Bath & North East Somerset Council is encouraging residents to safely enjoy Halloween within the rule of six and avoid trick or treating to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
To avoid people mixing unnecessarily, the council is calling on people to consider celebrating without the traditional trick or treating and to try a safer alternative this year.
Some local areas have arranged pumpkin trails or scavenger hunts to replace trick or treat, where children look out for Halloween objects from a distance while walking outside instead of being encouraged to touch buckets of sweets.
The council is also highlighting other home-based activities for children to enjoy such as trick or treating using the doors within your home, hosting a virtual Halloween party or a dance contest on Zoom.
Dr Bruce Laurence, the council’s Director for Public Health, said: “Halloween is an exciting time for many families and with everything that 2020 has thrown at us, it’s important to seize opportunities to have fun. However, to minimise the spread of coronavirus it’s best to avoid people mixing unnecessarily whenever we can. While the number of people who have COVID-19 in B&NES is comparatively lower than other parts of the country, our rates are unfortunately rising, so we can’t allow ourselves to get complacent.
“Please avoid trick or treating if possible and at all times follow the rule of six as well as the hands face and space guidance. Please avoid knocking on doors in order to reduce the risk of transmission and protect vulnerable residents who may be shielding, but best of all find alternative Halloween activities within your own home. Stay safe and enjoy the evening within your bubble.”
Other ideas to celebrate at home include:
- Carve a pumpkin
- Make spooky snacks
- Watch a scary movie
- Decorate your home and doorstep
- Hold a Halloween costume contest
- Face painting
- Mix a spooky cocktail or mocktail
The latest advice on coronavirus can be found at https://beta.bathnes.gov.uk/
