2020 Halloween Trick-or-Treating in Elmhurst
Guidelines & Safety Precautions
The City of Elmhurst has received several inquiries regarding trick-or-treating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City’s top priority is the safety of residents. There is a heightened sense of precaution that the community is advised to take during this holiday, and we understand that not everyone may feel comfortable trick-or-treating this year. Ultimately, each resident must make the decision on whether or not to partake in Halloween activities. Trick-or-treating hours on Saturday, October 31st are from 3:30-7:30 pm, but residents are asked to protect themselves and respect their neighbors by understanding and abiding by the following guidelines:
- Residents interested in participating in trick-or-treating are asked to turn their outdoor lights on and place the GREEN “Trick-or-Treaters Welcome” sign so that it is visible to trick-or-treaters. Residents who would not like to participate are asked to keep their outdoor lights off and place the RED “NO trick-or-treaters, please” sign so that it is visible to trick-or-treaters. Please treat all neighbors with respect and courtesy by not approaching homes that have indicated that they are not participating.
- For the safety of all participants, those going door-to-door are required to wear face coverings at all times. The CDC has stated that a Halloween costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask or face covering that covers your mouth and nose. Please maintain a safe distance from other trick-or-treaters and wait to approach a home until the previous groups has left.
- Individuals who are passing out candy are asked to wear face coverings and gloves, and pass candy out individually instead of inviting participants to take a treat from a communal bowl. Please wash your hands frequently and disinfect high touched surfaces such as doorbells, doorknobs and buzzers.
- Please act kindly and courteously to keep your neighbors safe and respect their choices as we maneuver through the challenges of this pandemic.
Halloween Health & Safety Tips from the CDC can be viewed here
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/holidays.html#halloween
IDPH Halloween guidelines
http://dph.illinois.gov/news/illinois-department-public-health-issues-covid-19-halloween-festivities-guidance
Other Halloween Trick-Or-Treating Safety Precautions:
- It is recommended that young children end trick-or-treating when it begins to get dark.
- Put reflective tape on costumes and avoid costumes that are overly scary or that require “weapons” of any kind.
- If older children are going trick-or-treating without you, create a map of a safe trick-or-treating route in familiar areas. Agree on a specific time they should be home as well as pre-set check in times.
- Remind children not to go inside anyone’s home or accept a ride from anyone, including people you know, without checking first with a trusted adult.
- Remind children to look both ways before crossing the street and to cross at corners only. Use sidewalks, not the street, for walking. Never run between parked vehicles.
- Warn children not to eat any treats until you've had a chance to inspect them. When in doubt, throw it out.
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