Trick-or-treaters have been given the green light by Saskatchewan’s health officials, but they may have to wait a few days after Halloween to eat their goodies.
In its COVID-19 update Friday, the provincial government laid out guidelines for Halloween, fall/fowl suppers, Thanksgiving and Remembrance Day.
The guidelines appear in the latest version of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan, which appears below. They can be found starting on Page 146.
At Halloween, health officials suggested that treats shouldn’t be touched for 72 hours after they’re collected or that candy wrappers should be treated with disinfectant wipes.
Trick-or-treaters and other individuals should practise social distancing if they aren’t from the same home.
Those handing out candy or treats aren’t to have direct physical contact with trick-or-treaters and should wear non-medical masks while doling out the goodies.
The government also suggested those handing out treats should use tools such as tongs to distribute the treats.
Other recommendations included: Regular disinfection of common-touch areas like doorknobs, handrails and doorbells; promoting physical distancing by putting tape on driveways or walkways at two-metre intervals; having one person per household hand out treats; and regularly practising hand hygiene during the evening.
As for Thanksgiving gatherings and fall/fowl suppers, they’re limited to a maximum of 30 people.
Potlucks are discouraged at Thanksgiving, as are shared meals between people who aren’t from the same households or bubbles.
Fowl/fall suppers should not be self-serve or buffet-style meals.
When it comes to Remembrance Day, the government suggested virtual ceremonies. Where those aren’t feasible, physical distancing and masks are recommended.
Another recommendation is contactless payment for poppies.
The government said indoor venues that previously have been given permission to exceed limits listed in public health orders can have up to 150 people attend services. That same number is the limit for outdoor Remembrance Day services.