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Celebrate Halloween at home, says Durham Health

Durham Health is encouraging residents to celebrate Halloween by keeping everyone safe and limiting the spread of Covid-19.

“We recognize how difficult the Covid-19 pandemic has been on daily life, especially on the regular activities of children. Unfortunately, Halloween will also feel the impact. As we all continue to work together to control the spread of Covid-19, Halloween festivities will certainly be much different than in previous years,” said Dr. Robert Kyle, Medical Officer of Health.

While celebrating this year, it is strongly encouraged to continue following all public health measures to ensure everyone remains safe. Frequent and thorough handwashingwearing a non-medical mask or face covering, and physical distancing remain very important public health messages if you choose to participate in Halloween.

To help keep the festivities as safe as possible, the Health Department recommends a variety of alternative activities that residents can plan, while still enjoying the spookiest night of the year, such as:

  • Making your own treats at home with your family instead of going out.
  • Decorating your house, or even have a contest with your neighbours. Remember to physically distance if you’re not part of the same household and wear a non-medical mask or face covering if you can’t keep two meters (six feet) apart.
  • Hosting a virtual Halloween celebration for family and friends, and those who are feeling unwell.
  • Planning a fun outdoor activity such as a scavenger hunt with those in your household.

If you do plan to go door-to-door trick or treating remember to:

  • Stay home if you are sick or if you have symptoms – even if you have mild symptoms.
  • Only go out with members of your direct household, remain within your community, and stay two metres (six feet) apart.
  • Only trick or treat outside.
  • Wear a non-medical mask or face covering. Remember, a costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering and should not be worn over a face covering as it may make it hard to breathe.
  • Do not congregate or linger at doorsteps. Line up two metres (six feet) apart if waiting.
  • Be respectful of households that are not handing out treats this year.

Visit durham.ca/novelcoronavirus for more safety tips to help you enjoy Halloween 2020. Whatever your plans, we can’t stress enough the importance of following all public health guidelines. We all need to continue working together to protect each other and help keep everyone safe.

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