Trick-or-treating for Halloween not recommended, health unit says

CORNWALL – When it comes to taking the kids out trick-or-treating for Halloween, the regional health unit recommends you don’t do it.

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit is “strongly recommending” that you “avoid traditional ways of celebrating Halloween,” such as going door-to-door or handing out candy, given the significant increase in COVID-19 cases.

“With COVID-19 cases on the rise, this means finding ways to celebrate that don’t increase the risk of spreading the virus,” Medical Officer of Health Dr. Paul Roumeliotis said.

That includes cancelling Halloween events and parties where people may gather.

The health unit has recommended a number of alternative celebrations including a “virtual costume party online with friends” or an “at-home candy treasure hunt.”