reflective tape.
• All participants should carry flashlights and wear some sort of reflective clothing to caution drivers at dusk — even glowsticks will help.
• Avoid oversized shoes, high heels, trailing skirts or pants your child could trip on.
• If you light a jack-o-lantern with a candle, use "votive" candles as they are the safest.
• Place lighted pumpkins on a sturdy table, away from curtains and other flammable objects. Never leave them unattended.
• Tell children to bring all their treats home, so a parent can check them out. Look for signs of tampering such as small pinholes in wrappers and torn or loose packaging. Remember, small items like gum, peanuts, hard candy, or small toys can pose choking hazards for young children.
• Remove any hazards, garden hoses, toys, bikes, lawn decorations, leaves, etc. that a child could trip over from your yard. Make sure your house entrance is well-lit and replace any burned-out bulbs.
• If you are out driving on Halloween, drive slowly, watch for children and exit driveways with care.

Original source can be found here.