Village trustees voted to allow trick-or treating between the house of 3 and 6 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31.
Due to the COVID-19 exposure risk, however, a message from the village to residents said, “We discourage residents from door-to-door trick-or-treating but ask that you consider alternative ways of celebrating at home with your family instead.”
If families choose to participate in trick-or-treating, Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines should be followed. Some tips from the village include:
People wishing to distribute candy should leave individually wrapped candy or treats on a table at least six feet from their front door. Candy should be spread out, so pieces aren’t touching each other. Anyone placing candy on these tables or replenishing the supply should wash their hands for at least 20 seconds prior to doing so.
People trick-or-treating and people distributing treats should maintain proper social distance (at least six feet) from others and wear a proper face covering.
Halloween costume masks are not a substitute for a face covering. Anyone wearing a costume mask should wear a face covering under the mask. If breathing is difficult with doubled-up masks, the costume mask should be discarded.
If a resident sees a group of children not following the rules, talking to the accompanying parent(s) is recommended rather than calling the village’s non-emergency or emergency number.
Groups of trick-or-treaters from different households are discouraged; groups should be household members only. A six-foot distance from other trick-or-treaters or groups should be maintained at all times.
People out trick-or-treating are encouraged to carry and regularly use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Candy collected shouldn’t be eaten until handwashing has been completed.
The village has signs homeowners can hang up somewhere visible to let trick-or-treaters know if their house has candy and is welcoming trick-or-treaters or not. The signs are available at village hall or downloadable at vrf.us/news/item/380.
