Council advises people NOT to go trick or treating this Halloween in Milton Keynes due to Covid risk

Milton Keynes Council’s Deputy Director of Public Health, Oliver Mytton is asking people to look for alternative and safer ways to celebrate instead.

And the council is even providing one other option by funding a "spooky drive-in" cinema over half term, at a cost of £5 per family.

Mr Mytton said: “Cases of Covid-19 have been rising rapidly in Milton Keynes. We all need to continue to take action to keep our families and communities safe and protect our NHS. When celebrating Halloween please be sensible and stay safe – and look for different ways to enjoy Halloween this year.”

Families are asked take extra precautions if they do go out on October 31 and not to stop at multiple houses.

"Some vulnerable people may be shielding and may already feel concerned about answering the door.. This increases the risk of spreading Covid-19," said a council spokesman.

He said groups should be no larger than six, whether indoors or outdoors, and sweets should be packaged and preferably left on a bowl on the doorstep rather than handed out.

"Social distancing rules apply, so if you’re trick or treating please step back when you knock at a door. Use hand sanitiser regularly, and wash hands before going out and when you get back – before eating sweets. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable answering their door, don’t keep knocking."

People with any Covid symptoms (new continuous cough, raised temperature, change or loss of sense of taste or smell) must isolate and shouldn’t take part in any activities, says the council

They have suggested five alternatives to trick or treating. These are:

1. Have a pumpkin trail in your street or neighbourhood… Help children carve or draw pumpkins and place them in your window. Neighbouring children can have fun pumpkin spotting. You could give your children prizes for the number of pumpkins they spot.

2. Watch a Halloween film…. Even young children can enjoy some family favourites. MK Council is funding MyCinema throughout the October half term with 12 spooky drive in films shown. Thanks to council funding it costs just £5 per car with all proceeds going to MK Food Bank. Films will be announced on 19 October on the booking site here .

3. Have a virtual trick or treat with friends and family… Arrange to be around in advance and share your costumes via video call or just share a spooky joke over the phone – every call made could mean a treat goes in the trick or treat bucket/bag.

4. Have fun decorating your house… There are lots of templates and crafting ideas online.

5. Have a Halloween scavenger hunt… Give children a list of Halloween themed decorations to look for on a walk, such as spiders, cobwebs or ghosts. Or hide treats around your house and set clues to find them.