Vanderburgh County officials are stressing health and safety this Halloween.
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office says deputies will be closely monitoring residential areas for unsafe, mischievous, and suspicious activity Saturday evening.
And this year, the county’s Health Department has issued COVID-19 guidance.
The department classifies door-to-door trick-or-treating as a “moderate risk” activity and recommends everyone wear a face mask that covers the nose and mouth.
Officials say costume masks are NOT a substitute for a cloth mask.
Parents who are accompanying children should carry hand sanitizer and use it before allowing kids to remove their masks or touch their faces.
People considered high risk due to age or health conditions are encouraged not to participate.
Residents who are not comfortable with trick-or-treaters coming to their door should keep their porch light off.
If you are welcoming trick-or-treaters, turn on the porch light, wear a face covering, limit your contact as much as possible, and frequently use hand sanitizer or wash your hands.
The Sheriff’s Office encourages trick-or-treaters to only visit the homes of people they know well and to stay within their neighborhood.
Motorists are urged to carefully watch out for treat-or-treaters.