With both local and national public health leaders confirming trick or treating can go ahead, families in midwestern Ontario can start to plan how to have a safe Halloween night.

Huron Perth Medical Officer of Health Dr. Miriam Klassen says trick or treaters should stick with their own household and avoid lingering on doorsteps.

“In general, we need to keep that physical distancing, stick to pre-packaged treats and have lots of hand sanitizer and hand washing. Using tongs I think to hand out treats is also a good idea.”

She says people who are feeling sick should stay home and avoid handing out treats. She adds other types of in person celebrations should be limited to households.

With respect to Halloween, officials will continue to respect privacy as much as possible when it comes to COVID-19 cases as they have been doing. Dr. Klassen says contact tracing will determine if further information needs to be released.

“A specific location, such as a workplace or organization, will only be named if public notification will help to identify additional close contacts that cannot be determined through contact tracing.”

Dr. Klassen reported no new cases of COVID-19 Thursday and four active cases. There are no facility outbreaks in Huron Perth.