Six months ago, when COVID-19 first arrived in Saskatchewan, the hope was that the virus would be under control quickly enough that events could resume in some sort of normal fashion. Entering fall, which is normally a time for several different celebrations, that hasn't been the case. 

The government of Saskatchewan released new guidelines over the weekend as part of the Reopen Saskatchewan Plan, with an emphasis on autumn activities and fall celebrations. These celebrations include Thanksgiving and Halloween, as well as fall suppers and Remembrance Day ceremonies. 

As has been the case with every other step of the plan, the province is asking people not to participate in any fall activities if they feel sick or experience COVID-19 symptoms. The gathering size for private indoor functions is still set at 30 people, but only if there is space enough to allow for physical distancing. 

For Thanksgiving, the province discouraged shared meals if people are not from members of the same extended household. Potlucks are discouraged, and meals should be served by a single person. 

Halloween carries an entirely new list of guidelines, and different facets of it carry different challenges. For example, the province is saying trick-or-treating can still happen, but people should keep two meters distance, and there should be no direct physical contact between trick-or-treaters and people handing out candy.

They also recommended using tools such as tongs to hand candy out at a distance and waiting until the group ahead of yours has finished at a house before approaching it. For the candy itself, holding it for 72 hours before eating would be a precaution. They recommend sanitizing doorbells and knobs as well as handrails as well. 

There are new guidelines for haunted houses and pumpkin patches as well. They recommend using marked barriers between people, having non-medical masks ready, and leaving at least ten minutes between groups. 

More details on all aspects of the new guidelines are available at saskatchewan.ca. 

Below is a list of all guidelines, for both trick-or-treaters, and homeowners.

  • Two metres distance must be maintained between individuals who are not in the same household/extended household at all times.
  • No direct physical contact should occur between trick-or-treaters and people distributing Halloween treats.
  • Participants should consider using tools (e.g. tongs) to distribute candy at a distance.
  • Physical distancing must be used when approaching houses (i.e. wait until group ahead is gone, take turns). For houses or neighbourhoods anticipating a high volume of trick-or-treaters, people distributing candy are encouraged to place tape markers every two metres between doorways and sidewalks/driveways to promote physical distancing.
  • Due to the number of people potentially touching the treats prior to being handed out, consider cleaning candy wrappers with disinfectant wipes or holding the treats for 72 hours before consuming.
  • Only wrapped, store-bought treats should be distributed.
  • Common touch areas (e.g. handrails, doorbells, doorknobs, etc.) should be frequently cleaned and disinfected while distributing candy.
  • Trick-or-treaters should practise frequent hand hygiene by carrying portable hand sanitizer approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number).
  • People distributing candy should practise frequent hand hygiene while handing out Halloween treats.
  • Trick-or-treaters should consider incorporating non-medical masks (e.g. cloth or other materials) into their costumes, while ensuring their eyes are not covered for safety reasons.
  • Individuals handing out candy should consider wearing non-medical masks (e.g. cloth or other materials) where two metres of physical distance cannot be maintained.
  • Where possible, only one household member should hand out candy.
  • Alternatives to trick-or-treating may be considered, such as: Costume viewing from windows/virtual/photos. Decorating households and yards for viewing from afar. A costume parade where physical distancing can be maintained.