If the Lights Are Off, Don’t Come Knocking

Other than that lively political debate the other night, the big debate on the SouthCoast is whether or not we allow our children to go trick or treating.

Rhode Island has decided to allow Halloween to happen with a few state-wide guidelines to make it safer. Governor Gina Raimondo suggests to limit groups to 15 people and to remember the "three Ws": Wear a mask, wash your hands, and watch your distance.

Massachusetts, however, is still up in the air as to how to handle trick or treating, with some cities taking the decision making into their own hands. The Boston Globe reports that "Worcester will prohibit door-to-door trick or treating in the city, which remains in the state’s red category indicating a high risk of COVID-19 infections" and recommends lower risk activities, like carving pumpkins or hosting a themed scavenger hunt.

But other cities that aren't in the red are scratching their heads on how to let children participate. It also seems pretty polarizing, with some people seriously against it and others asking, why not?

I am in the why not? category. For the sake of the SouthCoast, I wish Massachusetts would release a state-wide plan, similar to Rhode Island, which would answer a lot of questions from the community. Personally, I feel like trick or treating can be done in a safe manner and it all starts with the porch light.

As a kid, my mom would always say, "If the lights are off, they don't have candy." Why can't that rule apply to COVID-19? If the lights are off, they don't want to participate, and that's totally okay.

Incorporate a mask into the child's costume, use hand sanitizer in between households, no community bowls on the doorstep, and watch your distance. It's possible.

What do you think?