General Guidelines

  • People should not participate in fall activities if they are sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. If you think you may be sick, use the online Saskatchewan COVID-19 self-assessment tool and follow the directions.
  • Private indoor and outdoor gatherings may have a maximum of 30 people if there is enough space to maintain two metres between individuals who are not in the same household/extended household.
  • Where it is difficult or uncertain to maintain two metres of physical distance, people are encouraged to wear non-medical masks (e.g. cloth or other materials).
  • Where possible, limit holiday gatherings to household/extended household groups only.
  • Where possible, consider virtual gatherings.
  • Where possible, plan for all or part of the celebration to be held outdoors and ensure two metres of physical distancing between participants who are not a part of the same household/extended household.
  • If you plan on hosting a gathering or meal, you and your guests should consider the risks involved and take the necessary preventative measures:
    • Exclude people who are sick or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
    • Recommend that individuals at higher risk, including seniors and those with compromised immune systems or other underlying medical conditions, not attend.
    • Stagger the time of arrivals and departures.
    • Increase access to alcohol-based hand sanitizer approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number).
    • Frequently clean and disinfect surfaces that are touched often.

Thanksgiving and Private Gatherings

  • Shared meals between non-household members or members who are not in the same extended household are discouraged.
  • Any private indoor or outdoor event that includes food service may have a maximum of 30 people, provided there is enough space to maintain a two-metre separation between individuals who are not in the same household.
  • Gathering sizes should be smaller if there is not enough space to maintain a physical distance of two metres at all times between non-household/extended household members.
  • Potlucks are discouraged and there should be no shared platters of food or buffet service.
  • All served food should be plated by a single person. One person should handle the preparation of food and drink following proper food safety protocols.
  • Vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and those with underlying health conditions, should receive their food first to minimize cross-contamination.
  • Consider having individual portions delivered from a restaurant or caterer.
  • Guests and hosts should wash their hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number) prior to eating, as well as before and after handling food or food packaging.

Trick-or-Treating

Trick-or-treating is permitted with the following measures in place:

Neighbourhood Trick-or-Treating

  • Two metres distance must be maintained between individuals who are not in the same household/extended household at all times.
  • No direct physical contact should occur between trick-or-treaters and people distributing Halloween treats.
  • Participants should consider using tools (e.g. tongs) to distribute candy at a distance.
  • Physical distancing must be used when approaching houses (i.e. wait until group ahead is gone, take turns). For houses or neighbourhoods anticipating a high volume of trick-or-treaters, people distributing candy are encouraged to place tape markers every two metres between doorways and sidewalks/driveways to promote physical distancing.
  • Due to the number of people potentially touching the treats prior to being handed out, consider cleaning candy wrappers with disinfectant wipes or holding the treats for 72 hours before consuming.
  • Only wrapped, store-bought treats should be distributed.
  • Common touch areas (e.g. handrails, doorbells, doorknobs, etc.) should be frequently cleaned and disinfected while distributing candy.
  • Trick-or-treaters should practise frequent hand hygiene by carrying portable hand sanitizer approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number).
  • People distributing candy should practise frequent hand hygiene while handing out Halloween treats.
  • Trick-or-treaters should consider incorporating non-medical masks (e.g. cloth or other materials) into their costumes, while ensuring their eyes are not covered for safety reasons.
  • Individuals handing out candy should consider wearing non-medical masks (e.g. cloth or other materials) where two metres of physical distance cannot be maintained.
  • Where possible, only one household member should hand out candy.
  • Alternatives to trick-or-treating may be considered, such as:
    • Costume viewing from windows/virtual/photos.
    • Decorating households and yards for viewing from afar.
    • A costume parade where physical distancing can be maintained.

Mall/Retail Trick-or-Treating

  • Retail outlets must follow the Clothing and Retail Guidelines as part of their operations.
  • Outlets handing out candy must ensure they comply with all guidelines specified above for private trick-or-treating.

Learn More at: https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/re-open-saskatchewan-plan/guidelines/fall-activity-guidelines#trick-or-treating