It appears there will be no trick-or-treating for millions of children in Ontario. The premier says it is a necessary measure to protect Christmas and the upcoming holiday season. Ontario’s top doctor says children in Ontario’s four COVID-19 hotspots should stay home this Halloween. Dr. David Williams says that means the cities of Toronto and Ottawa and the regions of Peel and York.
"We’re concerned at the level of community transmission at this time and to say that we’re recommending not to celebrate at the normal door to door way," he said.
Williams also said he couldn’t think of any specific guidelines that would keep parents and children safe in high-risk areas.
Premier Doug Ford says it is just not safe to have hundreds of children going door to door, especially if they live in one of the hotspots.
"If we did let people go out and all of a sudden numbers spiked up, guess what? You’d be blaming this guy, saying why would you ever let those kids go out door to door. There were seniors answering the doors. Have you lost your mind? Like sometimes you just can’t win," Ford said.
But some health experts disagree, saying trick-or-treating is an activity that can be done in a safe manner.
One Toronto city official said in a tweet that the message from the province is "advice" and there is no law prohibiting trick-or-treating.
