The Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan has been updated to provide guidance on fall activities.
In addition to information to prepare for a safe Halloween, the guidelines also provide direction on how to safely celebrate Thanksgiving and fall/fowl suppers. Guidance is also provided to safely honour Remembrance Day.
For Thanksgiving, shared meals between non-household members or members who are not in the same extended household are discouraged. Any private indoor or outdoor event that includes food service may have a maximum of 30 people, provided there is enough space to maintain a two-metre separation between individuals who are not in the same household.
Gathering sizes should be smaller if there is not enough space to maintain a physical distance of two metres at all times between non-household/extended household members.
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.
As for fowl/fall suppers, they are permitted and must follow the gathering limits in the current public health order (30 persons or fewer), provided there is enough space to maintain two metres between individuals who are not in the same household or extended household.
Meals can be offered as takeout, but organizers must ensure that no more than 30 people are in attendance at any one time and physical distancing is maintained in lines.
Trick-or-treating is permitted with numerous measures, including:
Two metres distance must be maintained between individuals who are not in the same household/extended household at all times.
No direct physical contact should occur between trick-or-treaters and people distributing Halloween treats;.Participants should consider using tools (e.g. tongs) to distribute candy at a distance.
Physical distancing must be used when approaching houses (i.e. wait until group ahead is gone, take turns). For houses or neighbourhoods anticipating a high volume of trick-or-treaters, people distributing candy are encouraged to place tape markers every two metres between doorways and sidewalks/driveways to promote physical distancing.
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.
As for mall or retail Halloween activities, outlets handing out candy must ensure they comply with all guidelines specified above for private trick-or-treating.
Organizers of Haunted Houses must implement one-way traffic flow to promote physical distancing.
Use markings or dividers and visual cues in common areas to ensure physical distancing between non-household/extended household members.
Walk-though times between groups must be a minimum of 10 minutes apart to avoid congestion in the haunted house.
Pumpkin patches are permitted to operate under the following conditions, as long as current restrictions related to COVID-19 are followed.
As for Remembrance Day, the following guidelines have been developed for event organizers and participants to help ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved.
Wherever possible, organizers should provide an option for virtual attendance using online streaming services.
Organizers are responsible for managing the positioning and directional flow of attendees to encourage physical distancing and minimize crowding.
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.
Attendees should be provided instructions for safe entry and exit from the event using public address systems, where possible.
Provide hand sanitizer approved by Health Canada (DIN or NPN number) at entrances and outside of washrooms.
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.
Enhanced cleaning and disinfection of any common touch items is required.
Food service, where provided, must follow the Restaurant and Licensed Establishments Guidelines.
Musical performances, including The Last Post, must follow the Performing Arts Guidelines.
The Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan continues to be updated with minor changes that reflect emerging advice on how businesses and activities can be conducted as safely as possible.
