Niagara says yes to safe trick-or-treating
Going door-to-door should be OK with some precautions
With Halloween fast approaching, Niagara public health and municipal officials are handing out advice on how to safely celebrate the spookiest time of the year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parents have been trying to assess the patchwork of health advice, guidance and stern warnings about trick-or-treating coming from different regions across the country.
Dr. Mustafa Hirji, Niagara’s acting medical officer of health, said while Halloween parties are a bad idea, trick-or-treating should be OK with some precautions.
He said children going out hunting for door-to-door treats should only do so with their household group, or tight social bubble. Going out with multiple households or bubbles is inviting higher risk.
He said trick-or-treaters and people handing out candy should wear masks that cover their nose, mouth and chin, and everyone should frequently use hand sanitizers.
People handing out candy might be tempted to wear gloves, but that really won’t help, added Hirji.
“The reason you wear gloves in a medical setting is because it is an alternative to hand sanitizers, but then you throw those gloves away. They are single use,” he said.
“So, if you were using gloves on Halloween, you would have to throw them away after each trick-or-treater. You are better to use hand sanitizers and clean your doorknob and doorbell frequently.”
Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said he supports trick-ortreating this year.
“Outside is safer than inside during COVID,” he said.
“If people can stay in their small family bubble or small cohorts when they’re going doorto-door instead of a pack of kids, as they may have in the past, keep their distance, wear their masks, and the people giving out the candy can do so in a safe way as well … I completely agree and support (the activity).”
Diodati said he’s going to be using tongs to hand out treats at his house.
“Let’s not let our guard down. Let’s still be diligent and let’s make sure that we’re continuing to keep it safe to have fun.”
In a public notice posted to its website, the City of Niagara Falls created posters that can be placed on doors or windows to let trick-or-treaters know if they’re participating in Halloween this year.
St. Catharines Mayor Walter Sendzik said Halloween is a special time of year for some people, but just like some of the more recent calendar events, including Easter and Thanksgiving, residents can expect things to be different.
“There’s a lot of community organizations or neighbourhood associations doing special things on the Saturday to still create that sense of excitement around Halloween, but at the same time doing it in a safe way that helps to mitigate any potential exposure to the virus,” he said.
Sendzik said people should be respectful of people who “are not going to be turning on their outside light and welcoming people to the front of their house.”
He also warned against large indoor parties.
“I am confident that the Niagara Regional Police will be out in full force, so any kind of house party or any kind of event that attracts more than 10 people will be shut down quickly.”
Sendzik said fines the province has set dealing with such matters should be enforced.
“We would expect that if anybody is breaking those regulations during any day, especially Halloween, they will be fined accordingly.”
Welland Mayor Frank Campion did not return requests for comment.