Mayor OKs trick or treating in Queens this Halloween

Photo via Casey Fleser

By Rachel Vick

Halloween is on in Queens.

Mayor Bill de Blasio on Wednesday said trick or treaters can still go door to door in Queens on Oct. 31, with state restrictions lifted in some COVID cluster zones. 

“Halloween is happening in New York City and Halloween will be safe in New York City,” de Blasio said.  “We understand it's not business as usual, but it can go on and it can be fun and it can be exciting for our youngest New Yorkers. They deserve it after everything they've been through.”

The city will permit trick or treating with a few changes to ensure the safety of all participants. Trick or treaters must remain outside and wear COVID face coverings with their costumes. The Department of Health recommends wearing a surgical mask over the scary one.

Other COVID-related rules, like social distancing and limiting gatherings, will remain in effect, de Blasio said.

The Health Department also encourages New Yorkers who live or work at trick or treat destinations to keep their candy in a bowl for kids to pluck on their own rather than drop in their bags. That will limit contact and promote distancing.

De Blasio said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi passed along one other important directive to share with New Yorkers ahead of Halloween. 

“[He] told me there was one additional rule, it is a legally binding mandate — parents, you cannot take candy from your child's bag,” de Blasio said. “The Health Department is watching.”