Looking For Creative Ways To Give Out Candy? CBS2 Has Your Halloween Guidelines
RUTHERFORD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- Halloween is on in New Jersey despite the coronavirus pandemic, but safety will be key.
CBS2's Vanessa Murdock has some ideas before you and your kids go trick-or-treating.
Ghosts and goblins await your arrival on All Hallow's Eve.
"I'm actually really excited," 9-year-old Angelica Mullahey said.
Angelica said she doesn't want to miss trick-or-treating with friends again. Remember Superstorm Sandy? That's why she's thrilled her little sister, Lauren, is in the know.
"Yes, I heard it from my friend's mom," Lauren said, referring to Gov. Phil Murphy's announcement that Halloween will be held this year.
"Us as adults, we have to adapt, but the kids ... when you take things away from them, that's a little sad," Rutherford parent Ed Bucey said.
MORE: CDC: Trick-Or-Treating, Costume Parties Considered High-Risk This Halloween
You might say the news is music to Bucey's ears. His 6-year-old daughter, Ella, loves Halloween and plans to be Elsa from Frozen.
Ten-year-old Ethan knows his stuff, saying safety must remain a priority.
"Don't get carried away with all the candy and trick-or-treating. It's still COVID. We can still get germs," Ethan said.
My niece posted this -- Make Candy Sticks in the lawn or driveway for the kids to avoid contact!
Posted by Randye Ringler on Monday, October 5, 2020
For tips, Murdock turned to Dr. Sunitha Posina, who advised parent to assess your own risk and your neighborhoods.
"Really determine how the infection rates in your community are. That becomes the most important thing," Posina said.
If you're in a safe zone, plan accordingly.
"Masks are non-negotiable," Posina said.
At the Fun Ghoul Costume Company in Rutherford shelves are stocked with everything you'll need this Halloween, even the mask for under the mask.
"I guess you gotta wear something like this, a novelty one, 'Taste the Blood of Dracula," Fun Ghoul's Cliff Witmyer said.
More important tips from Posina include kids not touching their face and "not eat candy on the way."
When asked if there is anything parents should do to the candy when they get home, she said, "Not necessarily. The most important thing is to wash your hands prior to eating the candy."
If handing out candy is more your thing, here are some fun tricks to treat yourself that critical distance, six feet away:
Construct a chute, which is fun for the adults and the kids, or stick candy to a giant spiderweb or on sticks throughout your front yard.
If you have hedges, consider decorating them with candy. Then the kids can just grab and go.
There is so much to consider and create until it's time to say "trick or treat" in the Garden State.
One more tip if you're taking your kids trick-or-treating is to keep groups small, with no more than three or four children.
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