Sweet! No need to cancel Halloween, Dr. Theresa Tam says

OTTAWA—Canada’s top doctor Dr. Theresa Tam says is scary but it’s not a reason to cancel Halloween.

Speaking to reporters in Ottawa Tuesday after COVID-19 dampened many an indoor Thanksgiving weekend feast, Canada’s chief public health officer said public health leaders recognize Halloween is important to communities and children. They also believe it’s possible to strike the “right balance” between risk and fun — outdoors.

“I think trick-or-treating outside with the right distancing, prepackaging your treats so that people are not rummaging in a bowl of their bonbons, candies, is actually important,” said Tam. So is “having hand sanitizers for your kids, wearing a mask,” she said.

Tam said it’s important to listen to local public health directions, because virus activity differs from region to region.

Toronto, Ottawa and Peel region are Ontario’s hot zones, but Ontario’s medical health officer Dr. David Williams said recommendations for Halloween in those spots haven’t yet been finalized.

Tam hailed creative suggestions like using a hockey stick to hand out treats, or a pool noodle to show kids how far apart to stand.

In the Whitby area, woodworker Scott Bennett designed and to YouTube an illuminated candy slide to allow social distancing while handing out Halloween candy. He describes it as “similar to a Hot-wheels track and lined with LED lights.”

“It is possible to give candy and to receive candy safely,” said Tam’s deputy, Dr. Howard Njoo.

Tonda MacCharles is an Ottawa-based reporter covering federal politics for the Star. Follow her on Twitter: