Halloween and Half-Term fun at home

Stoke-on-Trent was moved into the higher Covid Alert level of Tier 2 on Saturday October 24.

And with Halloween approaching – council leaders and public health officials are urging people to revise plans this half-term and enjoy their Halloween festivities at home.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council Leader Abi Brown said:  “Many families will be on holiday or enjoying time together but we all have to stick to the rules. We all have a role to play in the fight to stop the spread of the virus, one week of fun is not worth the implications it will have not only for yourself, but your family and friends also.”

Although it may come as a disappointment to many that the usual spooky celebration and traditions of trick or treating and Halloween parties are no longer possible, the advice being offered is to take a look at what can be done closer to home with the people in the same household.

Sweets and toffee apples can still flow as scary stories make the skin crawl and floorboards creak. Gathering around to bake spooky cakes, tell a chilling story or paint faces are just a few of the possibilities which can be enjoyed in the safety of your own home, no matter the restrictions outside.

Safety advice has been issued to help families enjoy Halloween safely this year. Instead of going trick or treating, families are encouraged to: Dress up in the comfort of your own home, Read a scary story, Watch a scary film, Carve a pumpkin, Play board games & take part in Spooky quizzes, share jokes and stories.

Councillor Brown said: “We know that families and residents across the city enjoy the festivities at this time of year, but this time there are scarier things out there than Halloween. We want people to stay safe and stay home. Unfortunately, trick or treating risks your exposure further to the virus, as does any household mixing indoors. Activities such as your child putting their hand in a bowl of sweets that other children have put their hands in, or even thinking you will just take part in meeting with other families that live close by could all risk exposure to the infection. Please don’t put you, your children or other families at risk.”

For more information and advice on the coronavirus (Covid-19) please visit Public Health England: https://publichealthmatters.blog.gov.uk/2020/01/23/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know/ and the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

All residents are reminded about the critical importance of regular handwashing with soap and hot water for 20 seconds. The significance of this action cannot be underestimated. If residents have symptoms, please get tested. All residents must continue to follow the guidance of wash hands, cover face and make space.

For more information on digital services, visit www.stoke.gov.uk, download the MyStoke App, or follow the city council’s social media channels.