The BC Centre for Disease Control is dispensing some last minute advice ahead of Halloween – which is a bit more scary this year thanks to COVID-19.

Physician Epidemiologist Dr. Eleni Galanis says some simple steps can go a long way to keeping it safe for everyone.

“Please don’t put out a bowl and have all the kids reaching in at the same time,” she said, noting people should look for other creative ways to keep your distance.

“Those include using kitchen tongs, or shovels, or at my house we’re going to set up a candy chute down the railing of the stairs.”

And she says – rather than going out in groups – try to stick to your household bubble, a point echoed by Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, and Canada’s Chief Medical Health Officer, Dr. Theresa Tam.

“We know that the virus spreads less easily outdoors so if you’re outside – kids don’t have to touch your doorbell over and over again and being outside means there’s less risk of transmission,” Galanis said on the NL Noon Report.

As for those elaborate house displace, Galanis notes that may not be the best idea this year, specifically asking people to avoid setting up smoke machines.

“Because they can cause coughing or even sneezing because the smoke can irritate the airway and then that leads to two things; people get concerned and anxious about people coughing and two, if you may be infectious even if you don’t know it, and you are coughing then you are at higher risk of spreading the infection,” she said.

Another cause for concern with large displays as it tends to lead to people congregating which is a big no-no this year.

Earlier this month, the BC CDC released updated guidelines on how to have a safe Halloween this year amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

(Photo via Wikimedia)