Hastings & Prince Edward Public Health says that there are steps you can take to celebrate Halloween as safely as possible.

Gathering virtually, or gathering outdoors while maintaining physical distance is the best way to reduce your risk of COVID-19. If you choose to gather with others who are fully vaccinated, physical distancing and face coverings are not necessary while outside. If everyone is comfortable, face coverings can be removed when inside. Remember: the fewer people who gather, the lower the risk of COVID-19 transmission. If you choose to gather with people from multiple households who are unvaccinated, partially vaccinated or status is unknown, Public Health says to gather outdoors when possible, and wear a face covering if distancing cannot be maintained. If you must gather indoors, wear a face covering, and physically distance, and abide by indoor gathering limits. All residents are encouraged to limit their number of close contacts in order to reduce potential risk. For more tips visit www.hpepublichealth.ca

If you choose to give out treats Public Health makes these suggestions: do not participate in Halloween festivities if you have symptoms, even if they are mild; keep interactions with trick-or-treaters brief; consider wearing a face covering when physical distancing cannot be maintained; give out only purchased and packaged treats; do not ask trick-or-treaters to sing or shout for their treats; clean your hands often throughout the evening using soap and water or with hand sanitizer.

Public Health also says people should remember that vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others against serious side effects of COVID-19. If you are still unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, don’t delay. Get your COVID-19 vaccine today. Prince Edward Community Care will provide free rides to vaccination clinics for any seniors 60+. Call 613-476-7493 to set this up. Walk-in clinics and pop-up clinics are available throughout the region.

Find dates and times at www.hpepublichealth.ca On other topics: Community Care has foot care appointments available in Picton for seniors 60+; the Virtual Seniors Active Living Fair continues through to the end of November so sign up soon; Community Care’s Thrift Shop is looking for donations of good used clothing for the whole family, especially winter clothing; the curbside pick up meal for November 25th will be roast beef, more info to follow; hot and frozen Meals on Wheels available to seniors 60+ anywhere in Prince Edward County. For more info on any of these services call 613-476-7493 or see www.communitycareforseniors.org

-Debbie MacDonald Moynes