NIPISSING AND PARRY SOUND, ON – Halloween is fast approaching and the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (Health Unit) is reminding the public to celebrating this spook-tacular holiday safer by considering the risk when making plans.
“The COVID-19 case activity in our district is low and it is important to keep it low,” states Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “Whether you are door-to-door trick-or-treating or partaking in a Halloween party, it is critical we consider the risk of our activities. Most importantly, if you have any symptoms of illness, even mild, stay home and instead celebrate Halloween virtually with friends and family.”
The following are ways to enjoy Halloween safely and help reduce the risk of COVID-19:
Trick-or-treaters:
- Stay home if you have any symptoms of illness, even if mild.
- Wear a face covering when trick-or-treating. If possible, find a Halloween themed face covering instead of a costume mask. A costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering and it is not recommended they be worn together.
- Only trick-or-treat in outdoor settings.
- Avoid congregating in small spaces (doorsteps) to collect treats; wait from a distance until the group before you has cleared.
- Keep interactions brief with people handing out treats.
- Sanitize your hands often while out trick-or-treating, especially when you return home.
People handing out treats:
- Do not hand out treats if you have any symptoms of illness, even if mild.
- Sanitize hands often.
- Use tongs to hand out the treats.
- Do not have children grab from a communal bowl of treats.
- Only hand out individual pre-packaged treats.
Hosting or attending a party:
- If you plan on attending a gathering or are hosting a gathering and start to feel symptoms of COVID-19, cancel, get tested for COVID-19 and self-isolate.
- Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer often.
- If possible, host the party outside. If inside, we encourage you to ask individuals who are not vaccinated to wear a face covering.
- Ensure you follow the provincial gathering limits of 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
By working together, we can continue to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and keep our communities healthy.
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Media Inquiries:
Alex McDermid, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: communications@healthunit.ca