For a second year in a row, little ones who will spend Halloween will have to comply with several safety instructions to avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19.
The Department of Health and Human Services posted “Suggestions for good practices for a safe Halloween” on the government website on Friday.
It first emphasizes that anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19, or who is in isolation, should not participate in the door-to-door collection, or in the distribution of treats, or in parties. .
For those who do not show symptoms, the ministry recalls that caution is always in order to limit the risks of the virus spreading.
When collecting door-to-door treats, children should not enter homes. They are also asked to refrain from singing or shouting in front of the people who give the treats.
A distance of one meter should be kept between people, if possible. The treats should also be prepared in individual bags, to facilitate distribution and limit contact.
Before and after the candy collection, hand washing is recommended, as well as the use of an alcohol-based solution if necessary, also notes the ministry.
According to Quebec, the risk of contamination is especially present in indoor parties. The sanitary measures in force must be respected, and in particular the limit of 10 people allowed in private homes.
Relaxations compared to 2020
This is a relaxation of the instructions compared to last year, when Prime Minister François Legault announced that no “party” or private gathering would be tolerated on Halloween.
On October 22, 2020, Quebec deplored an increase of 1,033 cases of COVID-19 and 20 deaths. By comparison, Quebec reported a year later, on Friday, 434 new cases and eight additional deaths.
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In 2020, children were to travel only with members of their household. They had to collect the candies placed in a place two meters from the occupants of the house visited.
In addition to all the other measures, the candy collection circuit was to be limited to the neighborhood surrounding the participants’ homes. Municipalities were invited to indicate the direction of traffic on the sidewalks.
People should also always keep a distance of two meters from others.