Trick-or-treating a go in the North Hills, but health precautions advised

Despite the coronavirus pandemic, communities in the North Hills are proceeding with trick-or-treat this year, but officials advise families to take steps to guard their health.

Trick-or-treating is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Halloweeen — Oct. 31 — in McCandless, Ross, Franklin Park, Marshal, West View, Bradford Woods, Pine, Richland and Hampton.

Residents who plan to hand out treats are asked to keep their porch lights on. People opting out should leave their homes darkened.

Several communities in the North Hills had to cancel Halloween celebrations that have become traditions because of the pandemic.

Hampton nixed its Halloween parade, but is hosting a drive-in movie night on Oct. 24 featuring the Disney classic “Hocus Pocus.”

West View’s annual Halloween parade also had to be canceled. It is being replaced by a drive-up event at which treat bags will be distributed to kids who have signed up.

Pine added a new activity this year to mark Halloween — a Trunk or Treat event at the community center from 3-5 p.m. on Oct. 24. Registration is required to participate.

Health officials advice trick-or-treaters and people handing out treats to guard their health by wearing a face covering, practicing social distancing and using hand sanitizer.

Residents who are high-risk for infection but still want to hand out treats should avoid contact with people by placing them in “grab-and-go” bags that can be placed outside.

The U.S. Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention has issued detailed guidelines for having a safe Halloween.

Groups should be kept as small as possible and children are urged to avoid close direct contact with people outside their group.