The Health Board: in the current situation, people should seriously consider the safety of celebrating Halloween

The Health Board warns that, when taking into consideration the spread of coronavirus, people should seriously think about how they can celebrate Halloween safely, as well as Mardipäev and Kadripäev.

According to Üllar Lanno, director-general of the Health Board, today’s Halloween is probably the safest of the three celebrations as it is not customary to invite trick-or-treating children in on this day, unlike on Mardipäev and Kadripäev. ‘It is important to stress that trick-or-treaters must observe social distancing rules and keep any contact brief,’ said Lanno, adding that children who have even mild symptoms should not go outside at all. ‘Infected individuals, close contacts of infected individuals, or anyone who is exhibiting symptoms or waiting for their test results should not open their door to trick-or-treaters. Our behaviour now will determine how we will be able to celebrate Christmas and what the epidemiological situation may be by then, and even how we are able to welcome in 2021.’

Children are at somewhat of a higher risk of becoming infected on Halloween, as they receive treats from a number of homes. ‘Even though people are mainly infected with coronavirus via close contacts, catching the virus from contaminated surfaces cannot be ruled out. With this in mind, accepting treats from others puts children at a somewhat higher risk of being infected,’ said Lanno.

The Health Board is also concerned about Halloween parties, as SARS-CoV2 has already caused a number of party outbreaks in Estonia. ‘Anyone who does not feel well must not attend any parties. Anyone who is tired must also stay home and rest, as tiredness may be a symptom of the infection,’ said Lanno.

When it comes to celebrating Mardipäev and Kadripäev in November, the Health Board advises everyone to give some thought to the epidemiological situation. ‘It is clear today that these folk traditions must be honoured in a somewhat modified manner this year,’ said Lanno, according to whom it would be a good idea to celebrate these traditions within one’s own circle of acquaintances. ‘If you really want to dress up and go trick-or-treating, you should only visit those people with whom you come into contact on a daily basis anyway.’

Halloween - or All Hallows’ Eve - is celebrated on 31 October, Mardipäev on 10 November, and Kadripäev on 25 November.