Borough of Glen Ridge in New Jersey bans trick-or-treating – RADIO.COM

GLEN RIDGE, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A New Jersey borough in a county that has reported the most COVID-19-related deaths of any county in the state has banned trick-or-treating this year.

Glen Ridge, New Jersey will not allow trick-or-treating this Halloween, “in the best interest of everyone,” the borough said on its Facebook page.

The borough sits in Essex County, which had reported 1,900 confirmed COVID-19 deaths as of Monday — more fatalities than any other county in New Jersey has reported.

The county reported 56 new COVID-19 cases on Monday, trailing only Ocean County, which reported 89 new cases.

“The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has determined that it is a high-risk activity to participate in traditional Halloween trick-or-treating where treats are handed to, and received by, children who go door to door,” borough officials wrote on Facebook.

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

“We recognize this will be a disappointment for many children, and we are developing alternative events to help celebrate the holiday,” they added. “Please follow our Facebook page, Borough website or subscribe to our email alert system for our virtual Halloween contests.”

The borough’s announcement came days after Gov. Phil Murphy said New Jerseyans would be allowed to trick-or-treat if they followed health and safety guidelines released by the state.

Murphy said trick-or-treaters would be “strongly encouraged” to wear real masks, not costume masks.

He also said candies and chocolates should be “arranged in such a way that they can be quickly and safely accessed without multiple pieces being touched,” rather than being placed directly into bags or served in communal bowls.