Sweet! Tam says there’s no need to cancel Halloween
OTTAWA— Canada’s top doctor, Dr. Theresa Tam, says COVID-19 is scary, but it’s not a reason to cancel Halloween.
Speaking to reporters in Ottawa Tuesday after COVID-19 dampened many an indoor Thanksgiving weekend feast, Canada’s chief public health officer said public health leaders recognize Halloween is important to communities and children. They also believe it’s possible to strike the “right balance” between risk and fun — outdoors.
“I think trick-or-treating outside with the right distancing, prepackaging your treats so that people are not rummaging in a bowl of their bonbons, candies, is actually important,” Tam said. So is “having hand sanitizers for your kids, wearing a mask,” she said.
Tam said it’s important to listen to local public health directions because virus activity differs from region to region.
Toronto, Ottawa and Peel region are Ontario’s hot zones, but Ontario’s medical health officer Dr. David Williams said recommendations for Halloween in those spots haven’t yet been finalized.
Tam hailed creative suggestions like using a hockey stick to hand out treats, or a pool noodle to show kids how far apart to stand.
In the Whitby area, woodworker Scott Bennett designed and posted to YouTube an illuminated candy slide using eavestrough and LED lights — total cost about $33 — to allow social distancing while handing out candy. He made it because his now-grown kids used to love Halloween when they were young, he said. The candy slide looks like a “Hot Wheels track and lined with LED lights.”
“It is possible to give candy and to receive candy safely,” said Tam’s deputy, Dr. Howard Njoo.