Mecklenburg County releases Halloween ‘Do’s and Don’ts' amid pandemic

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — There is good news for parents, and especially little ones, who are looking forward to Halloween this year -- Mecklenburg County will allow some activities, but they do want you to be careful.

The county health department presented a list of “Do’s and Don’ts” during Tuesday night’s commission meeting.

Mecklenburg County Health Director Gibbie Harris suggested that if families are planning to give out candy, they should individually wrap candy in goodie bags. Then, place those bags outside six feet away from your door to minimize your contact with trick-or-treaters.

If you have decided trick-or-treating is just too risky, Harris said families could plan a movie night in, a scavenger hunt or carve pumpkins.

She also explained some of the things you should avoid on Halloween night.

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“The don’ts really have to do with gatherings,” Harris said. “Hosting parties, neighborhood block parties, crowded costume parties.”

Harris went on to say that includes trunk-or-treating events and crowded bars or restaurants that are holding events.

While Harris encourages people to still dress in costumes, she wants people to realize that wearing a Halloween mask is not the same as a face covering. You still need to wear both.

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HALLOWEEN DOS AND DON’TS:

DO:

• Carve pumpkins and decorate your home with your family; drive around and check out your neighbor’s decorations as well
• Host a virtual Halloween costume party -Make individually wrapped candy available or individually wrapped goodie bags
• Wash your hands before and after preparing bags
• Space out candy or goodie bags in a safe place outside, preferably 6 feet from your door -Wear your favorite costume and a cloth face covering to your favorite socially distancing restaurant with your family
• Make and enjoy your favorite fall beverage and foods at home with your family -Create a scavenger hunt in your yard for your own children
• Wear your favorite costume and have a Halloween movie night with your family.

DON’T:

• Host or attend large neighborhood pumpkin carving or block parties, haunted houses or festivals
• Host or attend crowded costume parties or events -Participate in traditional trick-or-treating in crowded areas, self-selecting candy, or touching of candy or candy dishes
• Go to crowded bars or restaurants that are not adhering to capacity limits, mask wearing or other COVID-19 safety guidance
• Ask the bartender for a drink after 11PM
• Host “trunk” or treat events
• Substitute a Halloween costume mask for a face covering or exchange masks or coverings with anyone else.

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