Thread. In 2wks it will be HalloweenNo reason to cancel everything out of fear when there IS a SAFE way to do this. It's also fine to opt out if you are more comfortable with alternatives. Let's break down the tricks so we can maximize the treats, ok? 1/

T&T'ng is done 98% outdoors. The risk is incurred by gathering in larger groups and going inside homes to procure goodies. If you're like my kids, sometimes this means they dart straight for the dog, kitchen or TV room before you can blink! I get it 2/

The other possible concern is lots of hands exchanging from donor to recipient and potential for skin/surface contact transmission. Again, probably not a huge risk but not completely negligible, especially for spreading cold viruses, etc. too 3/

Some simple options:
- trick or treat with your family household ONLY
- avoid crowded streets or WAIT for traffic to settle
- bring hand sanitizer
- Donors use pre-set packages (like loot) or use tongs (eco-friendly) to hand out treats 4/

This is an excellent summary of how to approach Halloween by the always sage @BogochIsaac 5/ https://www.readersdigest.ca/health/conditions/halloween-pandemic/

It's ok to opt out too and be creative about a less traditional Halloween experience. This is a helpful guide of risk assessment and different ideas by the very pragmatic @SabiVM Scavenger hunt anyone? 6/

One final thought. What better opportunity to promote MASKS than when it's part of a costume? If your kids were on the fence before, now is the time to embrace it, make it fun and spread a message of safety in a more positive way 7/

Whatever you decide, do it OUTDOORS please and NO PARTIES of any kind beyond your nuclear household. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable Halloween. Hoping the costumes are scarier than our pandemic case counts by then! END 8/