Trick-or-Treating Safety During Halloween

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 2, 2020
Deputy Village Manager David Webb
630-823-5611
dwebb@hpil.org

Hanover Park, IL– The Village of Hanover Park has received inquiries regarding trick-or-treating during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Halloween approaches, the Village would like to provide some information to assist residents. 

The Illinois Department of Health (IDPH) has released Halloween Guidance that emphasizes the continued need for social distancing, proper handwashing and for participants to wear masks or face-coverings. Information includes recommendations for trick-or-treating as well as other Halloween activities and events.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance on Halloween includes lower risk, moderate risk and higher risk activities associated with Halloween. Traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating is considered a higher-risk activity by the CDC.

Residents are reminded that Hanover Park does not have any ordinances that regulate trick-or-treating. The Village's traditional hours have been from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 31st. 

The Village understands that not everyone may feel comfortable participating in trick-or-treating this year. It will be up to families and parents to decide if and how they should participate in Halloween activities. Village staff has designed signs for residents to print and place in their windows, doors or other highly visible areas for trick-or-treaters to identify whether they are participating in trick-or-treating. The signs can be downloaded from our website or residents may pick up a copy at Village Hall. 

DOWNLOAD THE SIGNS HERE

For those participating in trick-or-treating, families going door-to-door are reminded to please wear a face covering at all times, keep trick-or-treating groups small and maintain safe distances from other groups when moving from house to house. Families choosing to pass out candy are also encouraged to wear face coverings, wear gloves and pass out prepackaged treats. 

Do not participate in trick-or-treating or other activities if you, or a member of your group, feels unwell, is awaiting COVID-19 test results, or have been exposed to COVID-19.

Regardless of which activities you choose to take part in, please take extra precautions to maintain social distancing, wear masks or face coverings, avoid touching of the face and use hand sanitizer often.