A Moncton woman creates a COVID-19-friendly Halloween

During a normal year, Pumpkin Prowl would attract hundreds of kids to a neighbourhood park for a festival-style event.

Many of the frights greeting visitors of horror attractions this Halloween will be familiar, but the thrill-creators behind them say one terrifying experience is squarely off-limits: the terrors of COVID-19.

As of Monday, Toronto, Ottawa, Peel and York regions are all in a modified Stage 2 due to high volumes of COVID-19 cases.

With the province in the midst of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, health officials are cautioning residents when it comes to celebrating Halloween.

The Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village in Pincher Creek is preparing to host some COVID-19-friendly Halloween festivities.

Avoid props that can cause coughing, such as smoke machines.

The guidelines focus on trick or treating, handing out candy and hosting Halloween parties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Experts say rising COVID-19 cases could put the kibosh on spooky festivities, curbing demand for Halloween supplies.

Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry said she will be providing more guidance on Halloween festivities closer to Oct. 31.