Distancing, masks needed for safe Halloween this year: Canada's top health officials

Oct 13 2020, 5:09 pm

In order to have a safe Halloween this year, Canada’s top health officials say that masking and distancing is needed to ensure COVID-19 doesn’t continue to spread.

On Tuesday, Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer and Dr. Howard Njoo, the deputy chief public health officer, said that the holiday is important for the wellbeing of communities and children, but maintaining public health measures must be adhered to.

That means physical distancing, wearing masks, and frequent hand washing must take place.

“If we follow the three main measures we can have Halloween,” Njoo said. “We have guidelines for everyone and for authorities to know the best practices for a safe Halloween.”

“But it won’t be the same throughout the country. Canadians are resilient and can adapt. We were able to adapt for Thanksgiving. There were lots of creative solutions.”

Tam added that it’s important to listen to the local public health authority as coronavirus activity is different in various parts of the country.

She said balance is needed to provide some normality to people, even though this Halloween will be different than previous years.

“How do we adapt to the knew realities? Prepackaging your treats so you’re not putting your hands in a bowl of candies, having hand sanitizers for the kids and having masks be worn,” Tam said.

She added that creative ways of providing treats can be done like giving it on the end of a hockey stick or pool noodle so you can remain distanced.

Tam also said that tips will be made available online for people to follow soon.

Clarrie FeinsteinClarrie Feinstein

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