Statement from KFL&A Public Health’s Medical Officer of Health regarding Halloween

Kingston— The Ministry of Health announced on Monday, October 19 that all Ontarians should take extra precautions to stay safe this Halloween and discouraged traditional door-to-door trick or treating in regions that are currently in modified stage 2 in Ontario (i.e., Ottawa, Peel, Toronto, and York). For all individuals outside of these regions, the province recommended that you follow the guidance from your local public health agency.

KFL&A Public Health has been closely monitoring the epidemiological evidence and today, Dr. Kieran Moore, Medical Officer of Health has announced a change in the community status level of COVID-19 from yellow to green. The green community status level indicates that active positive cases are rare, no active outbreaks, local hospital capacity, quick case and contact follow-up, and full testing capacity.

“We will continue to see undulations (smooth fluctuations) in the number of cases until there is a vaccine,” said Dr. Moore. “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.”

As we all pull together to find creative and effective solutions in this fight, my advice for this Halloween is to take extra precautions and to follow these public health measures to keep yourself and your families 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.

“Be kind and respectful this Halloween as not everyone may feel safe interacting with trick or treaters this year,” said Dr. Moore. “I am confident that we can trick or treat safely in our community, for those who choose to take part this Halloween.”