Residents in Bushey, Radlett, Elstree and Potters Bar have been advised by Hertsmere Council leaders to ‘celebrate Halloween safely’.
The council has said that many Halloween traditions, such as trick or treating, carry a risk and the county’s message is to enjoy a safer way of having fun for the annual tradition.
In a post on the Hertsmere Council website they said that trick or treating is deemed a higher risk activity that should be avoided this Halloween.
The post said: “If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, think you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or you have been told to self-isolate, you should not participate in any in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out sweets to trick-or-treaters”.
The post contained other ways that residents can enjoy Halloween such as pumpkin carving and watching movies within your household.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Morris Bright MBE, said: “Just weeks ago Hertsmere was taken off the government’s watchlist following a fall in coronavirus infection rates in the borough, which was excellent news for our residents and businesses and I cannot thank everyone enough for their efforts to stay safe and contain the virus. We must continue to play our part to prevent the spread of coronavirus in Hertsmere.
“We’re not letting coronavirus cancel Halloween! We’re encouraging families to take part in lower risk activities that are still ghoulishly good fun and will keep little monsters happy this Halloween.”
Jim McManus, Director of Public Health at Hertfordshire County Council said: “While Halloween is a great time of year for dressing up and having fun, this year we urge families to take part in lower risk activities, such as pumpkin carving or displaying spooky pictures, helping to minimise the risk of spreading coronavirus to others. We don’t want to be in a position where we have to introduce tougher measures and local lockdowns in Hertfordshire, but we need your help to avoid this.”
Cllr Linda Haysey, Leader of East Herts Council, and Chair of the community reassurance cell of the Hertfordshire Local Resilience Forum, said: “Thank you to everyone in Hertfordshire for your efforts in helping to control the spread of the virus. We all want our lives to get back to normal, but now is not the time to be complacent. Please continue to play your part this Halloween – wash your hands, cover your face and make space.”
(Source: Hertsmere Council)
