HOW TO HAVE A SAFE HALLOWEEN
Like most of the 2020, Halloween may look a little different this year, but it can still be a lot of fun. Be sure to follow public health advice and measures from public health experts, and make good decisions based on your own unique situation. Here’s what health experts from Ontario are suggesting;
If you live outside the modified Stage 2 public health unit regions and are going to go out to trick-or-treat:
Only go out with members of your household. Stay in your socially safe bubble to minimize the risks and help stop the spread.
Only trick-or-treat outside. Outdoors can drastically reduce the chances of physical contact and the risks associated with the spread of COVID 19
Masks, Masks, Masks; Both trick-or-treaters and people handing out candy should wear a medically approved face covering. A costume mask is not a substitute and should not be worn over a face covering because it may make it difficult to breathe. Try some interesting costume ideas by incorporating a mask. Well, that’s the theme for this year, ain’t it?
Do not congregate or linger at doorsteps and remember to line up two meters apart if you are waiting. Safe physical distance always.
Avoid high-touch surfaces and objects, such as railings and doorbells
Whether you are collecting or handing out treats, wash your hands often and thoroughly, or use hand sanitizer. Better yet, place a hand sanitizer at your door step.
If you are giving out treats, do not leave them in a bucket or bowl for children to grab. Consider using tongs or other similar tools to hand out treats.
If you live in Ottawa, Peel, Toronto and York Region. Given the high transmission of COVID-19 in these regions traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating is not recommended. Consider alternative ways to celebrate instead, such as:
Encouraging kids to dress up and participate in virtual activities and parties. Host an Instagram live party with your friends and family.
Organizing a candy hunt with people living in your household, Easter style.
Carving pumpkins at home or how about a Pumpkin Carving Zoom Party?
A movie night or sharing scary stories
Stay home if you are feeling ill, even if you have mild symptoms, or if you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19. Turn off your porch light and don’t hand out treats if you are sick, even with mild symptoms, or self-isolating. Ontario.ca also recommends checking with your local municipality or public health unit for any additional advice or restrictions that may be in place. If you live in a public health unit region in Stage 3, consider getting a poster to help let your neighbors know whether you are handing out treats. Get more information here.