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Safe Trick-or-Treating Guidelines from Algoma Public Health

The Township of Johnson supports the following Algoma Public Health guidelines for Halloween

Halloween Tips:

The best way to have an enjoyable Halloween is to follow public health recommendations and help keep ourselves and communities safe.

Trick or treaters outdoors should put the following precautions in place:

  • Don’t go trick or treating if you are feeling ill, even if symptoms are minor
  • Choose costumes that allow a non-medical mask to be worn underneath.  Make sure you can see and breath comfortably. Halloween masks are not a substitute as they do not provide the same level of protection as they often have holes and are not made of the correct material.
  • Practicing physical distancing
  • You should only be trick or treating with those in your same household
  • Consider pre-arranged stops/visits to family/friends; physical distancing still must be maintained.
  • Respect homes by staying away if the lights are out.
  • Stick close to home when trick or treating and be sure to keep enough space between yourself and other trick or treaters when on sidewalks, stairs, walkways, etc.
  • For those who live in rural areas, drive your children and pre-arrange visits with those households you will stopping at.
  • Be sure to bring along hand sanitizer and use it regularly. Avoid touching your face and upon returning home be sure to wash your hands.
  • Ensure hands are washed thoroughly after handling candy wrappers and before eating or handling any food.

For those giving out treats:

  • Don’t hand out candy if feeling ill or self-isolating
  • If you do not feel comfortable having trick or treaters consider turning off your lights and/or placing signage in your window.
  • For those wishing to provide treats, make it obvious to trick or treaters.
  • Instead of offering a shared bowl, only hand out sealed, pre-packaged treats.
  • Those giving out candy should be wearing a cloth mask or face covering which covers their nose, mouth and chin without gapping
  • Consider strategies to maximize and maintain physical distance from trick treaters; ALWAYS maintain a physical distance of at least 2m or 6ft.
  • Place the candy at the end of the driveway or door step to avoid contact at the door
  • Consider using an impermeable barrier with open slot (e.g Plexiglas, plastic shower curtain, etc.)
  • Other suggestions: use tongs, a baking sheet, or make a candy slide-be creative
  • Be more outside than inside!
  • If you can, stand outside your door to hand out treats the kids will not need to touch the door or doorbell.
  • If you’re unable to sit outside to hand out treats, clean and disinfect doorbells and knobs, handrails, and any other high touch surface often during the evening.

More information from Algoma Public Health can be found HERE.

Government of Ontario Halloween Guidelines can be found HERE.