NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGION
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With increased cases of COVID-19 in York Region, Halloween will be different this year. The Province has issued guidance advising traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating is not recommended in areas currently within modified stage 2 restrictions, including York Region.
This Halloween residents are encouraged to stay home, stay safe and consider alternatives to the classic trick-or-treating:
• Have an Easter egg-like hunt in your house with the kids hunting for Halloween candy
• Decorate different doors in your home and have kids trick or treat indoors with different household members handing out candy
• Set up a piñata at home filled with your kids’ favourite Halloween treats
Check out these ideas and many more on our Pinterest page.
Although not recommended, if you choose to venture out on Halloween night, we want to remind you to remain vigilant by following these tips to keep the community healthy and safe:
• Stay home if you or your little ones are feeling ill or have any symptoms at all, even mild
• Only go trick-or-treating with members of your direct household
• Stick to your own neighbourhood
• Do not congregate or linger at doorsteps; line up two metres apart
• Trick-or-treaters, parents and those handing out candy should wear a face mask or 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; consider building the face covering into your child’s costume
• Avoid high-touch surfaces; bring hand sanitizer to frequently sanitize between houses
• Do not leave treats in a bowl for children to grab; consider using tongs to hand out treats
There are also great ways to get into the spooky spirit this Halloween! Decorating is highly encouraged. Make your house, windows or doors a scary sight for all the neighbours. You can also dress up and still host a virtual party so that Halloween costume you picked out doesn’t go to waste!
Please continue following public health measures. Maintain a physical distance of two metres, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, wear a face covering in indoor public settings, keep close contact to your household only and stay home if you’re feeling ill.
For more information, visit here.
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