Halloween is finally upon us, and children around the country are already deciding on their costumes.
Trick or treating is a Halloween staple for most kids, and many are wondering whether they will be allowed to get involved in the festivities this year.
The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted many events this year, and it looks like Halloween will not go untouched either – especially for those in the higher lockdown tiers.
Here is all you need to know before donning your ghoulish face mask and embarking on a mission for free sweets.
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What are the trick or treating rules in tier 1, 2 and 3 areas?
Although trick or treating has not been banned in England, each tier has its own restrictions, and so it is important you check the rules before heading out.
You can discover what tier your area is in by using the Government postcode checker.
Tier 1
Those in the medium tier can meet both indoors and outdoors in groups of up to six people, meaning that small bands of trick or treaters can meet up and go together.
Remember that children count towards the number of people in the rule of six.
You are allowed to come inside during trick or treating, so long as social distancing is maintained.
Tier 2
In tier two, you are not permitted to go inside people’s homes, but you can still meet up outdoors in groups of up to six people.
You are also allowed to visit people’s private gardens, and so trick or treating games and other Halloween activities can be played there, as long as social distancing is observed.
Tier 3
Those living in tier three in England will not be permitted to trick or treat this year, as the restrictions against households mixing in private gardens also includes front gardens.
Business Minister Nadhim Zahawi told LBC that although tiers one and two are still allowed to get involved in the festivities, ‘Sadly, in tier three, you can’t, because it is the areas where we have the highest level of infections.’
This effects those living in the Liverpool City Region, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, South Yorkshire, Warrington, and West Yorkshire – kids in West Yorkshire are still allowed to go trick or treating, as the area does not move into tier three until Monday, November 2.
What are the trick or treating rules in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales?
In Northern Ireland, citizens are still permitted to meet outdoors in groups of up to 15, so larger trick or treating groups are allowed – as long as social distancing is observed.
In Scotland, trick or treating has not been banned, and children under 12 are not included in the rule of six.
Trick or treating is allowed in Wales, but not advised. under-11s are not included in the rule of six in Wales.
There are varying rules in place about households mixing indoors and outdoors so please check your local restrictions.
It is advised that treats should be left outside, to limit your contact with other people.
How can you ensure that your trick or treating is Covid-secure?
There are steps you can take to ensure that you and your children are keeping safe this Halloween.
You should refrain from going inside other people’s homes when trick or treating.
Face coverings should be worn when exchanging sweets, and sanitiser should be used after every trick (or treat).
Individually wrapped sweets such as Quality Street and Celebrations should be handed out over unwrapped goodies such as cookies, as these are more hygienic.
Households may wish to leave treats outside in a bowl, rather than have guisers knock on their doors.
If you wish to remain out of the festivities, then it may be a good idea to put a sign up in your garden or on your front door.
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