THE council is urging people not to go trick or treating this Halloween.

Brighton and Hove City Council issued a statement to discourage people from taking part in the tradition to prevent the risk of spreading coronavirus.

The city remains in tier one, medium risk, in the government’s three-tier Covid alert system.

A spokeswoman for the authority said: “The midst of a pandemic isn’t the most sensible time to go knocking on doors trick or treating.

“If you do decide to go trick or treating this year despite the risks, please take care and as always be respectful.

“Only knock on doors of houses that look to be celebrating Halloween themselves and remember, wash your hands, wear a face covering and give space.”

In the week leading up to October 17 there were 244 new coronavirus cases recorded in the city, down slightly from the 250 confirmed the week before.

Brighton and Hove director of public health Alistair Hill warned residents that, despite this fall, people could not “afford to be complacent or take risks”.

This message was echoed in the council’s statement on Halloween.

The spokeswoman said: “Much as we all love dressing up at Halloween, we’re asking you not to go trick or treating this year.

“Now is not a time to take risks with your health because everything we do affects all the people we meet and live with.

“There are plenty of ways to enjoy Halloween at home and stay Covid safe, here are some ideas to get you started.”

The authority suggested celebrating Halloween in an alternative way, by watching a spooky movie at home or cooking up a “fiendish feast”.

But it also issued advice for anyone still planning to go trick or treating, in spite of its warning.

The spokeswoman said: “If you do decide to go trick or treating despite the risks, please take extra care.

“Do not gather in groups on the pavement and in doorways or mix with other groups of trick or treaters.

“Stay in your household bubble of no more than six witches, wizards or ghosts at a time. And keep up social distancing. That’s two witch brooms or six wands between you. Tempting as they are, do not dip into shared tubs of sweet treats.

“You never know how many sticky fingers have been in there or if they washed their hands first. You don’t want to pick up a horror-filled Covid surprise. Don’t leave the house if you have any of the Covid symptoms. You must self-isolate immediately and book a test.”

People were also asked to stick to the rule of six if they were having a gathering for Halloween. The Argus contacted the Department of Health and Social Care for comment on government advice about trick or treating, but no response was received.