TRUMBULL COUNTY, OH - The Warren City Health District (WCHD) alongside Trumbull County Combined Health District (TCCHD) are issuing guidelines for trick-or-treating in Trumbull County in response to high COVID-19 case rates among those between 4-50 years of age.

To minimize the spread of COVID-19 throughout the county, WCHD and TCCHD recommend trick-or-treating in all areas of the county to be held on Saturday, Oct. 30 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

When trick-or-treating in person passing out candy or attending attractions and events, the departments recommend children to wear masks and remain socially distant from anyone not from their immediate family and to stay home if you are sick.

Hand sanitizer should be used often, especially after coming in contact with frequently touched sources and before eating candy.

In addition, both both departments recommend households to conduct socially distant methods to celebrate Halloween. Suggestions from the departments are as follows:

-Holding a drive-through trick-or-treating event with children in costumes and face coverings staying in cars six feet apart from individuals passing out candy.

-Holding drive-by costume or car decorating contests with judges all sitting six feet apart.

-Leaving treats in the mailboxes of friends and neighbors.

-Decorating your home and hiding candy throughout as an alternative to trick-or-treating

-Holding virtual costume party or pumpkin carving events via Zoom.

The departments recommend that unvaccinated individuals do not hold or attend large, in-person Halloween parties. If holding smaller parties, limit attendance to 10 people or fewer and hold the event in an outdoor area where social distancing is possible. Avoid activities that could increase the spread of COVID such as bobbing for apples.

The departments also issued recommendations to parents, treat givers and event operators. These recommendations are as follows:

For parents:

-If taking your children trick-or-treating, limit the number of houses they visit and ask your children to stay as far from treat givers as possible. For smaller children, consider holding their bags for them.

-Wipe off candy wrappers with sanitizing wipes. (Do NOT wipe opened candy with wipes).

-Only allow children to eat factory wrapped treats and avoid homemade treats from strangers.

-If your child is at greater risk of COVID-19 complications, contact your doctor before allowing your child to participate in Halloween activities.

For treat givers:

-Refrain from having children select their own treats from a container or setting up a hand sanitizing station.

-Consider placing treats on a front porch step or in a driveway with a sign asking children to only take one, or use other creative ways to distribute treats.

For event operators:

-Have hand sanitizer readily available for all participants.

-Consider eliminating common seating areas or play areas where children and others may congregate. Keep seating outdoors and separate benches/tables six feet apart, or use dividers and sanitize after each use.