Georgetown sets trick or treat with precautions Oct. 31

Trick or treat will take place in the Town of Georgetown from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 31.

In an effort to keep all community members safe, town officials ask all residents and participants to observe the following guidelines.

Residents interested in participating are asked to turn on their porch lights. Anyone trick or treating should respect that if a porch light is not on, the home is not participating. Apartments and condos also should place a sign on their door indicating participation. If a sign is not on the door, trick or treaters should move on.

The Town of Georgetown continues to urge residents to take personal responsibility during this pandemic. Trick or treaters, as well as residents distributing candy, are strongly encouraged to wear masks. All are strongly encouraged to follow safety guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services Department of Public Health to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Only share commercially wrapped food. When handing out treats, wear plastic disposable gloves and place commercially wrapped candy into the child’s bucket. Disinfect high-touch surfaces, including doorbells. Perform at-home self-assessments by taking temperatures and monitoring for symptoms prior to leaving home. People should stay home if ill, so as not to infect others. Maintain social distancing of 6 feet away from others outside one’s family. Wear a mask. Practice careful hand hygiene. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Practice respiratory etiquette by coughing/sneezing into a tissue or one’s elbow. Eliminate unnecessary physical contact.

The Georgetown Police Department emphasizes the importance of parental involvement, as well as parental monitoring of the residential area during the designated hours. Remember to set a time limit for children to trick or treat. Accompany small children while trick or treating. Remind older children not to take short cuts through backyards.

Together, parents and older children should map out a safe route so adults know where their children will be. Remind children not to enter a strange house or car.