ADAMS, Mass. — The Board of Health officially endorsed the town's Halloween plans but urged residents to remain vigilant over the holiday weekend.

 

"I was thrilled to hear that a very robust plan because as you know having kids trick or treat is high-risk behavior," Chairman David Rhoads said last week before the unanimous vote. "...This is a super alternative."

 

The town will utilize Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works and Forest Warden vehicles to deliver candy to kids instead of the traditional door-to-door trick-or-treat that is considered a high-risk activity in regard to the possible transmission of COVID-19.

 

Gloved and masked town employees will hand out candy as they drive through each precinct. 

 

Town Administrator Jay Green said he hopes the town's plan will deter residents from feeling obligated to participate in trick-or-treat even though the town is discouraging it.

 

"We have a good-natured community, and there are folks out there of a particular demographic and age that are more susceptible to COVID-19," Green said. "We don't want to put them in a position where they feel compelled out of the goodness of their heart to turn on their porch light."

 

The town is asking for candy donations that can be dropped off at the Police Department.

 

Trick-or-treat will take place Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

 

Rhoads did ask residents to adhere to this protocol and not participate in the traditional activity. Although the town has discouraged it, it cannot outright ban it.

 

He also asked that residents avoid large parties, particularly indoor parties, and stay in town. Some communities in Berkshire County are going forward with traditional trick-or-treat. 

 

"We need to respect other communities and their different protocols and we don't want to put ourselves at risk," Rhoads said.

 

In other business, Rhoads noted the Hoosac Valley Regional School District will hold a flu clinic for students and staff. Town Hall will also hold one for staff and their families.

 

Rhoads gave a brief COVID-19 update with really no new news. He said cases remain virtually non-existent. 

 

"I don't like to jinx things but things look fairly rosy here," he said. "...We are actually doing fairly well compared to the rest of the state. The message is don't let down your guard. We are doing well because we are taking care of ourselves."