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By Shaun Penner

Halloween 2020

Halloween not “cancelled” due to COVID-19: Dr. Hinshaw

Oct 1, 2020 | 4:19 PM

Alberta’s top doctor says she hopes Halloween will be scary, but not because of COVID-19.

In response to mounting questions about whether the end of October tradition would be able to go ahead in the province, Dr. Deena Hinshaw said during her COVID-19 update on Thursday that Halloween can still happen.

“I have no plan to suggest that Alberta cancel Halloween this year,” announced Hinshaw.

“My own children would never forgive me.”

Hinshaw says unlike other holidays and celebrations throughout the year, Halloween is actually one of the safer ones, COVID-19-wise.

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“Unlike thanksgiving for example, where families traditionally gather inside to enjoy dinner together, most of Halloween’s activities take place outdoors, and largely within one family.”

Dr. Hinshaw did stress that measures still need to be taken to ensure trick-or-treating is done safely amid the ongoing pandemic

“Please avoid hosting group get-togethers or Halloween parties. Instead, trick-or-treating should be done within your own cohort or family, and staying within your community,” said Hinshaw. “And avoiding contact with common touchpoints like doorbells or hand railings.”

She adds people handing out candy should wear a mask, and only give out treats that are prepacked and not homemade. She also suggests handing out candy from the driveway, should the weather be warm enough.

“Try to get creative and have fun with the ways to minimize the risk of exposure that comes when giving out candy.”

The province has also created a website with other safety tips for Halloween, at alberta.ca/halloween. The site also includes printable posters that indicate whether you are planning on handing out candy on October 31.