Windsor-Essex County Health Unit releases Halloween safety guide
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit is recommending residents follow a few safety measures when getting their tricks and treats this Halloween.
The health unit issued a number of health and safety guidelines for those participating in the spooky holiday this year, including keeping gatherings small and staying local.
Do not participate in any Halloween festivities if you are feeling ill, have symptoms of COVID-19 (even if they are mild), or have been told to isolate. While health and safety measures remain a top priority, the health unti is encouraging parents, families, and individuals to participate by decorating as they usually would to create the spirit of Halloween.
For those participating in trick or treating, the WECHU suggests doing so at a distance.
“Although trick-or-treating is an outdoor activity, there are still no zero-risk situations, therefore following the rules of physical distancing will be extremely important,” the health unit says. “Always stay at least two metres (six feet) away from people outside of your household. This includes waiting for the trick-or-treaters in front of you to collect their treats before proceeding. Do not sing or shout for your treats.”
The health unit also says those spending the night heading door to door asking for candy should wear a mask or face covering and parents should ensure their children’s costumes allow them to wear a face covering comfortable — costume masks are not a suitable substitute, WECHU says.
The WECHU also suggests limiting the number of houses you visit and avoid large groups and Halloween parties.
“Reducing the number of contacts will be critical in preventing the spread of COVID-19 this Halloween,” the WECHU says. “It is recommended families trick-or-treat only with their household members to avoid large groups. If you choose to gather with those outside of your household, consider limiting to only those that are fully vaccinated or keep it outdoors.”
For those on the other side of the door dolling out treats to costumed kids, the health unit says to practice frequent handwashing or sanitizing, however, the WECHU notes there is no need to clean or disinfect pre-packaged treats but says to hand out candy at a distance.
“Use tongs to hand out candy, a table to spread out treats or other creative ways to share while keeping distance should be a priority,” WECHU says. “Also, consider sitting outside to avoid the need to open the door or ring the doorbell. Handing out treats at the end of the driveway will make it easy to avoid lineups and potential crowds.”
The health unit also says candy givers should wear a face covering, place physical distancing markers and avoid screaming and to avoid decorations that may cause kids to scream or cough.
The WECHU has also suggested some alternatives to treat-or-treating including an at home trick-or-treat unit, a virtual costume party, a family Halloween night and delivering treats to friends and family.
A full list of guidelines to have a spooky and safe Halloween is available on the WECHU website.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.