The Town of Cobourg and the Cobourg Police Service are strongly recommending that citizens stay safe and follow public health advice this Halloween to keep the risk of spread of COVID-19 within the community low.
The press release highlighted Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams's own advice: “As Ontarians begin to prepare for Halloween this year, I’d like to remind everyone to take extra precautions to ensure you are keeping yourself and your families safe.”
Dr. Williams advises residents to check with their local municipality or public health unit for additional advice or restrictions, and urges everyone not to travel outside of their neighbourhoods to celebrate Halloween.
The Haliburton Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit, Cobourg Police Service and the Town of Cobourg all strongly recommend that the community consider safer ways to celebrate Halloween that can be done close to home while following all the necessary safety precautions.
Avoid gatherings with people outside of your household, and just stay home if you are ill or at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19.
Everyone is urged to consider alternate methods of Halloween fun at home, such as pumpkin carving, Halloween candy hunts, movie nights, scary stories, and pitching in to decorate your home to be the spookiest one on the block, with children encouraged to go ahead and put together those crazy costumes for virtual parties or activities. For those who will not forego trick-or-treating, there are still ways to minimize the risk.
Only go out with members of your household, and only trick-or-treat outdoors.
Both trick-or-treaters and people handing out candy should wear a face covering. A costume's mask is not a substitute for a face covering, and should not be worn over a face covering as it may create breathing difficulties.
Do not gather on doorsteps, and remember to keep that two-metre distance if you're lining up for candy. Also, avoid high-touch surfaces and objects.
Wash or sanitize your hands often.
Consider using tongs to pass out candy, and do not leave treat in a bowl for kids to grab.
Leave your Halloween haul to sit for 24 hours before you tear into it (parents are advised to have some ready-to-enjoy treats at home to bridge the gap).
“Remember - the steps we take now will determine what the holiday season will look like,” Mayor John Henderson reminds everyone.
“Let’s come together and control the outcome of this second wave by taking the necessary precautions to protect our community and our most vulnerable.”
If you do go out on Halloween night, the Cobourg Police Service offers some safety tips to keep in mind.
Fasten reflective tape to your costume, wear light-coloured clothing and carry a flashlight or lighted device for best visibility to drivers.
Always walk on sidewalks or paths, and cross streets using traffic signals or crosswalks.
Look out for cars turning or backing out of driveways.
As well, drivers are urged to take it slowly that night and keep an eye out for kids, especially in residential areas.
“We encourage kids, parents, and motorists to keep the safety of all the little goblins and ghouls in mind,” Chief Paul VandeGraaf said. “Pay attention to your surroundings, and take the extra steps to stay safe.”
Additional Halloween-safety resources include the provincial website and the health unit's website, as well as the Town of Cobourg's Halloween Safety webpage – which includes posters for front doors to let your neighbours know whether you're handing out treats.
