WDG Public Health Halloween Tips

Government of Ontario

If you live outside of Ottawa, Peel, Toronto or York Region

If you live outside the modified Stage 2 public health unit regions and are going to go out to trick-or-treat:

• only go out with members of your household
• only trick-or-treat outside
• both trick-or-treaters and people handing out candy should wear a face covering — a costume mask is not a substitute and should not be worn over a face covering because it may make it difficult to breathe
• do not congregate or linger at doorsteps and remember to line up two metres apart if you are waiting
• avoid high-touch surfaces and objects, such as railings and doorbells
• whether you are collecting or handing out treats, wash your hands often and thoroughly, or use hand sanitizer

If you are giving out treats, do not leave them in a bucket or bowl for children to grab. Consider using tongs or other similar tools to hand out treats.

Print a poster to tell trick or treaters if you are giving out treats

Consider printing one of these posters to let your neighbours know whether you are handing out treats. If you will be giving out treats and live in a public health unit region in Stage 3.

“Welcome trick-or-treaters” poster (PDF)

If you won’t be handing out treats this year or live in a public health unit region in modified Stage 2 (Ottawa, Peel, Toronto or York Region).

“See you next year” poster (PDF)

WDG Public Health has developed guidance for Halloween 

Trick or treating is less of a concern than Halloween gatherings.  Public Health thinks it is safe to trick or treat, with precautions, but discourages Halloween parties.

 Halloween tips to stay safe

• Restrict close contact to only those you live with
• Practice physical distancing of six feet with anyone you don’t live with
• Wear a face covering, while trick-or-treating and when handing out candy (note: a Halloween costume mask is not a substitute for a face covering)
• Practice good hand hygiene
• Download the COVID-19 Alert App
• Make treats available separately to reduce multiple people handling the same candy, and consider using tongs or other similar tools to hand out treats
• Stay home if feeling ill or if you have mild symptoms
• Any organized public events or gatherings must adhere to the measures and restrictions outlined in O. Reg 364/20, including gathering limits