Trick-or-treating guidelines released for Lansing and East Lansing

THURSDAY, Oct. 15 — Still going out on Halloween for some trick-or-treating action, and want to make it as safe as possible? Lansing and East Lansing have released guidelines on how to properly celebrate the spooky holiday. Lansing also announced family-friendly events that will be fun and still employ the necessary safety precautions.

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor announced that official hours for trick-or-treating in Lansing are on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. These hours will also be observed by East Lansing.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, MDHHS, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, have issued guidance on how to appropriately celebrate Halloween during the coronavirus pandemic. Please note that the CDC considers trick-or-treating a high-risk activity. The MDHHS encourages individuals to host virtual parties in place of in-person Halloween gatherings. The Ingham County Health Department’s emergency order restricts indoor gatherings to no more than 10 people, and outdoor gathers to no more than 25. Regardless, all gatherings require attendees from different households to maintain a distance of 6 feet.

 Tips for trick-or-treaters and parents:

• Share with your children that this year may be different than last but let them know some of the new ways you plan to celebrate and still have lots of fun.
• Talk with children about safety and social distancing guidelines and expectations. Keep a six-foot distance from others not in your group.
• Participate in one-way trick-or-treating and guide children to stay to the right to ensure social distancing.
• Trick-or-treat with people you live with.
• Avoid congregating in groups around houses.
• Wear a facemask covering both mouth and nose.
• A costume mask (such as for Halloween) is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
• Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask if wearing both causes difficulty breathing. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask.
• Only go to houses with safety measures in place.
• Check out halloween2020.org to find exciting activities and ways to celebrate Halloween this year based on levels of COVID risks in your area.

 Tips for homeowners:

• Use duct tape to mark six-foot lines in front of home and leading to the driveway/front door.
• Position a distribution table between yourself and trick-or-treaters.
• Distribute candy on a disinfected table to eliminate direct contact.
• Consider handing out candy in an open space where distancing is possible, rather than from the front door.
• Consider a neighborhood costume parade; it is an easy way to keep safe space between children.

Halloween events in Lansing:

Drive-Thru Halloween

Join the Lansing Parks and Recreation Department for Drive-Thru Halloween and trick-or-treating. Approximately 40 vendors will be set up along the driving route giving out candy and other resources. Blue Cross Blue Shield will be on-site to provide free flu shots. Details will be posted at www.lansingmi.gov/parks.

Saturday, Oct. 31, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Frances Park, 2701 Moores River Dr., Lansing

Trunk-or-Treat Drive-Thru

Join the Lansing Police Department and Lansing Fire Department for drive-thru trunk-or-treating. LPD and LFD personnel will be handing out small bags of candy. McGruff the "Crime Dog" will be on-site, wishing everyone a safe and happy Halloween.

Saturday, Oct. 31, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.

LPD Ops. Center, 5815 Wise Rd. Lansing

Souls to the Polls Drive-Thru Trunk-or-Treat

Join the City Clerk's Office for drive-thru trick-or-treating, food trucks, music and giveaways. Residents may also register to vote, vote early and/or drop off their ballots during the event.

Saturday, Oct. 31, noon to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The South Washington Office Complex, 2500 S. Washington, Lansing