Each year at Halloween children go from door to door in search of sweet treats. In pandemic times, this seems to be a sure way at spreading viruses, especially in the colder months.

Since last year's Halloween, vaccination uptake is now at 79% for those over the age of 12 as of 21st of October 2021, this comes from Gov.uk official website for data on vaccinations.

Nub News looks to break down the official COVID-19 guidelines set by the UK Health Security Agency formally known as Public Health England.

We reached out to the governments UK Health Security Agency for a statement on Halloween trick treating advice, they said: "There are no changes to messaging because there are currently no restrictions, so we would just encourage the usual stay safe behaviours."

Trick or treating is predominately an outside activity, as of today there are no extra measures, so here are the best ways to stay safe according to the Cabinet Office's guidance on How to Stay Safe and Prevent the Spread:

1. Limit the close contact you have with people you do not usually live with. 

1. Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitiser regularly throughout the day. Regular hand washing is an effective way to reduce your risk of catching illnesses, including COVID-19.

1. If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, self-isolate immediately and get a PCR test, even if your symptoms are mild. You should self-isolate at home while you book the test and wait for the results. You must self-isolate if you test positive.

1. COVID-19 spreads through the air by droplets and aerosols that are exhaled from the nose and mouth of an infected person. You should wear face coverings in crowded and enclosed areas where you come into contact with people you do not usually meet.

1. All adults in England have now been offered at least 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines are safe and effective. Getting fully vaccinated is the best way of protecting you and others against COVID-19.

Additional ideas for safe trick or treating include:

1. Going in bubble groups - this means to trick or treat with other households you know do not have coronavirus symptoms. Parents can set up trick or treat maps of the area to make sure they are only going to households that they know do not have COVID-19.

1. Make a take one candy sign: leave candy outside the house with a please take one sign to limit social contact with others.

1. Take hand sanitiser with you and hand sanitise after each house visited.

1. If you or a child in the household has coronavirus symptoms, cancel plans for trick or treating and buy some candy in for a: Stay At Home Halloween.

These are some great ways you can create a safe Halloween experience for everyone. As long as people remain aware of the guidelines, Halloween can be great fun for the whole family.

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