Halloween – Kids can go Door to Door this year!
The days are getting shorter and Halloween is a couple of days away. I’m so happy that kids can once again go door to door and say, “trick or treat!” with their open bags. Ottawa Public Health has also shared some tricks for those looking to celebrate:
- Remember to screen for symptoms! Stay home if anyone is sick, even if symptoms are mild
- Trick-or-Treat and participate in activities outdoors as much as possible
- Be creative and build your face covering (mask) into your costume
- A costume mask is not a suitable substitute for a cloth (non-medical) mask, a disposable (non-medical) mask or a medical mask
- A costume mask should not be worn over another mask because it can make it hard to breathe
- Learn more about masks and face coverings on OPH’s website
- Do not crowd doorsteps if you are going door to door – take turns one at a time
- Use hand sanitizer throughout Halloween activities including before and after handling your face covering, when you arrive home from trick-or-treating, and before and after handling or eating treats
Read the October 28th Special Statement from Dr. Brent Moloughney
Some advice for those planning to participate in Halloween festivities this weekend. If you plan to host or attend a social gathering, please keep it small. Keep windows open, have plenty of hand sanitizer available, do not share food or drinks and consider the vaccination status of those in attendance. If you are not yet fully vaccinated, maintain distance from others and wear a mask, especially when indoors.
If you choose to give out treats:
- Keep interactions with trick-or-treaters brief
- Wear a face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained
- Don’t set out a communal bowl for children to reach into and consider contactless candy distribution by using tongs
- Clean your hands often throughout the evening using soap and water or hand sanitizer
And for our trick-or-treaters:
- Be creative and build the face covering into your costume. But remember: a costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering
- Do not crowd the doorway
- Use hand sanitizer often especially before touching your face
And for everyone: continue daily screening before and after your event. Stay home if you are sick, even if symptoms are mild. And assess your risk before engaging in day-to-day activities – for Halloween and beyond. Visit OttawaPublicHealth.ca/SocialWise for more information.
