There’s only one mask you will need this Halloween – a face covering that will protect others and protect the NHS during the Welsh Government ‘fire-break’ restrictions in the fight against the Covid-19 virus.
This year will be a very different Halloween due to the continuing trend of increasing numbers of positive Covid-19 cases across Wales and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
As of 6pm, Friday October 23rd, the Welsh Government ‘fire-break’ restrictions were implemented, meaning all residents and businesses MUST follow the guidelines in order to help stop the spread of the virus any further.
During the ‘fire-break’, people should only be leaving their houses for limited reasons, such as exercise, shopping for essential items, medical reasons, providing care to someone, education, or work – but only if you cannot work from home. You can find more details of the ‘fire-break’ restrictions here.
Unfortunately, these restrictions mean some of the things we enjoy doing at this time of year must change. One such change will be to the normal ‘Trick or Treat’ activities, which under the ‘fire-break’ restrictions are not permitted.
However, people across Rhondda Cynon Taf can still find ways that their family can enjoy Halloween, but from the safety of their homes!
There are lots of free activities and ideas available online, showing you how to safely enjoy Halloween with your family at home:
CBeebies has Halloween activities and games to keep younger children entertaned
CBBC provides a range of Halloween trick or treats for all the family to enjoy
Marie Claire has lots of ideas on how to safely celebrate Halloween at home
Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Leader of the Welsh Local Government Association, said: “Sadly, Halloween, like many other events this year, will be impacted greatly by the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.
“It’s really important that people follow the ‘fire-break’ rules, so we can suppress this virus. The action we take now WILL save lives.
“We need to remember, that behind every Covid-19 death is a family who have sadly lost a loved one, and without action we cannot prevent this from happening.
“These restrictions are in place for just over two weeks, we have done this before for longer. I know the vast majority of residents will be supportive and follow these rules, but as a reminder to those who continue to break the rules – action will be taken against you.
“We thank all of our residents and businesses for their support and understanding at this time and urge everyone to think how they can keep Rhondda Cynon Taf and the rest of Wales safe this Halloween.
“Together, we all have a part to play is stopping the spread of this virus, and we strongly advise against traditional trick or treating this Halloween. Instead, stay at home, stay safe and protect our NHS.”
Sara Thomas, Consultant in Public Health for Cwm Taf Morgannwg UHB, said: “We understand that families will be disappointed that Hallowe’en celebrations will need to be different this year. However, cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in our communities and it’s so important that we all work together and follow the latest restrictions to reduce the spread of this virus.
“There are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween this weekend while following the rules and we would encourage everyone to be creative but also safe in their activities. By working together and following the fire-break restrictions we can help to slow down the rate of the virus and protect ourselves, our loved ones and the NHS. Thank you for your ongoing support.”
