Celebrate Halloween differently and help save lives, families urged

Published Tuesday, 27th October 2020

Families across Hartlepool are being urged to celebrate Halloween differently this year as cases of COVID-19 in the town continue to rise.

In particular, health officials are warning against “trick or treating” door-to-door and taking sweets from communal bowls.

And they say it is vital that people respect the restrictions currently in place to protect themselves and others from the virus, whilst also following the guidance on “hands, face and space”.

Suggested alternative celebrations include:

  • Staying at home for a spooky movie night with people you live with.
  • Holding a virtual Halloween pumpkin carving contest.
  • Staging a trick or treat hunt with your household members in your home.
  • Holding a virtual Halloween costume contest.
  • Baking some Halloween treats.

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, said: “We don’t want to stop people from enjoying themselves, but we all have a responsibility to follow the rules to try to stop the spread of the virus.”

Hartlepool is currently classed as a Tier 2 “high” risk area and this means people must:

  • Not socialise indoors with anyone who is outside their household or support bubble.
  • Observe the “Rule of Six” outdoors and follow rules on social distancing.

Mr Blundred added: “We acknowledge that many people are abiding by the restrictions currently in force in Hartlepool and we thank them for their support, but now is not the time to become complacent.

“Whilst this year’s Halloween festivities must inevitably be different from previous years, we would encourage families to think about how - with a bit of creativity - they can still make Halloween fun in a safe way.”