KFLA Public Health has announced that Trick or Treating can go ahead this year. The announcement comes as the community’s status goes from Yellow to Green. According to Public Health, Green Status indicated rare positive cases, no active outbreaks, local hospital capacity and full testing capabilities. However, Public Health is still urging that precautions be taken.
“KFL&A Public Health has been closely monitoring the epidemiological evidence and today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health has announced a change in the community status level of COVID-19 from yellow to green. The green community status level indicates that active positive cases are rare, no active outbreaks, local hospital capacity, quick case and contact follow-up, and full testing capacity,” Public Health said in a news release.
Dr. Moore cautioned that we will continue to see a fluctuation in cases until a vaccine is approved.
“As we all pull together to find creative and effective solutions in this fight, my advice for this Halloween is to take extra precautions and to follow these public health measures to keep yourself and your families safe.
- 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.”
There has been increasing confusion over Public Health messaging over Trick or Treating in recent weeks. On October 13th, Dr. Tam from the Canada’s Public Health agency said that Trick or Treating can proceed as usual. Then, on October 19th, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said that Halloween should be cancelled this year, instead opting for pumpkin carving and Halloween movies. However, all public health agencies have remained consistent about listening to local health guidance from their local health units.
