Ontario Guidelines for Halloween during COVID-19

By October 26, 2020Covid-19, Events, Issues

This year, Peel Public Health’s recommendation on celebrating Halloween takes into account the risk of COVID-19 transmission in the Peel community. The Halloween guidance reflects what is right for Peel.

In the spirit of community safety, Halloween is not cancelled but will look different this year. Peel Public Health continues to recommend keeping celebrations to close contacts within your immediate household. Trick or treating may be associated with other high-risk activities for spreading the virus, like gathering in groups, close contact and going into other people’s homes.

As such, Peel Public Health and Ontario guidelines discourages traditional door-to-door trick or treating and people should consider alternative ways to celebrate. This can include, but is not limited to:

  • Encouraging kids to dress up and participate in virtual activities and parties;
  • Organizing a Halloween candy hunt with people living in their own household;
  • Carving pumpkins;
  • Having a movie night or sharing scary stories; and
  • Decorating front lawns.

Additionally, you may wish to visit Ontario’s link on how to celebrate Halloween during COVID-19 at: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-celebrate-halloween-during-covid-19

Please refer to the Region of Peel’s COVID-19 website, including information on protecting yourself and others. If you wish to speak with someone directly, you can call Peel Public Health at 905-799-7700. Call centre hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday.