Trafford Council is urging families and young people to follow coronavirus rules and restrictions this Halloween.
The Government has confirmed that Greater Manchester’s local restrictions prevent groups from going door to door as it counts as different households mixing which is not allowed.
That means the act of trick or treating, where groups of young people knock on doors in search of sweets and other treats, is effectively banned in the region and should not happen.
Trafford Council is asking families to stay safe by celebrating Halloween in their own home where they can dress up and play party games but to not mix in each other’s houses and gardens
Cllr Jane Slater, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Equalities, said:
“Halloween has become a major event in Britain and families are used to going out on the streets to take part in trick or treat on the big night. But, this year, it is very different and unfortunately we cannot do this as we would be breaking the rules around different households mixing and putting ourselves and others at risk.
It is a huge shame but I would like to take this opportunity to remind people of the rules and to not trick or treat this year. Health and wellbeing is our main concern and we want to do everything we can to stop the spread of this awful disease. It is in everyone’s interests to follow the rules and stay healthy. Have a great Halloween, let’s all stick to the rules and look forward to next year’s celebrations ”
Eleanor Roaf, Trafford Council’s Director of Public Health, said:
“Infection rates in Trafford are on the rise so it is very important we do everything to halt the spread of coronavirus in the borough. Trick or treating obviously increases household mixing and so increases the likelihood of catching or passing on the disease.
There is also a problem with the way sweets are distributed on the doorstep when trick or treating. If several people put their hands into the same bucket to take sweets, there is an clear risk of transmission. It’s not a case of us being killjoys, but asking people to follow the rules and be sensible. It is in all our interests.”
Trafford Council would still like everyone to have a fantastic Halloween and we’d like to see pictures of your family dressed up in their spooky costumes.
Please send your pictures to social@trafford.gov.uk
Posted on Wednesday 14th October 2020