With Halloween around the corner, the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit says there’s a number of ways to reduce the risk of COVID-19 while still having fun.
“If you’re trick-or-treating, stay home if you have any symptoms of illness, even if mild,” says Dr. Jim Chirico, Medical Officer of Health. “Trick-or-treat only with people you live with, wear a face covering when trick-or-treating, if possible find a Halloween-themed face-covering instead of wearing a mask.”
He also says only trick-or-treat in outdoor settings, keep interactions brief and sanitize your hands often.
Dr Chirico says people handing out treats should also be symptom-free.
“Sanitize your hands often, use tongs to hand out the treats and do not put out a communal bowl of candy for children to grab from, only hand out pre-packaged treats,” he says.
Chirico says those hosting parties should consider hosting it outside and follow provincial gathering limits of 25 people indoors and 100 people outdoors.
The Health Unit also reports a workplace outbreak of COVID-19 but is not identifying the workplace.
“Through the outbreak investigation it was determined there is currently no risk to the public and those at risk have already been contacted,” says Dr. Carol Zimbalatti, Public Health Physician.
The Health Unit’s website says there are less than five cases associated with the outbreak.
Dr. Zimbalatti also announced an outbreak involving an area faith-based community has been declared over.
The Health Unit’s website says the outbreak at Callander Bay Church was declared October 4th and involved six cases of COVID-19.