Trick or treating is “not advised this year”, says Southampton City Council (SCC), which is suggesting “new ways of celebrating" on Halloween and Bonfire Night due to Covid-19.

 

With Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching, SCC says it wants “to encourage residents to make sure they enjoy these occasions safely as COVID-19 cases in the city continue to rise”.

Councillor Lorna Fielker, cabinet member for health and adult care said we’re “heading into a crucial period for the city, with many opportunities for the spread of the virus if people don’t follow guidance.

She said: “I want to thank Southampton’s residents for the sacrifices they’ve made so far in keeping the virus under control. But now more than ever we need to stick with it. We understand that can be difficult and want to do what we can to help people celebrate safely.

“Southampton’s residents showed so much creativity with the ways they got through lockdown with pictures of rainbows popping up in windows all over the city. We’ve seen some amazing ideas for Pumpkin Trails and artwork in windows already as Halloween and Bonfire night approach. We want to see everyone across the city getting involved as a safe alternative to the usual activities.”

SCC suggested the following “safe ways” to mark upcoming festivities (in their own words):

Halloween

• Trick or Treating is not advised this year because of difficulties in adhering to social distancing guidelines, risks associated with potential contact, mixing of multiple households and spread of the virus through contact with shared surfaces, including shared buckets of treats. You could instead, take part in a neighbourhood Pumpkin Trail. You can draw or paint a Halloween scene and put it in your window or carve some pumpkins to leave on the doorstep. You and your family can then look out for these on your daily walk.
•  Bake and decorate Halloween inspired cakes or cookies. The BBC good foods website has a range of creative Halloween treat ideas including spider biscuits, Halloween cupcakes and candy apples.
•  Dress up and have a scary / Halloween themed movie night in with Halloween treats.
• Organise a Halloween themed quiz with your friends and family over Zoom.

 

Bonfire Night

• Private events must adhere to government guidance around gathering and social distancing, with people encouraged to watch firework displays virtually wherever possible. We will be working with the Fire Service to ensure appropriate messaging around safety, including the requirement to be COVID safe at all times.
• We advise against bonfires and firework displays in private gardens. If you do go ahead with one, you must follow government guidance around the rule of 6. Please make sure you read our guidance and the Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services guidance on having a bonfire at home, as well as the Hampshire Fire and Rescue services guidance on private firework displays, beforehand.
• Go on a walk and see nature’s own firework display – the ever-changing colour of the leaves. We would also suggest going for a walk in the evening to see if you can spot any fireworks happening around the city.
• Have a household movie marathon with leftover Halloween treats.
• Alternative ways to celebrate bonfire night include preparing some cosy treats, apple bobbing and more.

 

SCC added that while Southampton is classified as Medium on the government’s new tiered system of restrictions, it’s vital that people follow ‘Hands, Face, Space’ guidance.

“Though cases of COVID-19 in Southampton are still lower than the national average, they are rising in the community", said the authority.

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash