This year, we’ll need to make changes to our Halloween celebrations so we can keep physically distanced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo credit: iStock.com/cglade
Recently I’ve seen debate online about whether to celebrate Halloween this year. Some people say it should be cancelled altogether because it isn’t a necessity. While I see the logic of that, I sympathize with the young kids who are already dealing with so many changes in their lives. It would be nice for them to enjoy the fun parts of Halloween, if we can do it safely.
The BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) has information on how to celebrate safely this Halloween. It advises people to skip the parties and only trick or treat in small groups.
People welcoming trick-or-treaters to their door will also need to adopt different procedures than they’ve probably used in the past.
Here’s the BCCDC’s advice for safety when handing out treats:
- Use tongs and a baking sheet, or make a candy slide, to give more space when handing out candy.
- Plan to hand out individual treats instead of offering a shared bowl.
- Only hand out sealed, pre-packaged treats.
- Wear a non-medical mask that covers your nose and mouth when handing out treats.
- Be more outside than inside. If you can, stand outside your door to hand out treats, so kids won’t need to touch the door (to knock) or doorbell.
- If you’re unable to sit outside to hand out treats, clean and disinfect doorbells and knobs, handrails, and any other high-touch surfaces often during the evening.
Remember the usual Halloween safety tips
In addition to considering the new precautions around physical distancing, remember to be mindful of safety when carving a pumpkin, driving, and dressing up.
See the Pumpkin carving safety advice from Consumer Reports that goes into more detail about these tips:
- Use the right tools.
- Carve your pumpkin with its top on.
- Keep things clean, dry, and bright.
- Don’t let kids carve.
- Know first aid.
Here is some (of much more) advice from ICBC on staying safe on the roads if you’re out on Halloween:
- Drivers: stay well below the speed limit.
- Pedestrians: Be bright to be seen.
- Everyone: Leave your phone alone.
Also see Ten Halloween Safety Tips from the Canada Safety Council for more ideas about safe costumes, clothing, and candy consumption.
How will you celebrate? I’m curious to know your plans for a fun and safe Halloween, so let me know in the comment box below. Have fun and stay safe!
