CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango County Department of Health is recommending that parents use caution when taking children out trick-or-treating this year.

According to Chenango County Department of Health Director Environmental Health and Code Enforcement Divisions Isaiah Sutton, with the number of confirmed coronavirus cases increasing throughout Chenango County it’s important that families use hand sanitizer, maintain social distancing, and stay home if they’re not feeling well during Halloween.

“With the recent rise in coronavirus cases families should be cautious, be creative, and stay safe,” said Sutton. “Follow best practices, and wear masks other than just the scary masks.”

“Stay in your own groups, don’t get together with a whole bunch of kids you wouldn’t normally be with.”

Sutton said to individuals who are handing out candy, do your best to devise a socially distant model such as a PVC delivery system.

“The internet is full of great ideas, and it’s important that people handing out candy do what they can to limit unnecessary exposure,” he said. “I saw one person who created a hand out of some old wood to deliver the candy safely, people can get creative to help keep their distance.”