How to Keep Halloween Fun and Safe for All
Written by Communications, October 21, 2020
Residents Encouraged to Know the Risks and Follow These Tips to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
As Halloween approaches, Peterborough Public Health is providing residents with recommendations for a fun and safe celebration.
“Evidence over the weekend showed an increased risk for local transmission of COVID-19, so this year, the safest option is to celebrate Halloween with those in your household,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “If you choose to trick-or-treat or give out treats, following these COVID-19 safety guidelines will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
For those trick-or-treating and handing out treats, Dr. Salvaterra recommends everyone:
- Screen for COVID-19 symptoms before trick-or-treating or handing out treats. Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms or feel ill, even for minor symptoms like a runny nose.
- Wear a cloth face mask. A costume mask should not be worn as a substitute.
- Make sure costumes are visible at night by wearing bright or reflective clothing.
- Only travel and trick-or-treat with those in your household. Maintain 2 metres distance from other groups. Avoid crowding in hallways or by doors.
- Wash or sanitize hands frequently. Clean hands before eating any treats.
- Use tongs or other tools when handing out treats. Avoid leaving treats in a bowl for trick-or-treaters to grab.
- Avoid handing out or eating homemade or repackaged treats.
For anyone who is looking to attend a costume party or other similar gathering, Dr. Salvaterra is reminding residents that unmonitored social gatherings are now limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. For all gatherings, residents must maintain 2 metres physical distance from those outside of their household and wear a cloth mask in addition to any costume masks. Remember to wash hands frequently and avoid sharing food or drinks. Residents are also encouraged to stay local and avoid going to areas that are experiencing higher rates of community transmission.
For more Halloween and social gathering safety tips please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Halloween”.
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For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391
Residents Encouraged to Know the Risks
and Follow These Tips to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19
As Halloween approaches, Peterborough Public Health is providing residents with recommendations for a fun and safe celebration.
“Evidence over the weekend showed an increased risk for local transmission of COVID-19, so this year, the safest option is to celebrate Halloween with those in your household,” said Dr. Rosana Salvaterra, Medical Officer of Health. “If you choose to trick-or-treat or give out treats, following these COVID-19 safety guidelines will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our community.”
For those trick-or-treating and handing out treats, Dr. Salvaterra recommends everyone:
- Screen for COVID-19 symptoms before trick-or-treating or handing out treats. Stay home if you are experiencing symptoms or feel ill, even for minor symptoms like a runny nose.
- Wear a cloth face mask. A costume mask should not be worn as a substitute.
- Make sure costumes are visible at night by wearing bright or reflective clothing.
- Only travel and trick-or-treat with those in your household. Maintain 2 metres distance from other groups. Avoid crowding in hallways or by doors.
- Wash or sanitize hands frequently. Clean hands before eating any treats.
- Use tongs or other tools when handing out treats. Avoid leaving treats in a bowl for trick-or-treaters to grab.
- Avoid handing out or eating homemade or repackaged treats.
For anyone who is looking to attend a costume party or other similar gathering, Dr. Salvaterra is reminding residents that unmonitored social gatherings are now limited to 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors. For all gatherings, residents must maintain 2 metres physical distance from those outside of their household and wear a cloth mask in addition to any costume masks. Remember to wash hands frequently and avoid sharing food or drinks. Residents are also encouraged to stay local and avoid going to areas that are experiencing higher rates of community transmission.
For more Halloween and social gathering safety tips please visit www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca and search for “Halloween”.
-30-
For further information, please contact:
Brittany Cadence
Communications Manager
705-743-1000, ext. 391