Mississippi:

Home isolation is mandatory if you have tested positive for COVID-19 and should not be handing out candies to trick-or-treaters. Large gatherings, especially indoors, are discouraged. Gatherings and group activities are limited to twenty people indoors and one hundred people outdoors if individuals from different households are closer than six feet apart.

Missouri:

The state has told its citizens to avoid any indoor and crowded outdoor gatherings. A costume mask should not be used as a substitute for a cloth mask unless it is made from two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and doesn’t leave noticeable gaps around the face.

Montana:

The state of Montana has not shared any statewide guidance for Halloween.

Nebraska:

Health officials are saying that people can reduce the risks associated with trick-or-treating by setting out goody bags for families to take while maintaining a safe distance and staying in small groups. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services is recommending that children wear masks along with their costumes to help limit the spread.

Nevada:

Nevada Health Response is urging its citizens “to minimize the risk of catching or spreading the COVID-19 virus while enjoying these special days.” Mostly consistent with CDC guidelines, the state is encouraging the public to celebrate Halloween in small groups with the least amount of interaction as possible.

New Hampshire:

The state is asking its citizens to avoid any higher-risk “close contact,” which means being within six feet of a person with COVID-19 for ten minutes or longer. The ten minutes of contact can be at one time or cumulative over the course of the entire day. If social distancing is not possible, then barriers like masks can help reduce the risk of exposure to infected droplets.

New Jersey:

For all Halloween activities, social distancing, mask-wearing, proper hand sanitizing, and gathering limits should be observed. Trick-or-treating groups should be limited to current household members and they should try to stay local and limit the number of homes visited.

New Mexico:

The state has announced a calendar of thirteen family-friendly Halloween activities New Mexicans can safely enjoy at home all throughout the month. Like CDC’s guidelines, it is not recommending traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating and any sizeable indoor gatherings.

New York:

New York officials have already warned against any large parties and gatherings. Governor Andrew Cuomo previously said that he wouldn’t ban trick-or-treaters but will release own guidelines after consulting with the New York State Department of Health.

North Carolina:

The state’s health officials are strongly recommending that parents don’t allow their children to go door-to-door trick-or-treating this year. The health department added that taking candy from a shared bucket and attending crowded costume parties indoors are all considered higher risk.

North Dakota:

The state of North Dakota has not shared any statewide guidance for Halloween.

Ohio:

The state is recommending that hayrides, haunted houses, and trunk-or-treating events be canceled or avoided. It also warned citizens to exercise caution when deciding to participate in trick-or-treating and other events that put them in close contact with individuals outside their respective households.

Oklahoma:

The state’s department of health has stated that celebrating virtually or with members of your own household poses low risk for spread. Guidance for those who plan to celebrate Halloween includes avoiding crowded parties and indoor haunted houses. Group activities should be limited to fewer than ten people.

Oregon:

The Oregon Health Authority is recommending that its citizens avoid traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating and “trunk-or-treat” events because these are considered to be high-risk activities. Crowding among people outside households has the potential to further spread the virus.

Pennsylvania:

If you plan to participate in trick-or-treating activities, make sure to trick-or-treat with only members of your household and limit the number of houses you visit. Citizens must follow all state and local guidelines regarding event size—twenty-five people indoors and 150 people outdoors.

Rhode Island:

Trick-or-treaters should keep their groups as small as possible, as the state’s rules limit gatherings to no more than fifteen people at a time. Children should also keep in mind to always wear cloth face masks and coverings. Officials discourage personally handing out candy from a bowl—rather, they should put out candy a few pieces at a time and keep their doors closed.

South Carolina:

The state of South Carolina has not shared any statewide guidance for Halloween.

South Dakota

The state of South Dakota has not shared any statewide guidance for Halloween.

Tennessee:

Some counties like Knox have stressed personal responsibility and asked residents to follow current state and local public-health orders and regulations. A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth face mask and wearing one in addition to a cloth face covering is not recommended.

Texas:

Some local counties are asking citizens to wash their hands before filling candy bowls and setting them out at the end of the driveway. Families that are uncomfortable heading out to strangers’ homes can still hold Halloween traditions like pumpkin carving in small groups. Several “trunk-or-treats” events have been canceled by local fire and police departments.

Utah:

Health officials have told citizens to stay at least six feet away from others who do not live in their home. For trick-or-treaters, they have reminded children that a costume mask does not replace a cloth mask. Better yet, make your cloth mask part of your costume.

Vermont:

Large Halloween parties and gatherings with many people should be avoided. Setting out candy on tables with information on how much can be taken is a great way to reduce contact with others. Parents can help ensure safe practices are maintained by accompanying their trick-or-treating children.

Virginia:

The state’s health department is recommending that you should maintain at least six feet of distance between yourself and others who do not live in your household at all times. Washing your hands or using hand sanitizer before going trick-or-treating or handing out candy is always a great idea.

Washington:

Regardless of how you may choose to celebrate Halloween, the state’s health department says it is important to always wear a face covering that fits snugly over your nose and mouth, avoid confined spaces and people outside of your household, and wash or sanitize your hands often. Plan early and identify safer alternatives to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

West Virginia:

The state’s Governor Jim Justice said he would announce Halloween guidance by October 1, but it has not yet been released.

Wisconsin:

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has asked the public to avoid large outdoor gatherings, such as parties, festivals, and parades. It is also not recommending traditional trick-or-treating from neighbor to neighbor and drinking and socializing at bars.

Wyoming:

The state’s department of health has told citizens to use hand sanitizer frequently while trick-or-treating or engaging in other Halloween festivities. It also noted that a costume mask is not a substitute for a protective face covering unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers your mouth and nose.

Ethen Kim Lieser is a Minneapolis-based Science and Tech Editor who has held posts at Google, The Korea Herald, Lincoln Journal Star, AsianWeek, and Arirang TV. Follow or contact him on LinkedIn.

Image: Reuters.