Trick Or Treat? Not In 2020

Families are being advised against taking children trick or treating this Halloween, because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Public Health says door to door visits are not recommended, and handing out sweets and touching doorbells risks spreading the virus through contact with surfaces.

People planning parties are being reminded of the limit of 20 on social gatherings.

Deputy Medical Officer of Health Dr Ivan Muscat we need to keep the current situation in mind with anything we do:

"I would urge everyone to respond to that by adhering to Public Health guidelines.  It is really important that we move forward carefully to avoid a significant increase in the number of cases of Covid-19 cases in Jersey.

Although it is not thought that children are the main drivers of COVID, they can still spread the virus and face to face exposure with strangers, while trick or treating, poses more of a risk of spread to Islanders. Children may also be suffering from other viral infections which cause sneezing and coughing, adding to the risk of Coronavirus and flu transmission."

Dr Muscat says trick or treating could also increase exposure and anxiety levels of high risk people who might feel pressured to answer their door to lots of people.  

The government is sharing ideas of social media for safer ways of enjoying Halloween this year.