How to celebrate Halloween safely during the pandemic in Durham

With the ongoing pandemic casting a pall over this Halloween, Durham’s medical officer of health is sharing some tips on how you and your family can celebrate the spooky season safely.

Dr. Robert Kyle says door-to-door trick-or-treating isn’t a great idea this year, but has some tips for those that choose to.

If you are heading out in costume, remember to wear a non-medical mask at all times.

Even if your costume comes with some kind of a mask, don’t assume it is enough to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. You should also avoid putting any mask over your non-medical face covering, since it could make it hard to breathe.

Don’t leave your house if you have any kind of symptoms, even mild ones.

Group trick-or-treating is strongly discouraged this year and Dr. Kyle suggests you only go with people in your household.

He says you shouldn’t congregate anywhere, even if it is outdoors.

Not all houses will be handing out candy, so please respect those who choose not to.

When you get back home, don’t dive into your pile of treats until you wash your hands.

If you’re handing out treats, some of the same rules apply.

Don’t give anything out if you’re sick and wear a face covering when you meet trick-or-treaters.

It’s a good idea to hand out candy at the bottom of your driveway and use a pair of tongs.

Some people might be thinking about placing a bowl of candy outside for kids to grab, but officials say this is not a smart plan.

Handing out treats yourself is a better idea, but make sure to wash or sanitize your hands often.

Again, Kyle isn’t suggesting trick-or-treating this year, but says you can still dress up and enjoy some treats at home.

Instead of taking your kids door-knocking, Dr. Kyle suggests hosting a virtual Halloween celebration or planning a fun activity around the house, like a scavenger hunt.

You can also have some fun in the kitchen and make your own treats.

 

Read Dr. Kyle’s full statement on Halloween below:

“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. While celebrating this year, it is strongly encouraged to continue following all public health measures to ensure everyone remains safe. Frequent and thorough handwashing, wearing 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.”