Halloween is just around the corner, and with the pandemic in full swing, the provincial government has issued some guidelines intended to help people enjoy the occasion while reducing the potential for COVID-19 spread.

First of all, Halloween parties involving more than five guests are strictly forbidden. At this time, Manitobans are meant to be reducing the number of close contacts outside their households and avoiding closed-in or crowded spaces.

Beyond that, the fundamentals apply—socially distance, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, and stay home if you’re feeling even mildly unwell.

The province is advising people to consider alternatives to trick-or-treating outside the household. But if you do decide to trick-or-treat, the best practice is to limit contact with non-households members, avoid traditional greetings (such as handshakes and hugging), and maintain a safe two-metre distance from other groups. This could mean waiting for the group in front of you to leave a home before approaching it yourself.

As far as masks go, Halloween presents a unique opportunity to incorporate the mask into people’s costumes. That said, the province warns people that costume masks are not an effective substitute for non-medical masks, and that the two shouldn’t be worn on top of each other.

For those handing out candy at their doors, the recommendation is to distribute candy without any physical contact. Tools such as tongs can be used to maintain one’s distance from trick-or-treaters. It is also a good idea to provide individual bags instead of allowing trick-or-treaters to help themselves from a communal candy bowl. And finally, only wrapped store-bought treats should be provided.

The province suggests only planning activities that allow people to maintain physical distance and avoid the spread of respiratory droplets. For example, bobbing for apples is a particularly bad idea.

However, pumpkin-carving and decorating can be done safely with good hand hygiene, lots of space, and small groups of people that respect the gathering size restrictions.