While the Provincial Ministry of Health is discouraging traditional door-to-door trick or treating in regions that are currently in modified stage 2 in Ontario – including Ottawa, Peel, Toronto, and York – communities outside those areas, including Kingston, can go ahead with a recommendation to follow the guidance local public health agencies.
Kingston had its community status level of COVID-19 change from yellow back to green by KFL&A Public Health’s Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health, on October 19.
“We will continue to see undulations (smooth fluctuations) in the number of cases until there is a vaccine,” Dr. Moore said at the time. “This is the best scenario, and it speaks to how our community is working together to minimize the spread of COVID-19. We will get through this and what comes next together.”
He advised residents to take extra precautions this Halloween and offered a number of public health measures to keep everyone safe:
- Avoid gatherings with people outside of your household.
- Stay home if you are feeling ill and do not hand out candy to trick or treaters.
- Only go out with members of your household.
- Do not go into homes to collect treats – stay outside.
- Both children trick or treating and people handing out candy should wear a face covering. A costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering and should not be worn over a face covering as it may make it difficult to breathe.
- Do not congregate or linger at doorsteps and remember to line up two metres apart if waiting.
- Avoid touching high-touch surfaces and objects (e.g., doorbells, railings, etc.).
- Whether collecting or handing out treats, wash your hands often and thoroughly, or use hand sanitizer.
- Do not leave treats in a bucket or bowl for children to grab and consider using tongs or other similar tools to hand out treats.
- Drive safely – children may cross the street without checking for oncoming traffic.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for City Matters to receive pandemic-related updates on City services directly in your email.
You can also stay up-to-date by visiting the City’s COVID-19 updates page and find answers from KFL&A Public Health for your COVID-19 questions.
Photo: nellis.af.mil
