PEOPLE who may be thinking about taking part in Halloween this year are being urged to celebrate the night in a safe and responsible way.

As concerns continue about rising Covid-19 infection rates both nationally and locally, children and families are being urged by all agencies in Cumbria to enjoy alternatives to traditional trick or treating on October 31.

Colin Cox, Cumbria’s Director of Public Health, said: “We want to ensure people enjoy themselves this Halloween in a safe way that protects everyone from the spread of Coronavirus.

“Halloween is popular with children and families and we understand the importance this annual event has to some, but this year we’re encouraging people to make some slight changes to their celebrations to stay safe and to protect their families and neighbours.

“Follow the government guidance: Stick to the rule of six, indoors and outdoors – remembering school bubbles do not apply outside school. Maintain social distancing, wear a face covering in any busy place, inside or out, and wash your hands regularly. Remember to take hand sanitiser if you go out.

“If people do go out with their children, we would ask that they do so to view their neighbours’ Halloween decorations rather than knocking on doors, or collecting sweets from communal bowls.

“We are currently in the middle of a pandemic, so the priority in all that we do must be to slow the spread of Coronavirus in our communities and keep our families and communities safe.”

Here are some alternatives to the traditional ‘trick or treat’ that some people are doing so they can enjoy a memorable evening, including:

• Be creative: create a pumpkin trail where you live so everyone can join in without knocking on doors.

• Be active: get dressed up and take a walk around your neighbourhood to see homes decorated for Halloween.

• Be virtual: consider an online party with decorations, fancy dress and themed food. Play Hallowe’en games, bake Hallowe’en treats or tell spooky stories.

• Be social: take pictures of your spooky costumes and activities to share on social media.

• Be colourful: dress up the outside of your house with Halloween decorations for you and your neighbours to enjoy.

• Be treat-wise: buy your own sweets to give to your children when on pumpkin trails so they don’t miss out.

• Be bright: if you carve a pumpkin, use a battery-powered light inside it to reduce the risk of fire.