Coronavirus update - Halloween
Date Added: 16/10/2020
Celebrating Halloween differently this year
Halloween is only a few weeks away. But with Government restrictions in place across the country to slow the spread of COVID-19, Halloween celebrations are likely to be a little bit different this year.
Residents have been suggesting alternatives for a spooky (but safe) Halloween and we thought we’d share these ideas with you in case you are wondering what you could do this year.
Alternatives to trick or treating
With social distancing guidelines in place, and with recent research showing that the virus can stay on surfaces for longer than previously thought, trick or treating might not be practical.
So this year, why not organise your own community pumpkin hunt?
We have created a poster, which you can download, to print off and stick in your window. Household groups can then make their way safely around your neighbourhood, being careful to stay 2 metres away from anyone not in their household. Whenever children spot a pumpkin in a window, their parents can give them a treat!
Download the poster
With sweets only circulating amongst households, we’ll all avoid the risk of touching surfaces that others have been in contact with. And, by sticking to household groups and spotting pumpkins from a distance, we’ll all be able to follow social distancing rules as we won’t be crowding around doors trick or treating.
All of these small steps can help us reduce our chances of picking up or transmitting the virus.
If you don’t want to go out…
If you don’t want to go out, how about having a spooky movie night? Just make sure you’ve got those cushions handy to hide behind at the scary bits!
Or you could have a family fancy dress competition. Who will win; dreadful dad? Alarming auntie? Ghoulish grandma? Or bogeyman brother?
Thank you for your support
We know that 2020 has been tough for everyone. The impact of COVID-19 has been far reaching and put many of our personal plans on hold.
But we hope by suggesting some alternatives to your normal Halloween activities, you and your family will be able to make the most of hair-raising Halloween and stay safe at the same time.
Have a thrilling time, but please keep in mind the Government’s key points:
• Hands - wash your hands regularly and for 20 seconds
• Face - wear a face covering in indoor settings where social distancing may be difficult, and where you will come into contact with people you do not normally meet
• Space - stay two metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or one metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors)
COVID-19 health advice
Get a free NHS test today to check if you have coronavirus
Anyone with coronavirus symptoms can get a test.
Coronavirus symptoms are:
• a high temperature
• a new, continuous cough
• a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste
You can get a test for someone you live with if they have these symptoms. Do not get tests for people you live with who do not have these symptoms.
Stay at home if you have symptoms
If you are getting a test because you have symptoms, you and anyone you live with must stay at home until you get your result.
Anyone in your support bubble must also stay at home.
Get a test