Lauren Stanforth is reporting for the Times Union the state Department of Health and Division of Consumer Protection has provided guidance on how to trick-or-treat as safely as possible during the pandemic. Some municipalities have called for trick-or-treating to be canceled, so pay attention to the rules imposed in your area. To trick-or-treat safely:
• Wear a mask! A Halloween mask does not count as a protective cloth mask. The same masks that work for protection day-to-day during the pandemic should be worn when trick-or-treating.
• Trick-or-treat only with your household.
• Do not take candy from a bowl or receive candy directly from someone’s hands.
• When giving out treats, consider sitting outside and lining up individually pre-package treat bags on a table. 
• Consider attending an organized community event instead of going door-to-door.
• Wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before, during and after any Halloween activities.
• In apartment buildings, consider organizing a socially-distant outdoor gathering to prevent trick-or-treating inside the building.
• Consider wiping the outside of packages down after returning home.