Glen Ridge bans traditional trick-or-treating this Halloween – RADIO.COM

GLEN RIDGE, N.J. (WCBS 880) — A New Jersey town has pulled the plug on traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating this year citing concerns over COVID-19.

According to town officials, every year Glen Ridge residents welcome trick-or-treaters from all over the region.

“It is common for a homeowner to give out more than 1,000 treats, and several streets in the borough to experience large gatherings of people,” the town said in a message on its Facebook page.

After the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deemed trick-or-treating, where children go door-to-door receiving sweets, a “high risk activity” amid the coronavirus pandemic, Glen Ridge has decided to ban the holiday tradition.

“With input from the Glen Ridge Board of Health, the Mayor and Council acknowledges the determination of the Center for Disease Control and wishes to take action in a manner which safeguards the health of not only its residents but also the trick or treaters,” the town said.

The ban runs from Oct. 29 through Nov. 1. The town said the decision was made “in the best interest of everyone.”

“We recognize this will be a disappointment for many children and we are developing alternative events to help celebrate the holiday,” the town said.

Glen Ridge is located in Essex County, which has had more than 21,000 confirmed coronavirus cases and about 1,900 deaths — more than any other county in the state.

The decision comes after the state’s governor said he would not ban trick-or-treating in New Jersey.