Kids trick or treating during COVID-19 have more to think about than finding the house giving out the full-size chocolate bars.

Nova Scotia’s department of public health has released detailed guidelines to enjoy a safe Halloween.

Many of the rules are already familiar such as don’t go out if you are unwell, trick or treat with no more than 10 people from your close family or social group and maintain social distance between groups.

The province’s chief medical officer of health Dr. Robert Strang saidone of the most important things to remember is to keep hands clean and watch where they go.

“We’re recommending instead of putting your hand on a doorknob or a doorbell, a light rap with your knuckles on the door. Both for kids getting treats and people giving out treats, we don’t want multiple hands going in a common bowl, so if you’re using a common bowl, use a pair of tongs or put out individual servings,” said Strang. “It’s important that we don’t have lots of hands going in the same place.”

Strang also says people should avoid trick or treating indoors but to wear a non-medical mask if you do.

The province’s chief medical officer of health is reminding kids to bring hand sanitizer to use often while they are out and to wash hands well before eating any candy.

COVID-19 isn’t the only concern people need to be aware of, and RCMP also released their Halloween safety guidelines.

They suggest a costume that is visible in the dark and to ensure any masks don’t obstruct a child’s vision.

Children trick or treating without an adult should have a set route planned and go with a buddy.

RCMP are advising drivers try to avoid residential areas, but if they must, they should plan a little more time for their route and drive slowly.

Dr. Strang reminds any adults planning to participate in Halloween parties that the regular gathering limits are still in place.

No more than 10 people can gather in a home, 50 people can physically distance at community events if they can maintain two metres distance and up to 200 can congregate at recognized businesses if social distancing rules can be met.

“A reminder that non-medical masks are required in indoor public places and Halloween masks don’t count unless it is a noon-medical mask that is covering your nose and mouth. And even if you’ve got great plans, if you’re feeling unwell stay the blazes home,” said Strang.

The full list of COVID-19 Halloween safety guidelines is available at this link.

Reported by Ed Halverson 
E-mail: edhalversonnews@gmail.com
Twitter: @edwardhalverson