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What to expect at "The Haunt" attraction this Halloween season

Posted at 3:43 PM, Sep 07, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-07 17:27:02-04

WYOMING, Mich. — Haunted houses are designed for one thing, scaring the people who come through it. But in 2020, they don't want to scare away their customers because of COVID concerns.

Gearing up for their big opening in less than three weeks, The Haunt is putting in a lot of work to make the West Michigan attraction safe.

Hand sanitizer, temperature checks, and masks will be required to enter. You also will have to book your experience ahead of time.

“A lot of big changes when it comes to COVID,” owner Doug Shelden said.

Changes, like actors using pre-recorded screams so they don't spread respiratory droplets known to spread COVID. Actors will also all be masked, and won't touch you.

“We found a way,” Shelden said.

Groups will be spaced out two minutes apart to make sure no one comes into contact with each other.

“Any surfaces that are touched, we sanitize regularly,” Shelden said.

To make sure groups are spaced out, they're running at about 25% capacity. No ticket purchases are allowed at the venue. Everything is done ahead of time, and Shelden says they expect to be fully booked and sold out, so if you'd like to attend, it's better to book sooner rather than later.

Opening night is September 25.