Hopkinton, NH – This week, following a request from Rep. Annie Kuster (NH-02), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued guidance on how Americans can safely participate in Halloween activities including trick-or-treating during the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.

“As new cases of COVID-19 are on the rise in New Hampshire and in many states across the country, Granite Staters are working to slow the spread, prevent community transmission, and keep their families safe,” said Kuster. “Especially at a time when many children have been isolated from their peers as a result of efforts to address the pandemic, Halloween is a holiday many kids are looking forward to. In August, I called on the CDC to issue guidance on how to safely celebrate Halloween during this unprecedented public health crisis. I’m glad they have provided this information so that families can make informed decisions about how to minimize risks while still having fun.”

The CDC’s guidance includes: 

Make trick-or-treating safer:

• Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
• Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
• Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
• Wash hands before handling treats.
• Wear a mask.

Wear a mask

• Make your cloth mask part of your costume.
• A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask.
• Do NOT wear a costume mask over a cloth mask. It can make breathing more difficult.
• Masks should NOT be worn by children under the age of 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing

Stay at least 6 feet away from others who do not live with you

• Indoors and outdoors, you are more likely to get or spread COVID-19 when you are in close contact with others for a long time.

Wash your hands

• Bring hand sanitizer with you and use it after touching objects or other people.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Parents: supervise young children using hand sanitizer.
• Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when you get home and before you eat any treats.

Additional CDC guidance and recommendations for safe Halloween activities are available here and the bipartisan letter to CDC Director Robert Redfield that Rep. Kuster led requesting Halloween safety guidelines is available here. Some cities and towns in New Hampshire have issued specific guidance or are discouraging residents from trick-or-treating this year. A list of trick-or-treating dates and times is available here.

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