Officials Advise Halloween Should Be Cancelled This Year
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This year, we've seen event after event get cancelled due to Coronavirus, and it seems that Halloween could be the next to go, with fears that sharing sweet bowls and standing on people's doorsteps when Trick or Treating could potentially spread the virus.
Dr Barbara Ferrer, Los Angeles county's public health director, warned of the dangers of the tradition, calling for the activity to be dropped this year.
Despite the USA going all out for Halloween under normal circumstances, Dr Ferrer said it was "just not sensible" under the current climate.
During a press briefing, Dr Ferrer said "Trick or Treating, we're highly recommending that it not happen.
"We don't think it's an appropriate activity during a pandemic.
"You know, there's no guarantee when you go Trick or Treating that your child goes up to a house where the person who opens the door is wearing a face covering."
Dr Ferrer added that "when you don't know the people opening the door, there's no guarantee they're not sick and that the candy they're passing out that they've touched may not be safe for you to want your child to be sharing."
Bad news for those hoping to go Trick or Treating!
Though it may be bigger in America than in the UK, there are still concerns for residents here too, and Age UK's Caroline Abrahams also has concerns over those who do intend on going Trick or Treating on the 31st October.
The charity's director warns that older people could be worrying about things returning to normal and may therefore be wary of answering the door to strangers.
"If visiting doorsteps," she advises, "be sure to step back after knocking, so you are around two metres away."
"And make sure everybody hand washes before and after eating and handling treats."
Let's hope we all take note!
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