It’s Halloween weekend, so little ghouls and goblins are getting ready to go trick or treating door-to-door.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are extra safety tips this year to protect kids from the virus.
The Ontario Ministry of Health says if you trick-or-treat door-to-door:
- stay home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
- trick-or-treat outdoors as much as possible
- be creative and build the face covering into your costume. Remember that a costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering. A costume mask should not be worn over a non-medical mask or face covering because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe.
- do not crowd doorsteps – take turns one at a time
- do not sing or shout for your treats
- keep interactions brief with those giving out treats
- use hand sanitizer often, especially before and after handling your face covering, after touching frequently touched surfaces, when you arrive home from trick-or-treating, and before and after handling or eating treats
- there is no need to clean or disinfect pre-packaged treats
If trick-or-treating indoors, maintain physical distancing as much as possible and wear a face covering, especially when physical distancing is a challenge.
If you choose to give out treats:
- do not participate in Halloween festivities if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
- keep interactions with trick-or-treaters short and encourage them to move along after receiving their treat from you
- consider wearing a face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained
- consider including the face covering as part of your costume if you are dressing up
- give out only purchased and packaged treats
- do not ask trick-or-treaters to sing or shout for their treats
- clean your hands often throughout the evening using soap and water or with hand sanitizer
The OPP also has some tips to make sure everyone celebrates safely.
With Halloween just around the corner, here are a few simple safety tips to make the evening safer for you and your little ones! Be safe, and have fun! 🎃^rs pic.twitter.com/QRqK5W5dLN
— OPP Central Region (@OPP_CR) October 28, 2021