Editor’s note: Upper Township officials said they would coordinate with Ocean City when announcing trick-or-treat hours. The Upper Township Committee was discussing the topic at Tuesday evening’s meeting, after the Sentinel went to press.
OCEAN CITY – Traditional trick-or-treating hours for Ocean City will be 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
City officials say it is important this year for both trick-or-treaters and families putting out treats to plan for a safe and healthy holiday.
Ocean City is planning to make free door hangers available to identify every home that will put out treats. This system will make it easier for trick-or-treaters to find participating homes, and it will limit interactions with homes not participating. Check www.ocnj.us/halloween soon for details on how to pick up your free door hanger or print one.
The N.J. Department of Health has issued guidance for safe trick-or-treating this year that includes the following recommendations:
•Effective face coverings: Trick-or-treaters and families passing out treats should wear masks. Costume masks are not an acceptable substitute for cloth or disposable masks.
•Social distancing: Trick-or-treaters should limit their groups to household members and maintain social distancing between others.
•Be healthy: Nobody should participate in these activities if they have been exposed to COVID-19, are sick or symptomatic, or have not yet completed isolation after a COVID-19 diagnosis.
•Limit shared contact: Arrange individually packaged candy so that trick-or-treaters can grab and go outside without touching a shared bowl.
Complete guidance from the N.J. Department of Health is available here .
Other safety tips that can be followed include:
– Wear reflective clothing
– Young children should be accompanied by an adult
– Obey the pedestrian safety laws – It is dark and vehicle drivers may not see you
– Carry a flashlight
– Costumes should not restrict visibility
– Do not open any candy until you get home and your parents inspect the items
