Halloween is quickly approaching, as this Saturday is Oct. 31. (Photo 3139174 © Michalnapartowicz | Dreamstime.com)

By Martin Martinson

Halloween 2020

Provincial guidelines in place for Halloween in the Battlefords

Oct 28, 2020 | 2:00 PM

As the final days of October fade and the turn of the calendar approaches, the spooky season looms ever closer, with Halloween around the corner.

In preparation for the season’s festivities, the city of North Battleford and town of Battleford have both announced they will not be legislating community-specific restrictions on Halloween this year. However, they will be adhering with the provincial guidelines.

The communities will follow all public health advice and restrictions set by the Government of Saskatchewan.

Some of the provincial guidelines for the first Halloween of the pandemic, include:

• Keeping two metres of distance between individuals who are not from the same household/extended household at all times.
• Only allowing wrapped/store-bought treats to be distributed.
• No direct physical contact should occur between trick-or-treaters and people distributing Halloween treats. (Consider using tongs, or other tools to distribute candy at a distance).
• Frequent hand sanitizing is also encouraged between stops (for both those going door-to-door and those handing out candy).

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Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the town of Battleford, Ash Alam, said for the most part, it’s just about sticking with the safety measures already in place over the last number of months.

“We just want to make sure people are still keeping up the social distancing, the sanitizing and [those other] safety measures,” he said. “For those who are going out trick-or-treating, it’s also best to wear PPE and masks if the costume does not have a mask already.”

In addition to the special safety guidelines in place this year due to the ongoing pandemic, Battlefords RCMP Staff Sgt., Jason Teniuk, said it also remains important to brush up on yearly safety measures.

Refreshing safety practices before heading out for the night can be beneficial to children, parents, and drivers alike, to help ensure everyone gets home safe at the end of the night.

“Especially for the kids and parents out after dark, it’s important to be extra aware of your surroundings on a busy night like Halloween,” Teniuk said. “[It’s important] to be aware of cars moving on the streets, and make sure to keep an eye on traffic so as to not put ourselves in a dangerous position.”

Teniuk said wearing bright costumes or colours when possible, and making sure to stay alert and aware for potential road hazards, are other ways those out-and-about can help keep themselves and others safe.

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1