Gloucester Township’s recommended trick-or-treating hours for Halloween this year are 2 to 6 p.m. Those times were a topic of discussion during a council meeting earlier this month, when a resident asked the governing body if it would consider lengthening the hours to better accommodate working families and children who play sports and have little time to trick or treat.
While council declined, township Chief of Police David Harkins did address the topic.
“Those are not set, hard times,” he said. “Since 2014, it’s been more of a recommendation. We’ll be out and we’ll have a robust presence, but we have never made curfew arrests since I’ve been here. It’s more of a recommendation.”
Gloucester Township previously set curfew hours nearly a decade ago, a move cancelled in 2013.
As families prepare for Halloween, the township urges them to keep safety in mind as children trick or treat or when giving out candy. Anyone who doesn’t want to dispense candy due to COVID concerns can print out a flyer on the township website at www.glotwp.com indicating that. Residents should place the flyer somewhere on their door or other visible area of their property.
“While Gloucester Township is not banning trick-or-treaters going door to door, the township strongly encourages residents to use their best judgment and practice the recommended safety measures like wearing cloth or surgical masks under Halloween masks and maintaining social distancing while walking the neighborhoods,” said a release on the township’s website.
The township has additional Halloween guidance on the site, including tips on how to avoid transmission of COVID-19. Those include wearing masks and conducting activities outdoors when they involve people not in one’s immediate household.
“Traditional Halloween celebrations often involve crowds, close contact between individuals and activities in closed spaces. It is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives for celebrating the fall season,” said the release. “Outdoor activities, as opposed to indoor parties and events, are recommended. Those planning celebrations or participating in Halloween activities should keep in mind public health recommendations of social and physical distancing, wearing masks that cover the nose and mouth and hand hygiene.”
This year, Mayor David R. Mayer and council are hosting a Halloween house decorating contest open to all township residents. Pictures can be submitted to mayor@glotwp.com until Nov. 1. More information can be found at www.glotwp.com.
