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EAST HANTS: Here are some tips just in time for Halloween, courtesy East Hants RCMP S/Sgt. Cory Bushell.
How many children can go trick-or-treating together in one group?
Go trick-or-treating with people that you live with, or friends from your close social group, in groups of no more than 10 people.
If I see my friends trick-or-treating, can I stop and say hello?
Absolutely! Just make sure you and your group stay at least 6 feet from other groups. If you see other kids getting treats from a house, stay at least 6 feet away and wait until they leave before going to get your treats.
Do trick-or-treaters need to wear a non-medical mask?
Non-medical masks are only required in indoor public places such as a mall or restaurant. However, if children are trick-or-treating indoors – like in an apartment building — we recommend that they wear a non-medical mask as part of their costume.
Do I have to wear a mask if I am handing out treats?
It is not required unless you are in an indoor public place. However, we would recommend wearing a non-medical mask if at least 6 feet of physical distance cannot be maintained while handing out treats.
If I am having a Halloween party at my house, how many people can I invite?
If you are hosting or attending a party or event at a home, the gathering limit is 10 people.
Can the group of 10 be people that I normally do not socialize with?
As with all social events and holidays, we strongly encourage people to celebrate Halloween with an established family or close social group of up to 10.
Is it required that I wear a non-medical mask at a party at someone’s house?
No. Non-medical masks are only required in indoor public places.
If I am going to a Halloween party at a hall, am I required to wear a mask?
Yes. Non-medical masks are required in indoor public places. A Halloween costume mask does not replace a non-medical mask.
Someone in my household is self-isolating but is feeling ok. Can I have people over if they stay away from my guests? Can I hand out treats to trick-or-treaters?
If you or anyone in your household are feeling unwell or self-isolating for any reason, you cannot have visitors to your house, nor can you hand out treats. We have posters available for download at novascotia.ca/coronavirus that you can post on your door or even at the end of your driveway to give trick-or-treaters a friendly “come by next year” message.
I live with someone who is currently self-isolating. Am I allowed to go to another person’s house?
If you are not required to self-isolate and are feeling well, you can go to someone else’s house even though someone you live with is self-isolating.
Can I offer food and drinks at my Halloween party?
It is okay to serve food and drinks if physical distancing and good hand hygiene practises are being followed. If you do choose to offer food, there should be someone designated to serve food and beverages. Also, sharing food or drinks between people is never a good idea.
I am celebrating Halloween at a restaurant/bar. What time do things need to be wrapped up?
Restaurants can serve customers until 1 a.m., with food and alcohol removed from tables by 2 a.m.
Liquor licensed (drinking) establishments (like bars, wineries, distillery tasting rooms and craft taprooms) can serve customers until 1 a.m. with food and alcohol removed from tables by 2 a.m.
Does this mean I must leave the bar by 2 a.m.?
All alcohol must be removed from tables by 2 a.m. Patrons can remain on the premises until the normal closing hours for the liquor license.
I am going to an indoor Halloween event put on by a recognized business/organization. What is the gathering limit?
The indoor gathering limit with social distancing for social events that are run by a recognized business or organization is 50% of the venue’s legal capacity (typically set by the Fire Marshal) up to 200 people maximum indoors.
I am going to an outdoor Halloween event put on by a recognized business/organization. What is the gathering limit?
The outdoor gathering limit with social distancing for social events that are run by a recognized business or organization is 250 people maximum outdoors.
I am going to a Halloween event that isn’t put on by a recognized business or organization (e.g. street or community gathering). What is the gathering limit?
The gathering limit with social distancing for social events that are not run by a recognized business or organization is 50 people maximum indoors and outdoors.
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