Laurel Mayor Craig A. Moe has announced that Trick or Treating is strongly discouraged this year in Laurel.

That is the approach Prince George’s County is taking too.

Mayor Moe says these difficult decisions have been in accordance with CDC guidelines, and the directives from City of Laurel Health Officer Dr. Uzochukwu Unegbu due to a rise in local COVID-19 cases in and around Laurel.

Mayor Moe says, “Due to the pandemic, Halloween will be drastically different this year and we have to remember we are still combatting a major world health crisis. But we are all in this together and if we work together, we can ensure a safe and fun Halloween for our kids.”

To that end, the City of Laurel Parks and Recreation Department has planned a week’s worth of fun and safe Halloween events, co-sponsored by the Laurel Lions Club!

Hallo-week will include the following activities the whole family can enjoy:

• October 26: Witch’s Scavenger Hunt
• October 27 – 29: Tractor Treat Halloween Hay Wagon will come through Laurel neighborhoods starting at 4:00pm
• October 30: Take-Away Treat Spooktacular Stroll from 6:30 – 8:30pm at the Robert J. DiPietro Community Center

To find out about these safe, social distancing events for your little ghouls and goblins, visit the Laurel Parks and Recreation webpage at https://www.cityoflaurel.org/parks/featured-events/halloween-spooktacular/hallo-week-2020. This page details what is happening each day, as well as maps of the different Tractor Treat routes.

Again, door-to-door Trick of Treating is strongly discouraged this year, but here are some tips and practices to ensure a safe Halloween for all:

• Remain together in household groups, keeping physical distance between other groups and using flashlights or glowsticks so walkers can be easily seen.
• Leaving treats outside is encouraged.
• Trick or Treaters should wash hands (or use sanitizer) between homes and after touching surfaces and objects.
• CDC approved face coverings should be worn instead of or in addition to a costume mask.
• And as always, parents should inspect candy before letting the children eat it.

Additionally,

• Please turn off your porch light if you do not plan to participate. This will let Trick or Treaters know to move on to the next home.
• Avoid large gatherings, parties, and events.
• The Laurel Board of Trade has cancelled their Main Street Trick or Treat this year.

Mayor Moe, the Laurel City Council and the City’s Office of Emergency Management continue to ask you to use the proven ways of stopping the spread of the virus – wear a CDC approved mask, social distance and wash your hands.

For more information about the upcoming holidays and tips on navigating the virus, visit our COVID-19 webpage at coronavirus.cityoflaurel.org, along with the CDC at www.CDC.gov, the Maryland Department of Health at www.health.maryland.gov and the Prince George’s County Health Department at https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/1588/Health-Services.