A good Halloween house is a welcome sight this year, but trick or treaters may not be welcome. In some cases, it’s all about the city line. Everett and Chelsea are neighboring cities, both with COVID rates in the red. But Halloween night will look different in each community.
“I think we're trying to send a message, a pretty strong message to parents and guardians that given the realities here in Chelsea, this isn't the smartest thing to do,” said Tom Ambrosino, the city manager in Chelsea, who is discouraging residents from trick or treating.
Next door in the city of Everett, the mayor is urging caution, but says kids should have the chance to get out and collect candy.
“Children are suffering greatly through this pandemic ... they're isolated at home,” said Carlo DeMaria, mayor of Everett. “Just putting a costume on or maybe walking for an hour with your mother or dad or grandparent or guardian or whoever that that may be, just the fact of them doing that could benefit a child greatly. I mean, really tremendously benefit a child's well-being.”
The Centers for Disease Control says trick or treating in groups is risky and recommends staying six feet apart and wearing protective masks, not costume masks. The guidance also advises against placing costume masks over protective masks.
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