Many health experts advise against trick-or-treating, especially in high risk areas, due to the peak in COVID-19 cases in Ontario.
Video by Samira Balsara
Multimedia by Nathan Bharatt
By Alia Campbell
Due to the rising coronavirus cases across Ontario, health experts suggest to avoid trick-or-treating, especially within high risk areas.
Many families will have to find alternative ways to celebrate Halloween this year because of the public health guidelines in various regions.
Mississauga residents, Rita and Gurinder Saini used to take their daughters trick-or-treating just like other families did, but this year they are choosing to celebrate differently.
“They will dress up in the house, we will do pumpkin carving, but we will not be going door to door,” said Mrs. Saini.
According to health experts, the Saini’s are making the safest choice.
Dr. Timothy Sly, an epidemiologist, stresses the importance of safety in the fall in order for everyone to enjoy the holiday season.
Thomas Tenkate, an associate professor at the Ryerson University school of occupational and public health, emphasizes that it is not just the aspect of the risk for children, but the people handing out candy will be at risk as well.
Families in low risk areas who still choose to go trick-or-treating this Halloween are advised to take some health precautions. Within these areas, Dr. Sly says that families should still wear masks, sanitize frequently, and keep a safe distance from people outside of your personal circle.
Major high risk areas in Ontario include the city of Toronto with a total of 2824 active cases, Peel Region with a total of 1386 active cases, and the city of Ottawa with 718 active cases.
Story continues below interactive
Though Halloween is going to look different this year, fun activities such as pumpkin carving, candy scavenger hunts, and movie marathons can still be done indoors.
Leave a Reply