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By Dylana Kneeshaw

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

Planning for safe Halloween activities in Kamloops

Oct 27, 2020 | 8:36 AM

KAMLOOPS — There won’t be any big parties this year, and trick-or-treating will be a little less traditional, but health officials say Halloween is still a go.

IHA Medical Health Officer Dr. Carol Fenton says there are plenty of safety recommendations to follow.

“The BC CDC has come out with guidelines to do it in the most safe way that involves incorporating a mask with the costume, maintaining physical distancing, only trick or treating within your bubble of six people as much as possible, and advice for people to give out candy safely.”

Those passing out candy will need to use alternative strategies to reduce the amount of frequently touched surfaces and keep a safe distance.

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“I have a pair of tongs, so if I reach really far with my tongs, I can maintain six feet,” says Fenton, “And there are other creative ways to do that with grabbers, or even with a cookie sheet you can create a slide for the candy. So there are things that we can do to still enjoy the holidays in a safe way.”

The Saturday night sky in Kamloops may also be lit up by a scattering of fireworks displays. Kuljeet Mann, manager of Phatboy Fireworks Kamloops says the interest from residents this year is particularly high.

“Yesterday was quite busy. I was amazed, people were coming in at like 10:00 in the morning. But yeah, that’s pretty good.”

However Mann says fireworks are only sold to those 21 years and older within the city and a permit is required before setting them off. Done safely, the celebratory explosives can serve as another physically distanced activity.

As for indulging in the spoils of trick-or-treating at the end of the night, Dr. Fenton says you can’t go wrong with washing your hands as soon as you get home.

“If you’re feeling really worried about a bag of candy, it might be a good idea to open the wrapper, then wash your hands and then eat the candy. (That) would be a safer way to do it.”