Halloween festivities are great memories for everyone, but Covid-19 will have us all doing things differently for Halloween 2020.
As case numbers remain high in many areas of Ontario, we’re all strongly encouraged to reinforce public health measures to ensure everyone remains safe, says Durham Health.
It gave the following suggestions on how you and your family can celebrate Halloween safely.
- Do not hand out treats if you’re sick or even if you have mild symptoms.
- Whether you’re collecting or handing out treats, wash your hands often and thoroughly, or use hand sanitizer.
- Do not distribute home made goods.
- Avoid over-handling of the treats you are handing out (e.g. putting several small items into one bag).
- Distribute treats at the end of the driveway to avoid crowding and close contact at your front door.
- Consider using tongs, or other similar tools to hand out treats.
- Wear a non-medical mask or face covering when physical distancing is a challenge.
- Do not leave treats in a bucket or bowl for children to grab.
- Try to disinfect any high-touch areas, such as handrails, doors, doorbells or doorknobs often.
- 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.
- Both trick or treaters and people handing out candy should 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. Tip: Consider building your face covering into your, or your child’s, costume.
- 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.
- Minimize contact with others: trick-or-treat with your family only.
- Wash hands before eating candy.
- Avoid high-touch surfaces and objects.
- Follow safety tips when going trick-or-treating, including wearing reflective materials, watching for traffic and using crosswalks.
Durham Health, however, highly recommended alternatives to door-to-door trick-or-treating. It said try celebrating by:
- Dressing up in a scary costume; be sure to include a non-medical mask or face covering for safety if you do go door-to-door.
- 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.
- Host a virtual Halloween celebration for family and friends, and those who are feeling unwell.
- Plan a fun outdoor activity such as a scavenger hunt with those in your household.
- Follow general safety tips for Halloween.
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