What will a COVID Halloween look like?
What will a COVID Halloween look like?
By Irish Mae Silvestre
The Philippine Reporter
Every year the Halloween spirit is alive and well in Je-Ann Latchin’s neighborhood.
In the close-knit community, homes give out candy as children in costumes walk around taking turns trick or treating.
“On the street outside our complex, some people convert their garages into a walkway haunted house, or they put up a bedsheet and [play] Scooby Doo on a projector,” said Latchin, a creative director and a mother of three boys. “It’s a real community thing.”
The pandemic has certainly impacted many aspects of our lives and Halloween is no exception.
With Ontario in the grip of a second wave of COVID-19 cases, the government urging people to rethink their plans.
In fact, the government has even released guidelines on how to celebrate safely. Some of the suggestions include avoiding gatherings with people outside your household, staying home if you’re feeling ill, and hosting virtual parties. Printable posters available on the Ontario website feature pumpkins and the phrases “Welcome trick-or-treaters, face covering required for candy” and “Sorry see you next year.”
During a press conference on October 19, Premier Doug Ford strongly discouraged people from their traditional celebrations.
“We all know this isn’t going to be a regular Halloween and the steps we take now will determine what the holiday season looks like this year,” he said. “My friends, we need to work together this Halloween to protect Christmas and the holiday season this year. If you live in a hotspot in Toronto York or Peel, we would strongly recommend avoiding door to door or trick or treating.”
Should families plan to continue with tradition, he added that people should only go out with members of their household.
“Wear a proper mask – costume masks are not a replacement,” Ford cautioned. “Stay two meters apart while waiting for candy. And for people giving out candy, please use tongs or make use of hand sanitizer when handling the candy to trick or treaters.”
A Change of Plans
“I agree with the government discouraging children from trick or treating this year,” said Mariel Buenaventura, co-owner of iSLAS Filipino BBQ & Bar. “Children might catch the virus when they go from house to house for treats.”
Not everyone, however, is onboard with these restrictions.
“They go to school, why not do Halloween outside?” asked Cecilia Noon, owner of Isabella’s Boutique Restaurant and mother to 10-year-old Isabella. “I feel like they’re just doing things just to make it seem like they’re doing something about it; it doesn’t make sense at all.”
But disappointment has given way to creativity and despite the limitations, parents are finding unique ways to celebrate.
“We’re planning on trick or treating inside the house for my son and hide treats – like an easter egg hunt,” said Buenaventura. “This way, he won’t miss out on the Halloween fun.”
Likewise, Noon said that they will continue with their usual tradition while adhering to the guidelines. “We aren’t cancelling [Halloween],” she said, adding that her daughter can celebrate with other kids who are already in her cohort.
Despite the disappointment of having to scale back celebrations, Latchin said they still plan on having a small get together in their backyard.
“We might put on some Halloween-themed playlist, get the kids in their costumes and maybe put out some treats,” she said. As for the kids, she said that her older son suggested a candy scavenger hunt with other children in their social circle.
“It’s really all about the kids,” she said.
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