As COVID-19 cases continued an upward climb in B.C., questions about whether Halloween activities would have to be curtailed also grew in number.

“I have been receiving many many questions about Halloween and, yes, we have been working nationally on some guidance and it should be finished later this week,” Dr. Bonnie Henry said earlier this week, when asked days later, the BC Centre for Disease Control came up with a way for Halloween to be celebrated less socially and trick-or-treat more safely.

The BC CDC said the first thing to do is skip Halloween parties this year.

"Indoor gatherings, big or small, put people at higher risk of getting COVID-19," according to their update. "Celebrate with your favourite Halloween movie or other traditions that you can do with your household or social group."

If you do host or attend a small party, keep it within your social group, sticking to six people is the key and they should all be people you know.

"No plus ones," is the recommendation.

Once everyone is together, don’t pass around snacks, drinks, smokes, tokes, and vapes. Stay outside more than inside and when you are inside, keep your space well-ventilated with windows open.

"Avoid using props that can cause coughing, such as smoke machines," the BCCDC said. "Be careful with hand sanitizer and open flames – hand sanitizer is very flammable."

Trick or treating should be done in small groups and those handing out treats should get creative in making space when handing out treats.

If you're dressing up, the BCCDC recommends including a non-medical mask or face covering as part of your costume.

"Costume masks should not be worn over non-medical masks or face coverings as that may make it difficult to breathe," they say.

"Avoid trick-or-treating in busy areas or indoors (in places like malls) since there may not be enough space to distance. Indoor spaces may require a non-medical mask or face covering. Leave space between you and other groups to reduce crowding on stairs and sidewalks. "

So the recommendation is much like any other day only with costumes and, preferably, masks.

To read the full list of recommendations, go here.

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