Halloween recommendations differ across the province amid COVID-19

Halloween trick-or-treating is not recommended for kids in the province’s COVID-19 hotspots.

That directive comes from Ontario’s chief medical officer of health Dr. David Williams.

Given the high rates of COVID-19 transmission in Toronto, Ottawa, Peel and York Region, Williams says residents should consider virtual alternatives.

These regions are under modified Stage 2 restrictions, which include limits on public gatherings, gym and movie theatre closures and no indoor dining at restaurants.

Schools in these regions remain open.

Williams is also discouraging families from travelling outside of their neighbourhoods to celebrate Halloween.

As for Hamilton and other regions under looser restrictions, the province has released the following guidelines:

• Only trick or treat outside
• Both trick or treaters 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 high-touch surfaces and objects
• 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