Source: KitchenerToday, October 14, 2020 – https://www.kitchenertoday.com/coronavirus-covid-19-local-news/stick-to-low-risk-activities-this-halloween-row-public-health-2787894?fbclid=IwAR0auBX_lWWi-jxWpQs3_4IeE47maf-vTfpHrPjJJ6ylItTBi-iHJ0ImjgA
By: Erin Anderson

The region’s Medical Officer of Health issued the new guidelines on Tuesday.

Halloween is just over two weeks away, but this year, it comes as Ontario and Waterloo Region are in the midst of a second wave of COVID-19.

Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Waterloo Region’s Medical Officer of Health, offered some new guidelines ahead of October 31.

“Limit close, unprotected contact to only those in your immediate household. For events such as Halloween, it is recommended that Waterloo Region residents stick to low-risk activities.”

Dr. Wang said that includes: Pumpkin decorating, a virtual costume party, Halloween movie night, sharing spooky stories, or an outdoor trick-or-treat scavenger hunt in the backyard.

If you choose to venture outside for traditional trick-or-treating, Dr. Wang said it should not be done in the traditional sense.

“Only go out with members of your immediate household, and physically distance and wear a face covering with everyone else. Both trick-or-treaters and those handing out candy should wear a face covering – not a costume mask.”

Dr. Wang noted that a costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering, and should not be worn over a face covering, as “that may make it difficult to breathe.”

Trick-or-treaters are also asked not to congregate or linger at doorsteps, and families should line up two metres apart while waiting.

Dr. Wang also offered further messaging for anyone handing out candy, “Do not leave treats in a bucket or bowl for children to grab, use tongs or another tool to hand out treats.”

She said this falls in line with the provincial messaging.
“That being said, I don’t have the ability to proclaim whether you can celebrate Halloween or not. What I am recommending, is that people consider lower risk activities with their immediate household, or with a small group of friends outdoor with physical distancing in place.”

She noted that ultimately, people will make their own decisions.

“Things could change between now and Halloween, I may make stronger recommendations. But at this time, I’m asking people to consider lower risk activities only.”

Currently, Dr. Wang’s advice for the general public goes as follows:

– Limit close contact to people living in your own household.

– Virtual gatherings are the safest way to visit with people outside your household.

– If you choose to hold a gathering with people outside your household, you need to take these precautions: Stay home if you’re showing symptoms, wear a face mask, and keep a safe distance from people.

– Keep gatherings as small as possible and use outdoor spaces as much as possible. The fewer the people, the lower the risk.