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By Shane Clausing

Halloween

Hinshaw, Grande Prairie RCMP reminding public to have safe Halloween

Oct 30, 2020 | 12:22 PM

Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Deena Hinshaw is reminding Albertan’s this Halloween that with COVID-19 numbers rising across the province, now is not the time to push the limits.

“I know that many Albertan’s are quite fond of this holiday and I am too. This weekend, I am asking Albertan’s as clearly and strongly as possible to please be wise and be safe. Follow the guidance we have provided.”

“If you are trick or treating, keep it to your household or close cohort and please ensure your children wear a non-medical mask under their costume. If you are sick with even mild symptoms, don’t go out and don’t give out candy either.”

Dr. Hinshaw added that the province has noticed a disturbing trend following holidays in the province. Hinshaw said that so far, after every holiday during the pandemic, the COVID-19 case numbers have grown 1-2 weeks later.

To those who aren’t trick or treating but feel that it is safe to host a Halloween party, Dr. Hinshaw had a strong message.

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“Stick to your family and cohort no matter what you’re doing. This is not the year for large Halloween parties. Please keep your social gatherings as small as possible, regardless of where you live. Let’s continue to protect each other and continue to enjoy the activities that we are able to do. Remember, we are all in this together and we are still all protecting each other.”

With Halloween still a go for this Saturday, the Grande Prairie RCMP is also providing tips and reminding trick or treaters and parents to be safe while out in their nieghbourhood.

For trick or treaters, the RCMP is reminding kids to ensure that your costume is fully fitted and does not pose a tripping hazard. Kids are also recommended to carry a flashlight, glow stick or wear reflective tape so motorists and others can see you.

It is also recommended children should be accompanied by a parent, older sibling or trusted family member while out in the neighbourhood.

Children are also told to not enter a house or vehicle of somebody they do not know, and to avoid alleys, dark parking areas and vacant lots.

Motorists are being reminded to slow down while driving through residential areas and to watch for children darting out from houses and cars.

Those that are handing out candy this year are recommended to use tongs while passing out candy, as well as to use your porch lights to notify trick or treaters if you are handing out candy or not.

The RCMP asks the public that if you see any suspicious activity that you report it to the Grande Prairie RCMP.