October 23, 2020 – With Halloween just over a week away, the City of Midland reminds residents of its September statement about trick-or-treating in the City amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Halloween is a nationally-recognized celebration. The City provides general guidelines each year for trick-or-treating times – every October 31 from 6 – 8 p.m. – but does not organize nor orchestrate any activities or events related to Halloween. The City has no legal authority to “cancel” Halloween or restrict the free movement of its residents during this celebration. Residents can trick-or-treat in the community if desired.
Halloween 2020 trick-or-treating hours in the City of Midland will take place on Saturday, October 31 from 6 – 8 p.m. Should residents choose to participate, the City encourages all ghouls and goblins to adhere to current public health directives and recommendations from the Midland County Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the State of Michigan, including:
- Wear a mask or facial covering – the scarier, the better!;
- Observe six (6) feet of physical distance from others who live outside of your household;
- Avoid participating in trick-or-treating if you or someone in your household has a positive case of COVID-19;
- Avoid participating in trick-or-treating if you or someone in your household is currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19; and
- Any other guidance from public health officials.
The Midland Police Department offers a few additional tips for ensuring safety during trick-or-treating:
- Dress your child in light-colored, reflective clothing.
- If your child is going to wear a mask, make sure the eye holes are large enough to avoid visual obstruction.
- Adults should accompany children.
- Bring a flashlight.
- Cross the street only at corners.
- Have an adult check candy and other treats before they are eaten.
For the latest updates and information regarding the statewide response to COVID-19, please visit www.michigan.gov/coronavirus.