Trick-or-treating risks during a pandemic

BOSTON — Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says he wants everyone to have a safe Halloween, but won’t get in the way of trick-or-treating.

In some communities, such as in Lawrence and Worcester, officials are discouraging families from letting their children trick-or-treat and even going as far as banning the practice due to concerns over the spread of COVID-19.

Boston’s daily COVID-19 infection rate has been above 5% for most of the past week, which puts it among the communities at higher risk in the Commonwealth.

“We’re asking people to take the extra precautions that are necessary this year, including avoiding direct contact with trick-or-treaters, wearing masks at all times, washing hands before eating any treats, and avoiding attending or hosting gatherings,” said Walsh.

Matt Emond and his family are preparing for a big Halloween day.

“I think Halloween is our favorite holiday,” said the East Boston father.

East Boston is the neighborhood with the city’s highest positive test rate, measuring at 11.9%, according to October 19th neighborhood testing data.

Emond is not allowing his four-year-old or six-year-old children to walk through the neighborhood this year in search of candy, nor will he be handing out any sweet treats.

“Our plan is to put stuff outside then when its gone its gone,” said Emond.

Some communities banning or discouraging door-to-door trick-or-treating include: Lawrence, Leicester, Lowell, Methuen, Somerville, and Worcester.

Lawrence is among the cities at high risk that are asking people to refrain from trick-or-treating.

“Government doesn’t run Halloween, but we do support it and facilitate it and we won’t be doing it this year,” said Mayor Daniel Rivera.

There have been 146 deaths attributed to COVID-19 in Lawrence, according to the mayor.

“It is a deadly virus our kids aren’t in school businesses are shutting down you can’t have trick or treating this year,” said Rivera.

Dr. Sandra Nelson is an infectious disease expert with Massachusetts General Hospital who says there’s no data behind decision-making since this is our first Halloween with COVID-19.

“We understand the risks associated with close contact and proximity,” said Nelson.

Transmission from surfaces such as candy wrappers are less of a concern than face-to-face contact, Nelson explained.

“If there’s a way to trick or treat where there is not close person to person contact especially with the use of mask that can certainly reduce the risk,” said Nelson.

Brigham doctor joins Boston 25 to discuss safe trick-or-treating

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