What you should know before going trick-or-treating in Ontario this Halloween
Kids in Ontario will be allowed to go trick-or-treating this year, but may have to refrain from saying that same phrase in exchange for candy on Halloween night.
As families walk from house to house this year, officials are asking them not to sing or shout for their treats and to build face coverings into their costumes.
The new guidelines, which were released earlier this month, keep in line with rules laid out over the last few months that encourage mask-wearing and physical distancing.
Here's what you need to know before you head out the door on Halloween night.
TRICK-OR-TREATERS
Officials are urging children to stay home if they experience symptoms of COVID-19 and to take part in outdoor activities as much as possible if they do participate in Halloween festivities.
They are also asking children to wear a proper face covering or mask while trick-or-treating. Officials have repeatedly said that a costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering; however, they also warn that wearing a costume mask over a non-medical mask could make it difficult to breathe. They recommend "being creative" and building the face covering into your costume.
Children must not sing or shout for treats, and parents are encouraged to keep interactions with homeowners brief. Physical distancing—or taking turns at the door—is encouraged.
"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," the guidelines said.
"There is no need to clean or disinfect pre-packaged treats."
HOMEOWNERS
The same general rules apply for those giving out treats as for those trick-or-treating. If anyone in the household develops symptoms of COVID-19, that household should not hand out candy.
Interactions with children should remain brief and those giving out candy should consider wearing a face covering if physical distancing is not possible.
Treats should be purchased and packaged, meaning no homemade goodies should be passed out.
Homeowners are also being told not to ask for the standard "trick-or-treat" chant, as well as any singing or shouting, in exchange for candy.
Those handing out candy are expected to sanitize or wash their hands often throughout the evening.
FEWER DOORS TO KNOCK ON DUE TO PANDEMIC
Last year some children in Ontario were unable to take part in trick-or-treating due to the spread of COVID-19. Premier Doug Ford said at the time that the risk of disease spread was too great in hot spots like Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa for children to gather at houses.
“We’re trying to make it as safe and simple as possible, my friends, we all know this isn’t going to be a regular Halloween,” Ford said in 2020. “We just can’t have hundreds of kids showing up at your door if you live in a hotspot, especially in an apartment building.”
A new study by Leger and the Association for Canadian Studies found that while many parents are planning on letting their children go trick-or-treating this year, fewer than half of Canadians will open their doors to kids because of the pandemic.
About 56 per cent of respondents said they would open their doors. Of those, half said they usually hand out candy on the night of Halloween.
With files from the Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
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.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
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.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
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.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.