PICK A SIDE: Should trick-or-treating be cancelled this year?

 

Halloween is fast approaching, and, while this year will undoubtedly be a little different due to the pandemic, many families still intend to celebrate—at least in some capacity—and provide a feeling of normalcy for their children.

While multiple organizations, including the Retail Council of Canada, have provided potential alternatives when it comes to celebrating the spooky holiday this season, it wouldn’t be the same without trick-or-treating.

So far, health officials have suggested trick-or-treating can be done as long as physical distancing is maintained, and those who do choose to participate ensure they take proper safety measures including having hand sanitizer readily available.

However, residents of COVID-19 hotspots, including Peel Region, Toronto, Ottawa, and York Region have been cautioned against trick-or-treating this year by Dave Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Ultimately, with no official regulations in place, the decision regarding whether or not to participate in trick-or-treating this year will come down to each individual.

Those in favour of continuing the annual tradition this year have pointed out the low-risk open-air activities present to spreading the virus.

Others have suggested the risk of close proximity to others, including other trick-or-treaters as well as those giving away candy is unnecessary and believe it’s safest to wait until next year, while coming up with alternatives for this year that can be done at home.

It makes sense to curtail trick or treating this year; there are safer ways of celebrating Hallowe'en - let's be safe #StaySafeStayHealthy #Ontario #TuesdayThoughts

— Karen Kwan Anderson (@KarenKwanAnders) October 20, 2020

However, supporters of trick-or-treating have pointed out this year happens to fall on a Saturday—the first time in five years—and forcing kids to skip this particular Halloween seems unfair.

This is a #Halloween kids have been looking forward to for years. A Saturday night. It's their Superbowl.
Trick or Treating is the main part. It's outside, in small groups. What we've been told all along is safe.
When do we as a Society say enough?
At least let parents choose.

— Reopen Ontario Schools (@OntarioReopen) October 20, 2020

Others have questioned the Province’s decision to warn against trick-or-treating outside, while keeping schools open.

Well, when people in Ontario see their kids in school, but then are told outside Trick or Treating is unsafe, it's cognitive dissonance..

— Kevin Stewart (@stewak2) October 20, 2020

So, Mississauga, what do you think? Should trick-or-treating be cancelled this year?