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How to trick-or-treat safely across the United States this Halloween
Sep 15, 2020, 12:13 PM | Updated: Sep 16, 2020, 11:14 am
(Photo: Shutterstock via CNN)
(Photo: Shutterstock via CNN)
Disclaimer: The color map used by Hershey is not the same as the state’s color code for risk. Individuals should always practice social distancing and follow local, county and state guidelines.
Wondering how to trick-or-treat safely this Halloween in the midst of a pandemic?
Confectioner Hershey, which admittedly has a vested interest in selling candy, has you covered with a new website mapping out recommendations for a safe Halloween in every county in the US.
Recommendations to trick-or-treat safely by color code
On the website, located here, users can hover over their county, which is color-coded by risk level. A box pops up with information specific to that county. For example, hovering over Salt Lake County, Utah, reveals the area is “orange” in terms of COVID-19 cases on Hershey’s list. Scrolling further down, the site offers recommendations for how to trick-or-treat safely based on your county’s color code.
In this screen shot of Hershey’s map, you can see Salt Lake County’s details highlighted. Photo: KSL NewsRadio
In the green
For people who live in counties Hershey considers “green,” Hershey recommends traditional trick-or-treating, neighborhood costume parties, and even parties.
Mellow Yellow
In the “yellow” zone, Hershey advises only visiting neighbors who observe safe trick-or-treating practices, or having neighbors “Yeet the Treats” from six feet away. (Really. The site says ‘yeet.’) Other suggestions include pet costume parades or socially distant mask-decorating parties.
Orange you glad you can still have candy?
In the “orange” zone, which includes Salt Lake County, the site recommends reverse trick-or-treating: have neighbors walk by and deposit candy in your front yard as the costumed kids watch from the porch. Another option is a neighborhood candy hunt where adults hide treats for kids to seek.
Paint the house – not the town – red
Finally, Hershey advises residents of “red” zone counties to forego all forms of traditional trick-or-treating, but not the fun. The site suggests looking to alternatives, such as a scary movie night at home with family, hosting a party on Zoom, or setting up candy stations inside your home for the kids in your family to trick-or-treat safely indoors.
This screen shot of Hershey’s website shows the county color codes for Utah. While most of the state is considered “yellow” by Hershey’s guidelines, a few counties are green and a few are orange. Just two, Utah County and Washington County, are in the “red” zone. Photo: KSL NewsRadio
For more details, see Hershey’s Halloween 2020 guide here.
Hershey sales take a hit
According to CNN Business, Halloween usually makes up about 10% of Hershey’s annual sales. As a result, the company said it’s producing more family-sized packs than in typical years, anticipating more families will observe the festivities either at home or within close-knit circles of friends and family.
Hershey stock is faring better than expected, analysts say, though its stock is down about 1% on the year to date. As of Tuesday, Hershey stock was trading at $145 per share.
