With the potential to spread the coronavirus to different households, traditional trick or treating is not worth the risk, say leaders in the South West.
Film nights, spooky window dressings, Halloween-themed cooking and telling ghost stories are all ways of celebrating safely indoors.
Cornwall Council’s Leader Julian German said: “Trick or treating is relatively new to Cornwall but we know that it has become really popular in recent years. This is definitely the year to bring back a more traditional celebration of Halloween. Everyone can have fun and do their bit to keep Cornwall safe if they stay at home. Anything we can do to keep infection rates relatively low in the South West will benefit all our communities”
Due to the rule of six, which applies both indoors and outdoors, traditional Halloween parties and social events cannot take place this year, say Cornwall’s director of Public Health Rachel Wigglesworth, and Chief Superintendent Matt Longman of Devon and Cornwall Police.
They’re advising teenagers and young adults to meet online for virtual fancy dress parties or horror-themed quizzes instead of meeting in groups.
Police recommend that vulnerable people download the ‘No trick, no treat, no meet, no greet’ poster to display in the front door or window of their homes: these can be downloaded from the Devon and Cornwall Police website.
North Devon Council Leader David Worden said: “We know it’s going to be difficult for young people this year but there are so many things that can be done at home to make it just as fun and exciting for them without posing any risk to their communities.
“Covid rates are still low here in the south west and we really want to keep it that way by avoiding any unnecessary risks so we hope that people can find alternative ways to celebrate this year.”
Cornwall Council’s Together for Families team has created a half-term guide which includes some fantastic Halloween recipes and activities. You can find it at https://www.cornwall.gov.uk/media/44927666/autumn-half-term-activities.pdf