TRICK or treating may look a little different this year due to the pandemic – but families are urged to stay safe and start new traditions.
With Halloween and Guy Fawkes night just around the corner, local NHS organisations are calling on families to remember about the rise in covid 19 cases locally and that the virus is still prevalent.
Residents are urged not to go trick or treating which would traditionally include knocking on doors and ringing doorbells to ‘spook’ neighbours. This is to avoid spreading germs and potentially coronavirus.
NHS bosses are also asking for families not to leave bowls of treats for children to pick up from outside their houses.
While it helps with social distancing and reduces contact – different hands in the bowls will still spread the virus.
Instead, the NHS is encouraging new traditions by creating Halloween themed pictures and drawings that can be displayed in your windows for children to hunt for. Children could still dress up and walk round their neighbourhood with an adult, in groups of six, and when they spot a picture they could be rewarded with a treat.
South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) chair Dr David Spraggett said: “In Coventry and Warwickshire, we are seeing a significant rise in coronavirus cases in the community and as a result a rise amongst our staff and patients. We are asking that people do not take part in trick or treating this year and please continue to follow social distancing and the rule of six guidelines. By doing this we can all help stop the spread of coronavirus and keep our loved ones safe.”
And while local events have been cancelled for bonfire night, people are reminded if they are planning their own event they must follow the rule of six guidance and any local restrictions.
Deputy chair at Warwickshire North CCG Dr Imogen Staveley said: “We want everyone to stay safe this bonfire night, so as well as following the latest government advice on the rule of six and social distancing we are you to please follow the firework health and safety advice and code to avoid any injuries.
“If you do suffer any burns, appropriate first aid must be used to treat any burns or scalds as soon as possible. Information is available on the NHS website, or call NHS 111 for urgent advice.”
Visit www.nhs.uk for more information.
