Beaver Staff
Kingston Frontenac Lennox and Addington medical officer of health Dr. Kieran Moore has given the green light for little witches and goblins to go trick-or-treating on Saturday.
KFLA Public Health released a statement last week cautioning as long as precautions were taken, trick-or-treating can take place in this region.
“Be kind and respectful this Halloween as not everyone may feel safe interacting with trick or treaters this year,” said Moore. “I am confident that we can trick or treat safely in our community, for those who choose to take part this Halloween.”
Moore’s blessing for Halloween came the same day the KFLA region’s COVID-19 rating was downgraded from yellow to green-which represents the best a community can be on the four level system.
“We will continue to see undulations (smooth fluctuations) in the number of cases until there is a vaccine,” said Moore. “This is the best scenario, and it speaks to how our community is working together to minimize the spread of COVID-19. We will get through this and what comes next together.”
The Ministry of Health announced on all Ontarians should take extra precautions to stay safe this Halloween and discouraged traditional door-to-door trick or treating in regions that are currently in modified stage 2 in Ontario (i.e., Ottawa, Peel, Toronto, and York). For all individuals outside of these regions, the province recommended that you follow the guidance from your local public health agency.
Moore’s advice for staying safe this Halloween includes:
- Avoid gatherings with people outside of your household.
- Stay home if you are feeling ill and do not hand out candy to trick or treaters.
- Only go out with members of your household.
- Do not go into homes to collect treats – stay outside.
- Both children trick or treating and people handing out candy should wear a face covering. A costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering and should not be worn over a face covering as it may make it difficult to breathe.
- Do not congregate or linger at doorsteps and remember to line up two metres apart if waiting.
- Avoid touching high-touch surfaces and objects (e.g., doorbells, railings, etc.).
- Whether collecting or handing out treats, wash your hands often and thoroughly, or use hand sanitizer.
- Do not leave treats in a bucket or bowl for children to grab and consider using tongs or other similar tools to hand out treats.
- Drive safely – children may cross the street without checking for oncoming traffic.