With Halloween 2020 happening during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jackson City Council recently approved a resolution that sets trick-or-treat hours and safety recommendations for residents participating in this fall tradition. 

The resolution establishes Halloween hours from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31. Residents wishing to participate in Halloween activities are encouraged to observe these hours for passing out treats or trick-or-treating. The following recommendations for safe Halloween activities were laid out in the approved resolution, based on guidelines from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).  

FOR TRICK-OR-TREATERS AND PARENTS: 

• Stay home if you are sick. 
• Maintain social distancing of at least six feet. 
• Wear a cloth mask that covers both the mouth and nose. A costume mask does not provide adequate protection. 
• Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer while trick-or-treating. 

FOR RESIDENTS:  

• If you intend to hand out treats, turn your porch light on as a sign of welcome. If you don’t wish to participate, turn off your porch light or exterior lighting.
• Mark six-foot lines on your front sidewalk or driveway so trick-or-treaters know to social distance as they wait for candy. 
• Position a distribution table between yourself and trick-or-treaters to maintain distance. 
• Leave treats on a table outside your home where trick-or-treaters can pick them up. 
• Consider handing out treats in an open space where distancing is possible, rather than a front door.  

Residents wanting further guidance on safe Halloween celebrations are directed to online information from MDHHS.