NORTH BAY -- The police are asking members of the public to put safety first this Halloween.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit recommended that families don't go  door-to-door trick-or-treating or congregating with other people outside of your household.

Police chief Scott Tod wants people to follow those guidelines.

"We have to adjust our actions this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic," said Tod in a media release. "People need to be aware that indoor groups in excess of 10 people can face enforcement action meaning fines of $880 dollars per person.”

Under the authority of the Reopening Ontario Act, the maximum number of people permitted to attend organized public events and social gatherings is 10 people indoors and 25 people outdoors.

This includes functions such as Halloween parties or gatherings held in private residences, backyards, or recreational areas.

According to the National Safety Council, car collisions involving children are more than twice as likely to occur on Halloween as on any other day of the year.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, the North Bay Police will not be inviting trick-or-treaters into the police building this year.

Police say they are hoping that by following the health recommendations, young candy collectors can stop by next year.