 Your interest in updates from the City of Ann Arbor is appreciated. Please note the following bulletin from the city:
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued guidance on how to safely celebrate Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic (https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339--540429--,00.html). In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends alternative ways to celebrate this year (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html). As a result, the City of Ann Arbor encourages parents to follow these recommendations and celebrate Halloween safely at home. Most importantly, if you choose to celebrate the holiday outside of your home, the city is asking all residents to follow the below safety tips as well as Washtenaw County Health local orders on social gatherings and events in Ann Arbor.
Tips for all groups include staying home if you are sick; maintaining social distancing of at least 6 feet; wearing a cloth mask that covers both the mouth and nose; and washing hands often or frequently using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
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 physical distancing guidelines and expectations. Keep a 6-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 proper distancing.
• Trick-or-treat with people you live with.
• Avoid congregating in groups around houses.
• Wear a face mask 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.
• Consider a neighborhood costume parade; it is an easy way to keep safe space between children.
Tips for homeowners:
• Use duct tape to mark 6-foot lines in front of home and leading to 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.
The guidance also urges Michiganders to consider hosting virtual parties instead of in-person Halloween gatherings. If a gathering is hosted, it should be limited to 10 people or less, distancing should be maintained, cloth masks should be worn and food and party favors should be set out individually to prevent cross contamination. View the Washtenaw County Health webpage for more information http://bit.ly/WCHDHalloween20.
Thank you,
City of Ann Arbor
[email protected]
www.a2gov.org/news
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