Halloween Safety

Posted on by Porcupine Plain CDO

Halloween 2021 is right around the corner!

If COVID-19 is present in your community, it is recommended that you avoid having indoor gatherings of any type, especially if you are unvaccinated, and that you consider alternatives to trick-or-treating, which can present risks of increased COVID-19 transmission.  However, with a few precautions, trick-or-treating can be made safer:

Trick-or-Treating

  • If you are feeling unwell, please stay home.
  • Trick-or-Treat with only your family members or a few close friends you already spend time with.
  • Be sure to:
    • Wear a mask; incorporate it into your costume if possible;
    • Ensure physical distancing (two metres); and
    • Wash your hands before and after Trick-or-Treating.
  • When approaching a house, have patience and wait for the group ahead of you to leave before approaching. Do not crowd the doorstep and stand two metres away. Knock on the door (avoid using the doorbell) or play a pre-recorded ‘Trick-or-Treat’ audio on your phone.
  • After Trick-or-Treating, and prior to eating any treats, be sure to wash your hands.

Handing Out Candy

  • If feeling unwell, please do not hand out candy.
  • Only one person per household who is vaccinated should hand out treats for Trick-or-Treaters.
  • When handing out candy:
    • Wear a mask;
    • Wash your hands frequently;
    • Use tongs to hand out candy or hand out individual candy bags; and
    • Only offer store-bought, individually wrapped candy.
  • If weather permits, sit outside and place individual candy or candy bags on a table for children to take.
  • Frequently sanitize high-touch areas including the doorbell, doorknob, and handrails for general hygiene and to protect against any viruses.

Halloween Parties

  • Overall, gatherings should be kept small, especially if children under the age of 12 are present. Get together in small groups with households you frequently socialize with and ensure everyone is fully vaccinated.
  • If weather permits, gather outside.
  • If you are indoors:
    • Open windows and ensure good ventilation;
    • Maintain physical distancing (2 metres);
    • Avoid sharing food and drinks;
    • Consult the local public health unit or area for any gathering limits; and
    • Limit gatherings, whether they are in a home or in public places (e.g., bars and restaurants), to those who are fully vaccinated.
  • Consider taking part in other outdoor Halloween festivities (e.g., corn maze or pumpkin patch) instead of gathering inside.

 

In addition to COVID-19 precautions, there are a number of other safety concerns when going door-to-door in the dark:

  • Younger children should always be accompanied by an adult/supervisor
  • Consider using a flashlight, glowsticks or reflective tape to make it easier to be seen at night
  • Only cross the street where and when it is safe to do so — make eye contact with the driver before crossing in front of vehicles
  • Walk – don’t run!  Pay attention when walking past driveways and make sure cards aren’t pulling in or out
  • Costumes and shoes should fit properly to avoid trips and falls, and accessories (such as swords) should not be sharp
  • Do not eat any candy until an adult has checked it
  • Keep an eye out and drive safe!

 

Finally, because Halloween is on a Sunday, please be courteous of families’/households’ schedules and consider treating later in the afternoon and evening rather than in the morning or early afternoon.