Common sense and healthy choices are hoped to keep the looming COVID-19 virus from stirring up any scares for Lac La Biche County trick-or-treaters on the this Halloween Saturday.
Lac La Biche County Deputy Mayor Colin Cote says municipal officials continue to follow the guidelines and advice of provincial health officials when it comes to Halloween activities, including trick-or-treating in and around the area. He also says how residents implement those precautions — like the goblins and ghouls on the streets — will come in many shapes and sizes.
"I think different neighbourhoods, different houses and places will be doing things differently," he said, explaining that his own street sees upwards of 350 kids each Halloween night. "I might put a sign up at the end of our driveway, just reminding people to wait their turn, or to social distance."
He's also thinking of creative ways to make the treat-transaction more COVID-friendly, like using tubing to get the candies to the kids.
No matter how residents try to make the night as safe as possible for all community members, recognizing the strong attraction kids have to treats, Cote says the trick will be to get them to take the precautions and scare up some patience during the excitement of the night.
"I'd think that parents will be cognisant and respectful, and hopefully the health and safety practices will be kept," he said, realizing that it's not just the trick-or-treaters who will have to make changes this year —COVID concerns may spook some residents from inviting people to their doorsteps.
"Like cities around the world, towns and counties, neighbourhoods and individual residents might not feel comfortable this year — and that's OK as well. There's a lot to consider," he said.
Downtown Saturday
Downtown Lac La Biche businesses will also be deciding how to handle the day. As Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, many will not be open later in the afternoon. Others may chose to hold off on giving out treats.
Whatever the night brings, Cote says he and his family will be handing out the treats. And like thousands of others around the municipality, this year it will be a little different.
"This year I'll be wearing a mask too," he said with a laugh.
Alberta Health officials continue to say the risk of transmission for the COVID-19 respiratory virus is very low for all outdoor events where social distancing is practiced. While the same officials have cautioned Albertans to take precautions, despite an uptick in virus cases over the last week, no significant restrictions on trick-or-treating have been given.
