By Neil Doyle
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health is issuing guidance to help people celebrate safely as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidelines include following the 3 W’s – Wash your hands. Watch your distance. Wear your mask.
IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike said the safest way to celebrate is to stay home and plan virtual gatherings, but they understand some people will still gather and celebrate.
“Remember, we know what our best tools are: wearing our masks, keeping our distance, limiting event sizes, washing your hands, and looking out for public health and each other,” said Ezike.
Trick-or-treating:
– Anyone participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy, should maintain 6-feet of social distance and wear proper face coverings.
– Consider leaving individually wrapped candy (spaced apart) on a table in driveways or in front of walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space where 6-feet of distance can be maintained.
– A Halloween costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. Ensure that breathing is not impaired if a cloth mask is worn under a costume mask. If so, discard the costume mask.
– Trick-or-treat in groups with household members only.
IDPH Halloween guidance can be found here.
Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]
