CHICAGO — Trick-or-treating can safely return this year, among other Halloween celebrations, officials said Tuesday.
Still, kids and adults should follow coronavirus safety guidelines, like wearing masks outdoors if they’re unvaccinated and can’t social distance, according to a Mayor’s Office news release. People who want to hand out candy should put up a sign or leave a light on, wear a mask while passing out candy — and people shouldn’t participate if they feel sick, even if they’re fully vaccinated.
The spooky holiday went quiet last year, with many parents opting to keep kids home from trick-or-treating and officials advising against events and gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic.
But this year, the city will join in on the festivities with several events, and officials have released recommendations for how to stay safe while trick-or-treating.
Here’s the health department’s advice:
- Unvaccinated people, including kids, should wear masks when outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
- Trick-or-treating groups should be small, and people in the groups should keep moving and not congregate.
- People should wait to eat their candy at home, and they should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer first.
- People passing out candy should wear a mask, stay socially distant and use hand sanitizer.
- People who are comfortable with safely giving candy for trick-or-treating should have a light on or put out a sign.
- Don’t participate in trick-or-treating or hand out candy if you feel sick, even if you have been fully vaccinated.
- Outdoor activities are still safer than indoor activities.
- For indoor events, everyone 2 and olde should wear masks. People can increase ventilation by opening windows.
The city will participate in the holiday with several events, including two parades and neighborhood activities, during Halloween week Oct. 23-31. A full schedule of Halloweek events is available online.
Everyone 12 and older is eligible to get vaccinated in Chicago.
COVID-19 vaccinations are free and do not require insurance. Anyone can call the city’s coronavirus hotline at 312-746-4835 to get more information on how and where to get vaccinated in their community.
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