Written by Penny Schreiner

Halloween is here, and if you plan to celebrate, remember to put some precautions in place to keep everyone safe.

Trick or Treaters will be out in full force, and Medical Health Officer Responsible for Immunization and Physician Co-Lead of the SHA's Immunization Campaign, Doctor Tania Diener, has these suggestions. She says, "Recommendations will be that kids don't go in groups with other kids that don't belong to the household. That, if there's a lot of kids coming up to a door, that they wait and give each other enough space to actually get to the door to collect their treats."

Treats should be store-bought items only, and residents are encouraged to use creative ways to hand out candy to ensure physical distancing, such as using tongs, tubes or individual bags on a tray.

Masks are encouraged for trick or treaters, as well as for those handing out candy.

Children should be encouraged to wash their hands before enjoying their treats.

Older children and adults enjoy Halloween as well and may be planning a get-together at their homes.

Doctor Diener adds, "Please keep in mind we really would like vaccinated people to come together as much as possible. Not unvaccinated or partially vaccinated. If you're going to be together in a  small area indoors masking would really be the recommendation."

Proof of Vaccination and masking orders remain in effect for any Halloween celebrations at public venues.