As posted in the Crawford County Avalanche on Thursday, October 1, 2020...A Halloween Public Safety Announcement 2020

"Halloween is not a city sanctioned event, but rather a nationally recognized holiday.  Other than announcing the suggested hours (always 6-8pm), the City has no further involvement.  The City has no legal authority or basis to cancel Halloween or restrict the free movement of its residents" said Doug Baum, City Manager/Chief of Police. 

The state's current regulations in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 - as outlined in Executive Order 2020-183, the latest version of the 'Safe Start' order - don't contain anything specific with regard to Halloween trick or treating.  If state regulations allow trick or treating during the Halloween holiday, City officials urge caution for families planning to participate in it this year.

"All residents who participate in traditional trick-or-treating, indoor costume parties, indoor haunted houses, hayrides or tractor rides with people you do not live with should understand that under federal CDC guidelines, these activities are not recommended.  If individuals decide to participate in these activities, they should adhere to any public health recommendations from the local health department, The State of Michigan or the CDC".

"Be safe and use common sense.  Households with a positive case should not participate, any individuals with symptoms should not participate, and any other guidance from public health officials should be adhered to" Baum said.  "Be smart, be safe and have fun".