How to celebrate Halloween under covid restrictions as Hartlepool health chiefs warn against trick or treating

Halloween decorations at The Place in The Park cafe in Ward Jackson Park, Hartlepool. Picture by FRANK REID

Public health officials for the town are instead encouraging people to come up with creative ways to celebrate the occasion within the current rules and stay safe.

In particular, they are warning against going door to door for trick or treating and taking sweets from communal bowls.

Craig Blundred, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Acting Director of Public Health, said: “We don’t want to stop people from enjoying themselves, but we all have a responsibility to follow the rules to try to stop the spread of the virus.

“We acknowledge that many people are abiding by the restrictions currently in force in Hartlepool and we thank them for their support, but now is not the time to become complacent.

“Whilst this year’s Halloween festivities must inevitably be different from previous years, we would encourage families to think about how - with a bit of creativity - they can still make Halloween fun in a safe way.”

Hartlepool is currently classed as a Tier 2 “high” risk area and this means people must not socialise indoors with anyone who is outside their household or support bubble.

Outside, people should follow the ‘rule of six’ and observe social distancing.

And the council says it is vital that people respect the restrictions in place to protect themselves and others from the virus, whilst also following the guidance on “hands, face and space”.

Suggested alternative Halloween celebrations include:

:: Staying at home for a spooky movie night with people you live with.

:: Holding a virtual Halloween pumpkin carving contest.

:: Staging a trick or treat hunt with your household members in your home.

:: Holding a virtual Halloween costume contest.

:: Baking some Halloween treats.

Another 45 cases of the virus were confirmed in Hartlepool on Tuesday, October 27, bringing the total since March to 2,110.

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Hartlepool and North Tees hospitals, has recorded 165 Covid related deaths up to October 27.

The Fens, Elwick and Hart area had one of the highest levels of the virus in the North East between October 13 and 19 with 47.

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