Dorset Council is urging residents to think carefully about how they will enjoy Halloween this year to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Current restrictions mean that traditional Halloween activities like trick or treating, parties and unpermitted large gatherings should not take place as they all risk spreading the virus further. Instead, they are asking residents to follow the government restrictions and to stick to safer ways of having fun.

Cllr Jill Haynes, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Customer Services and Communities said: “While Halloween is a great time of year for dressing up and having fun, this year we urge people to remain vigilant and continue to play your part in reducing the spread of coronavirus in Dorset. The ‘rule of six’ applies to both indoor and outdoor settings and must be followed at all times. Please continue to follow the government guidance – wash your hands, cover your face and make space.

 “We strongly advise against trick or treating and knocking on doors. The threat of the virus is still very real in Dorset, but by following government guidelines we can limit the impact and avoid introducing tougher restrictions.”

T/Superintendent Heather Dixey from Dorset Police, said: “This year, we are asking people to ‘respect the rule of six’ and protect the vulnerable by celebrating at home instead.

“Following the ‘rule of six’ which applies both indoors and outdoors, whilst supervising young ones out and about, could potentially make the evening a horror story for all the wrong reasons, so please don’t go trick or treating.

“Whilst traditional Halloween parties and social events cannot take place this year, that doesn’t mean Halloween is cancelled there are plenty of ways that people can celebrate safely and have fun.”

Top Halloween ideas and activities from Dorset Council

There are still so many ways to enjoy Halloween safely, whilst helping to minimise the spread of coronavirus – from pumpkin carving and window decorating, to participating in local pumpkin trails and making your own costumes with your household.

• Carve or decorate pumpkins with members of your household and display them in your window, or outside. Don’t forget to keep the Pumpkin’s insides for a warming autumnal soup.

• Get creative and make your own Halloween costume using items you already own – a fun, environmentally friendly option that will also save you money.

• Take part in a local ‘spot the pumpkin’ trail throughout half term week with your household. Try to find as many pumpkins as possible and remember to pick out your favourite one.

• Host a virtual pumpkin carving contest or Halloween costume competition over skype or zoom.

• Bake Halloween-themed treats and put on a spooky movie night for your household.

Remember, if you or anyone in your household has symptoms of coronavirus then you must follow government guidance and self-isolate immediately.

Reduce waste and get the most out of your pumpkin

A staggering amount of pumpkins end up in landfill in the UK every year – approximately 18,000 tonnes. Please reduce waste and make the most of your pumpkin this year.

Not only is a pumpkin a brilliant source of fun, it’s also a fantastic source of food. From soups and stock, to cakes and hummus – there are so many ways to use the inside of your pumpkin (and the seeds) and there are many simple recipes available online.

Make sure that you recycle the remains of your pumpkin correctly. All food waste must be put within the appropriate brown food waste caddy and please remove any decorations or candles before recycling it.