Regular Halloween and Thanksgiving activities can take place this month, according to the territory’s chief medical officer.

“With proper precautions, it is OK for children to go trick-or-treating,” Dr. Brendan Hanley said during a COVID-19 update held Wednesday afternoon.

He advised families to trick-or-treat within their social bubbles and avoid crowding or gathering on doorsteps.

Children’s costumes could include masks and other COVID-safe accessories.

“A witch’s broom or a sword would be good to knock on doors with,” Hanley said.

He recommended that households use a hockey stick or tongs to pass out candy at a distance.

Candy should be individually wrapped and store-bought. He suggested that one person per household be responsible for handing out candy, and may sit outside.

Hanley asked that households not leave candy out in a communal bucket.

Further guidance on Halloween will be posted to the Yukon government website by the end of this week.

“If trick-or-treating is just not something you’re going to be comfortable with, we will also have suggestions on other ways to make Halloween fun for kids,” Hanley said.

“Kids have lost so much already as a result of COVID, but with some careful guidance we can make Halloween still happen in Yukon.”

Thanksgiving dinner can also take place with regular precautions, Hanley said. No more than 10 people should gather indoors at a time, with guests either in the same bubble or spaced appropriately.

“Some people are planning outdoor gatherings to accommodate larger family groups, or even serving dinner in shifts,” Hanley said.

“These are some of the actions you can take to reduce the risk of yourselves and your household and guests while still enjoying all the feastings and festivities.”