River Forest 2020 Trick-Or-Treating Guidelines

RIVER FOREST, IL — With Halloween right around the coroner, the Village of River Forest urges residents to be cognizant of the risks of exposure to the coronavirus during trick-or-treating, taking place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Oct. 31. In a news release, the village said they discourage residents from taking part in door-to-door trick-or-treating, and instead asks that you consider alternative ways of celebrating at home with your family.

Downloadable signs are available on the village website to put on your front door or other visible location so those who are trick-or-treating know whether your home is participating. Red signs can be displayed if you're choosing not to participate this year, and green signs can be displayed if you decide to pass out candy this year.

Signs will also be available for pickup at Village Hall.

Related: Oak Park-Area Halloween 2020: Pumpkin Patches, Events

The village added that if families choose to allow their children to trick-or-treat this year, parents are responsible for making sure their families are following the following Illinois Department of Public Health and CDC guidelines:

• As an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, anyone who would like to distribute treats should leave individually wrapped candy or treats on a table, on their front walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space that allows for at least 6 feet of social distance from the door. The individually wrapped candy should be spread out so each piece is not touching another. Anyone distributing candy or treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before placing the candy on the table and when replenishing.
• All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy, should maintain social distance of least 6 feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not a substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please ensure this does not create breathing problems, and if so, discard the costume mask.
• If you come upon a group of children not adhering to the face covering or social distancing requirements, try to avoid calling our non emergency number but instead talk to the parents...most of us know each other anyway.
• Only household members should trick-or-treat together, and they should maintain 6-feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are discouraged.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used frequently.
• Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after handwashing. As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is wrapped and should discard unwrapped candy.
• Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, like apartment buildings, present greater risk of transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation.

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