Here's what you need to know about Ontario's guidance for Thanksgiving and Halloween
Ontario has released its guidance and rules for the upcoming holidays in the province.
The province says indoor gatherings with people from outside your household are allowed this year, as long as they follow the current provincial gathering limits.
Ontario's gathering limits are currently 100 outdoors and 25 indoors.
"We are able to gather together with friends and family for Thanksgiving this year provided public health rules are followed," Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said Thursday.
The province says that virtual gatherings are still the safest way to celebrate, especially if people in the group are unvaccinated.
Moore said that within a group of fully vaccinated individuals, face covers are no longer necessary.
With people from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or status is unknown, you should wear a face covering and physically distance, the province says.
The province is asking hosts to create a list of guests attending in case local public health unit need it for contact tracing.
No one should attend if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are mild, the province says.
Ontario also released guidelines for Halloween this year, saying that trick-or-treating can go ahead.
The province is asking that everyone trick-or-treat outdoors as much as possible.
"Be creative and build the face covering into your costume," the province's guideline says, adding that interactions should be brief with those giving out treats.
"Use hand sanitizer often, especially before and after handling your face covering, after touching frequently touched surfaces, when you arrive home from trick-or-treating, and before and after handling or eating treats."
There is no need to clean or disinfect pre-packaged treats, the province says.
Here's the full list of new guidelines from the province.
THANKSGIVING GATHERINGS
- Do not exceed the gathering limit of 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors
- Have the fewest number of people possible at your gathering
- Use outdoor spaces whenever possible
- Provide all the necessary supplies, including hand sanitizer, soap and water
- Open windows, if possible
- Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces
- Ask guests not to attend if they have symptoms, even if they are mild
- Make a list of guests attending in case your local public health unit needs it for contact tracing
- Remind people of public health advice to follow during the event
- Wash your hands before and frequently when preparing and serving food
- Have everyone wash their hands before and after eating
- Consider participating virtually or not attending the event if you are immunocompromised or at higher risk of severe disease or exposure to COVID-19
REMEMBRANCE DAY EVENTS
- Stay home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
- Wear a face covering indoors and wear one outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained or is required
- Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer frequently
- Consider participating virtually or not attending the event if you are immunocompromised or at higher risk of severe disease and/or exposure to COVID-19
HALLOWEEN
- Stay home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
- Trick-or-treat outdoors as much as possible
- Be creative and build the face covering into your costume. Remember that a costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering. A costume mask should not be worn over a non-medical mask or face covering because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe.
- Do not crowd doorsteps – take turns one at a time
- Do not sing or shout for your treats
- Keep interactions brief with those giving out treats
- Use hand sanitizer often, especially before and after handling your face covering, after touching frequently touched surfaces, when you arrive home from trick-or-treating, and before and after handling or eating treats
- There is no need to clean or disinfect pre-packaged treats
If you choose to give out treats:
- Do not participate in Halloween festivities if you have symptoms, even if they are mild
- Keep interactions with trick-or-treaters short and encourage them to move along after receiving their treat from you
- Consider wearing a face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained
- Consider including the face covering as part of your costume if you are dressing up
- Give out only purchased and packaged treats
- Do not ask trick-or-treaters to sing or shout for their treats
- Clean your hands often throughout the evening using soap and water or with hand sanitizer
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Grandparents killed in wrong-way crash on Hwy. 401 identified
A 60-year-old man and a 55-year-old woman killed in a wrong-way crash on Highway 401 earlier this week have been identified by the Consulate General of India in Toronto.
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Suter scores late goal, clinches series for Canucks
Pius Suter scored with 1:39 left and the Vancouver Canucks advanced to the second round of the NHL playoffs with a 1-0 victory over the Nashville Predators on Friday night in Game 6.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Quebec man who threatened Trudeau, Legault online sentenced to 20 months in jail
A Quebec man who pleaded guilty to threatening Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier François Legault has been sentenced to 20 months in jail.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Canadian doctor concerned new weight-loss drug Wegovy may be used inappropriately
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.