Ontario’s chief medical officer of health says trick-or-treating for Halloween is not recommended for children in the province’s COVID-19 hot spots.

Dr. David Williams says he recommends against sending kids out for traditional Halloween activities in Ottawa, Toronto, Peel Region, and York Region.

He says residents should consider virtual alternatives given the high rates of transmission in those areas.

Williams says it’s also critical that families not travel outside of their neighbourhoods to celebrate Halloween.

He also says children in other regions of the province should only trick-or-treat with members of their household.

Williams’ advice comes as stricter measures take effect in York Region today to curb the spread of COVID-19. The province has already imposed the same measures on Toronto, Peel Region and Ottawa.

Indoor service in restaurants is prohibited, gyms and movie theatres are closed and public gatherings can be no larger than 10 people indoors or 25 people outdoors.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published October, 19, 2020.

The Canadian Press

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