Halloween 2020: Safety first in these unusual times

Gatineau, October 27, 2020. – So many things have changed these days, but the traditional Halloween hunt for treats will still go ahead on Saturday, October 31. Super heroes, witches and princesses will be taking over Gatineau's streets. As in previous years, Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) officers will be patrolling and looking out for kids and adults alike.

Safety first and foremost

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Normally, this festive evening is the ideal opportunity for police and residents to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere. Given the current context, the SPVG would like to caution the public that contact between them and residents will have to be minimized for everyone's safety as they seek to avoid the spread of COVID-19. – Unlike previous years, SPVG officers will not be handing out promotional glow lights to children on Halloween. – However, reflective wristbands are being handed out in nursery schools and first grade classes throughout Gatineau. The distribution of wristbands started a few days ago, the idea being to improve the visibility of children on the streets.

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On Halloween night, police officers will be particularly focused on ensuring that pedestrians and drivers comply with the Highway Safety Code. – Parents should not drive behind their children. – It is important to cross the street only at intersections and at designated places, in accordance with the Highway Safety Code, and to avoid zig-zagging.

Reminder of the government's instructions for trick-or-treaters

●	Children must stay in their neighbourhood, close to home, and walk with members of their own household only.

●	Anyone showing symptoms of COVID 19 or required to isolate must not take part in trick-or-treating door-to-door.

●	Do not enter other people's homes.

●	Children must not sing or shout at people giving out treats to avoid projecting droplets.

●	A two-metre distance must be maintained between people from different households. A face covering is recommended if the two-metre distance cannot be maintained at all times.

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Hand washing and hand sanitizing are recommended before grabbing treats. – It is recommended that parents prepare bags of treats for their kids to eat on Halloween. – If children eat any of their treats while trick-or-treating, they should sanitize their hands before and after eating. – Everyone should wash their hands as soon as they get home.

●	Upon returning home from trick-or-treating, all treats should be quarantined for at least 24 hours. Children and parents could get contaminated by eating them sooner.

Reminder of the government's instructions for people giving out treats

●	To protect everyone from contamination, treats should be prepared in individual bags and put out so the children can help themselves without getting closer than two metres to the people providing them.

Reminder: Halloween parties are prohibited

●	In a red zone, which is the case for Gatineau, all indoor and outdoor gatherings, including Halloween parties, are prohibited.

●	Private gatherings will not be tolerated.

Associated links

Government of Quebec: questions and answers about Halloween

SAAQ: Teste tes connaissances sur la sécurité pour le soir de l'Halloween!

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