Halloween
Safety Tips

This year has been like no other in terms of how the pandemic has changed the way we do things.

Halloween is such a great time for the family to have some fun together, and there’s no reason why we can’t continue this tradition — it just might look a little different this year.

We want you to enjoy the celebrations, so we’ve gathered some safety tips.

First and foremost

Social distancing is a key preventative measure. Trick-or-treating should involve smaller groups of people that are in your “bubble”.

Practice social distancing, and when you can’t stay more than 2 meters apart, wear a mask. … ;)

If you’re handing out candy, consider pre-packed bags of candy, and be ready to hand them out at the end of a driveway rather than having loads of costumed creatures knocking on your door.

British Columbia’s Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry says on Twitter,

“I think we can have Halloween this year, it will just look different. Small groups outside, end of driveways with pre-packaged treats. Lots of ways we can still celebrate.”

Follow best practices for personal hygiene

• wash your hands when you get home from trick-or-treating
• use alcohol-based hand sanitizer often if you’re handing out candy ... and don’t forget if you have to cough or sneeze ...
• cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
• dispose of any used tissues as soon as possible in a lined wastebasket and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

Always be safe

Make sure to have adult supervision with the younger children. If the older kids want to go out with friends, just make sure to set some times for regular check-ins.

Scary costumes are always part of the evening, but make sure that your little monsters are highly visible. Use reflective tape or clip-on flashing lights and bring a flashlight.

The whole event can be a really enjoyable activity for the family - from putting together the costumes, to decorating your house and handing out treats.

While Canada is doing a good job of dealing with the pandemic it is better to be safe and continue to practice some common sense.

Social distancing is a key preventative measure. Wear a mask when you can’t stay more than 2 meters apart. Here are Health Canada’s recommendations to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:

Hygiene

• wash your hands often with soap and wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the washroom and when preparing food
• use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

when coughing or sneezing:

• cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand
• dispose of any used tissues as soon as possible in a lined wastebasket and wash your hands afterwards
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands

Health & Wellness

Choose Healthy Fats

• Choose liquid oils, such as canola or soybean oil, over solid fats such as margarine, for your cooking and baking.
• Avoid trans fat & read the labels to identify foods without them.
• Eat at least one good source of omega-3 fats each day.

• Pumpkin, peanut, pistachio...some nuts pack a huge protein power-punch - and they’re great in smoothies.

• There are plenty of healthier alternatives when you crave something sweet
• Choose berries, or healthy baked goods.
• Frozen treats such as frozen yogurt popsicles and fruit juice freezies are a great distraction