“Trick or Treat!!” – The sound that so many of us are used to hearing this time of the year. The sound of happy children dressed in Halloween costumes going door to door, hoping to come home with a bag of candy twice their size. For some, this time of year is usually a time for pumpkin carving, candy corn, and haunted houses. For others it’s another day, waiting for November 1st to get all the discounted Halloween candy. But, this year is going to look very different for everyone depending on where you are. 

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has changed our lives – the use of masks and physical distancing has become our new normal. This spooky season there are going to be a lot more masked ghosts, princesses, and vampires. While we get ready to go around our neighbourhoods, we’re now going to be adding some protective touches to costumes this year. After Halloween, there are only so many days left this year and a few more holidays to go.  As we gear up for the holiday season I often find myself asking “what are the holidays going to look like?”, “Will I go home and visit family or stay where I am?”. We as a whole are taking each holiday step-by-step, with a cautious but optimistic approach. 

Depending on what part of Canada you’re in, Halloween may have been cancelled entirely or your chief medical officer has published a list of recommendations for the trick-or-treaters, the candy-givers, and the general public. Here in Nova Scotia, we’re thankfully at a number of cases of COVID-19 that are relatively low and the provincial government has put out a list of guidelines for residents to follow on Halloween.

Halloween can be a stressful time on its own. People dressed up to scare, skeletons lurking around the corner, and the ghoulish and gory decorations that look incredibly realistic. This year there is an added layer of stress, arguably making this Halloween one of the most anxiety-inducing years in recent history – as this year there is a literal global pandemic happening. With that being said, let’s take a look at the Nova Scotia Halloween guidelines and some other tips to help you handle Halloween and its spooky risks. 

General Guidelines

• KEEP YOUR MASK ON. Don’t swap out your face mask for a Halloween one! If you’re going to put on a Halloween mask, put it on over your non-surgical face mask. That way you can still be spooky and safe! 

• If you’re feeling unwell or you’re self-isolating, please don’t take part in Halloween. Stay home and follow the guidelines.

For the Trick-or-Treaters

• Treat-or-treat with the people you live with or friends from your close social group.

• Keep the group of trick-or-treaters to less than 10 people.

• Maintain physical distancing (6-feet apart) from others. 

• Try to only trick-or-treat in outside spaces or ask your building manager/condo advisory board if they have a modified trick-or-treat plan in place.

• If you’re trick-or-treating inside, wear a non-surgical mask and stay within the gathering limits.

• Don't sing or shout in exchange for candy – keep conversation brief.

• Don't take treats when multiple people have to reach into a single container.

• Bring and use hand sanitizer often. Wash your hands when you get home.

• Make sure to wash your hands before and after handling and eating treats.

For the full list of Nova Scotia’s guidelines and to get a printable Halloween poster from the government of Nova Scotia check out the link! Happy Halloween everyone!

Stay spooky and safe!