With October approaching, Autumn holidays are on the way.

Thanksgiving, Halloween, Fall suppers, Remembrance Day; October and November are months where the opportunity for group gatherings is higher than ever.

COVID-19 however, remains a facet in people's lives, and so last week the provincial government released guidelines specific to Fall activities.

As always, they ask that people who are feeling ill not engage in any sort of public activity and to immediately use the online Saskatchewan COVID-19 self-assessment tool.

Private indoor and outdoor gatherings are allowed to have a maximum of 30 people if there is enough space to maintain 2 metres of separation.

Other general rules include the recommendation of masks if 2 metres of separation cannot be guaranteed, and where possible to limit holiday gatherings to a household or extended household groups only.

Listed below are some of the more pertinent guidelines for specific fall activities. For the full list, visit the Government of Saskatchewan's re-open Saskatchewan guidelines.

 

THANKSGIVING & PRIVATE GATHERINGS

  • Shared meals between non-household members or members who are not in the same extended household are discouraged.
  • Potlucks are discouraged and there should be no shared platters of food or buffet service.
  • All served food should be plated by a single person. One person should handle the preparation of food and drink following proper food safety protocols.
  • Vulnerable individuals, such as seniors and those with underlying health conditions, should receive their food first to minimize cross-contamination.

 

HALLOWEEN

  • No direct physical contact should occur between trick-or-treaters and people distributing Halloween treats.
  • Due to the number of people potentially touching the treats prior to being handed out, consider cleaning candy wrappers with disinfectant wipes or holding the treats for 72 hours before consuming.
  • Only wrapped, store-bought treats should be distributed.
  • Individuals handing out candy should consider wearing non-medical masks (e.g. cloth or other materials) where two metres of physical distance cannot be maintained.
  • Where possible, only one household member should hand out candy.

 

REMEMBRANCE DAY

  • Wherever possible, organizers should provide an option for virtual attendance using online streaming services.
  • Provide enough time for attendees to arrive prior to the ceremony in order to minimize lineups. Where lineups may form, provide markings to ensure physical distancing while waiting in line.
  • Non-medical masks (e.g. cloth or other materials) are recommended where two metres of physical distancing is unpredictable or cannot be maintained, including organizers, event staff, volunteers and those participating in the ceremonies.
  • Contactless payment options for poppy sales should be considered, where possible.
  • Event organizers can create areas for ceremonies in outdoor spaces (e.g. municipal parks with cenotaphs), but attendance must be limited to 150 people (not including event staff or those involved in the ceremonies). 
  • Organizers are responsible for controlling access to event areas.