Haunting Hamilton: Halloween celebrations return but precautions recommended

Hamilton | Community |

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Published October 28, 2021 at 10:47 am

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The spooky season is here again and while things COVID-wise look better this year in Hamilton, there are still some precautions you may want to consider taking this Halloween.

Unlike last year when the province advised against trick-or-treating in hotspot parts of Ontario, earlier this month, the province’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Kieran Moore, offered some guidance for those who want to participate in the tradition this year.

Some of the suggestions were:

  • stay home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
  • do not sing or shout for your treats
  • keep interactions brief with those giving out treats
  • use hand sanitizer often, especially before and after handling your face covering, after touching frequently touched surfaces, when you arrive home from trick-or-treating, and before and after handling or eating treats
  • there is no need to clean or disinfect pre-packaged treats

If you’re giving out treats, the province offers the following suggestions:

  • keep interactions with trick-or-treaters short and encourage them to move along after receiving their treat from you
  • consider wearing a face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained
  • consider including the face-covering as part of your costume if you are dressing up
  • give out only purchased and packaged treats
  • do not ask trick-or-treaters to sing or shout for their treats
  • clean your hands often throughout the evening using soap and water or with hand sanitizer

The City of Hamilton, taking its cue from the province, also provided a helpful graphic to remind trick-or-treaters of some of the precautions they should take:

Additionally, the Hamilton Fire Department has offered some advice for homeowners getting into the spirit season who want to do so safely:

A full list of Ontario’s COVID-19 precautions and guidance for the Autumn holiday season, including for upcoming Remembrance Day, can be found on the province’s website.

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