The Municipality of North Grenville is asking people to be COVID-Smart not COVID-Scary this Halloween.
Mayor Nancy Peckford says safety of children and the community is of utmost importance.
“For those families celebrating Halloween this year, I urge you to follow COVID-19 protocols and only participate in activities where social distancing and masks/face coverings that meet public health standards can be guaranteed. Let’s be COVID-safe, not COVID-scary this Halloween.”
The municipality reminds that virtual gatherings are the safest but the Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit are encouraging alternatives to trick-or-treating, like scavenger hunts, costume parades and walks to look at neighbourhood decorations, or having a themed dinner and/or scary movie night with members of the same household.
North Grenville says this year’s Halloween falls on a rare blue moon that only happens once every 19 years, so focusing on the mystery and magic that Halloween historically represents may be a way to keep kids entertained.
Public health’s recommendations for trick-or-treaters include:
- Go out with members of your same household
- Wear a mask/face covering that fits properly (not just a decorative Halloween mask)
- Stay 2 metres apart and do not congregate at doorsteps
- Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer
The Old Town Kemptville BIA is hosting Kreepy Kemptville. There is also a Halloween Pumpkin Walk and Spooktacle at Maplewood Hall in Oxford Mills, and the Burritt’s Rapids Community Association is hosting a pumpkin carving contest.