Pandemic trick-or-treating: How to have a safe Halloween in Nova Scotia

As people across Nova Scotia ready their costumes in anticipation of our spookiest unofficial holiday, Public Health is urging extra precaution to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The province said although there are fewer restrictions in place than this time last year, it's still important to be cautious.

Above all, health officials say if you're not feeling well, stay home — don't go trick-or-treating, hand out candy or suit up for a Halloween party.

If you plan on trick-or-treating, the province says to distance yourself from others, skip houses with no lights on and visit homes outdoors when possible. If indoors, wear a non-medical mask.

Public Health says to keep conversations short — "Do not sing or shout in exchange for Halloween candy" — and do not take treats in situations where everyone has to reach into a single container.

Here are some other tips for trick-or-treaters:

For those planning to hand out candy, the province is recommending sitting on the porch, driveway or front yard to greet trick-or-treaters.

If that's not possible, regularly clean and disinfect doorbells, handrails and door handles.

Do not have many hands reaching into a single container. Use tongs or other utensils to hand out treats, or place individual allotments on a table.

People should wear a non-medical mask when physical distancing is not possible, and never ask visitors to sing or shout for their treats.

If not participating, turn off the lights, take down decorations and put up a sign saying you're not participating.

For Halloween partygoers, Public Health is reminding people of the current gathering limits for informal events: 25 people indoors or 50 outdoors.

Masks are required in indoor public spaces, and a non-medical mask cannot be replaced with a Halloween costume mask.

Most Halloween masks that cover the entire face have holes for breathing — it does not fit snugly and protect others. While this type of mask is fine to wear outdoors or in your home, it cannot be worn in place of a non-medical mask in indoor public spaces.