For the health and safety of Worthington citizens, the City of Worthington is coordinating with other central Ohio communities in 2020 to hold trick-or-treat on the same date and time, Thursday, October 29th from 6pm to 8pm.

For the past several years, the City’s policy had been to hold trick-or-treat on Halloween, October 31st, no matter what day of the week the holiday falls on. This year Halloween is on a Saturday which means that Worthington would have held trick-or-treat on a different night than our neighboring communities, which follow an agreement recommending trick or-treat take place on Thursday if the holiday falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. In the years that the City of Worthington has held trick-or-treat on a different night, residents have reported an increase in drop-off traffic and an increased number of people trick-or-treating in Worthington neighborhoods.

Because of the health risks this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to limit large gatherings of people, Worthington City Council decided it was in the best interest of the community for Worthington to hold trick-or-treat on the same night as other central Ohio communities. This schedule change was approved for 2020 and will be re-evaluated prior to Halloween next year when the date falls on Sunday. 

Please note that this information is subject to change due to current COVID-19 conditions closer to the end of October. 

Trick-or-Treat takes place rain or shine and will not be cancelled or postponed in the event of inclement weather. Parents are urged to use sound judgment and common sense when considering whether to participate in trick-or-treat this year.

If you choose to participate in trick or treating this year, health experts advise you to follow these health and safety tips for a safe and happy Halloween during COVID-19.

Trick or Treaters 

• Stay home if you or your child feels sick, has symptoms of COVID-19 or is at high risk of complications. 
• Wear a face mask, except for children under two years of age and individuals with medical exceptions. 
• Make sure your face mask completely covers your nose and mouth at all times. 
• Maintain social distance of at least six feet from other groups. 
• Trick or treat with people in your own household. 
• Avoid doors with a cluster of people. Stay back and wait until nobody else is at the door. 
• Participate in Halloween activities outdoors if possible. 
• Avoid large parties, gatherings and indoor activities. 
• Bring hand sanitizer to use between houses. 
• Take only wrapped candy or treats. 
• Wash your hands when finished trick or treating before eating candy. 
• Get a flu vaccine at least two weeks before Halloween. 

 Treat Givers 

• Do not give out candy if you or anyone in your household feels sick, has symptoms of COVID-19 or is at high risk of complications. 
• Designate one person per household to hand out candy. 
• Wear a face mask and put it on before opening the door. 
• Make sure the mask completely covers your nose and mouth. 
• Put treats in individual baggies and lay them out instead of putting them in a large bowl. 
• Sit outside behind a table to give out treats. 
• Provide hand sanitizer for trick or treaters. 
• Wash your hands frequently. 
• Get a flu vaccine at least two weeks before Halloween. 

 For questions about COVID-19, call Columbus Public Health at 614-645-1519.

 More Halloween health resources:

• Columbus Public Health Guidelines
• State of Ohio Guidelines
• Centers for Disease Control Tips and Guidelines 

Please follow these additional Halloween safety tips:

• Adults should accompany young children and older kids should travel in groups.
• Children should wear light-colored clothing short enough to prevent tripping.  Adding reflective tape to costumes and outer garments will increase visibility.  
• Carry and use flashlights or glow sticks after dark.
• Visit homes you know and stay within your neighborhood.  Together with your child, map out a safe route so you know where they will be.  Remind them not to take short cuts through backyards, alleys or fields.  
• Remind children never to enter a stranger’s house or vehicle.
• Encourage neighborhood block watches and citizens’ groups to patrol the neighborhood.
• Drive slowly and schedule trips so as to avoid the times of heavy pedestrian traffic.  
• Discourage children from eating their treats until they get home.
• Closely disinfect and inspect all treats at home in a well-lit place. Throw away any open or unwrapped treats.   
• Report any suspicious or criminal activity to the police immediately.