Ontario health officials say no trick or treating in 'areas of high transmission' this year

Health officials are now advising that those in Ottawa, Toronto, Peel, or York Region not trick or treat this Halloween.

Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams believes the act of going door-to-door is now too high-risk in the listed areas.

"Given the high transmission of COVID-19 in the modified Stage 2 public health unit regions of Ottawa, Peel, Toronto and York Region, traditional door-to-door trick or treating is not recommended and people should consider alternative ways to celebrate," Williams said in a guidance released on Monday.

Parents are instead recommended to set up indoor candy hunts, movie nights, or pumpkin carvings with members of the same household.

"It is recommended that you also check with your local municipality or public health unit for any additional advice or restrictions that may be in place. It is also critical that families not travel outside of their neighbourhood to celebrate Halloween," the guidance reads.

"The severity of this second wave is in our hands. Through our collective efforts, we can change the outcome of this new outbreak," it continues.

Those not in the aforementioned areas are advised to go trick-or-treating with members of the same household, and are recommended to use alternative ways to hand out candy, rather than touching them.

Some innovations include using a "candy chute" or a hockey stick.