With Halloween simply weeks away and fall climate arriving, Illinois’ well being division on Friday issued new steerage for tips on how to navigate the vacation and fall festivities, together with when it is best to put on masks and issues to know for trick-or-treating.
This yr, the season will “look slightly completely different,” the state’s prime physician stated, citing available vaccines.
“Though we’re nonetheless within the pandemic, this Halloween and Fall festivities season will look slightly completely different than final yr because of the protected and efficient COVID-19 vaccines which can be available,” Illinois Division of Public Well being Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “Nonetheless, we should nonetheless take precautions as not everyone seems to be vaccinated and a vaccine for kids youthful than 12 yr will not be but out there.”
Ezike stated whereas getting vaccinated stays one of the best ways to guard your self and others, she inspired a “layered method” that features sporting masks indoors and avoiding or limiting being in settings the place bodily distancing will not be attainable.
This is the steerage from the division:
MASKS
Illinois stays underneath an government order requiring masks in all indoor public areas, however the well being division made clear {that a} costume masks is “not an alternative to a well-fitting masks to stop the unfold of COVID-19.”
“Carrying a fancy dress masks over a face overlaying to stop the unfold of COVID-19 will not be beneficial as a result of it may make respiratory tougher,” the division stated. “Safer choices embody selecting a fancy dress that doesn’t include a fancy dress masks, or discover a costume that comes with a face overlaying.”
TRICK-OR-TREAT
Trick-or-treating open air in small teams is greatest, the steerage states, but when open air will not be an choice, there are steps folks can take to make indoor trick-or-treating safer.
- These handing out methods or treats indoors ought to open doorways and home windows as a lot as attainable to advertise elevated air flow
- Put on a masks
- Everybody handing out or receiving treats ought to wash their palms
Options to door-to-door trick-or-treating can embody:
- Establishing tables in a car parking zone or different protected outside space the place individually wrapped treats will be set out
- Holding an out of doors costume parade for youths together with a dad or mum/guardian
HAUNTED HOUSES, WOODS, WALKS
Open-air haunted homes are safer than an enclosed haunted home, IDPH stated, including that masks are nonetheless required in indoor haunted homes and the variety of folks must be restricted to cut back crowding.
Different choices embody visiting outside haunted woods or occurring a haunted stroll.
PUMPKIN PATCHES, ORCHARD VISITS, FALL FESTIVALS
IDPH recommends folks purpose to go to pumpkin patches, orchards, and festivals at off-peak occasions when they won’t be as busy.
“You may as well restrict your publicity by transferring away from crowded areas and sporting a masks,” the steerage states.
HALLOWEEN PARTIES AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS
“Giant gatherings with extra folks improve the danger of COVID-19 transmission in comparison with small gatherings, and outside events are safer than indoor events,” IDPH stated. “If indoors, masks should be worn in public locations, however can be worn in non-public settings the place bodily distancing is troublesome. For indoor gatherings, attempt to improve air circulate by opening doorways and home windows.”
DÍA LOS MUERTOS
IDPH recommends holding occasions and actions open air to honor deceased family members for Día de los Muertos, saying it’s safer than indoors.
“If gathering indoor, improve air circulate by opening home windows and attempt to bodily distance as a lot as attainable,” the division stated. “One other choice to have a good time and bear in mind deceased family members is to alternate conventional household recipes with household or neighbors that they will make at dwelling.”
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS
IDPH reminded residents that anybody with signs of COVID-19 or who might have been uncovered to somebody with COVID-19 mustn’t take part in any of the above occasions.
Chicago officers had additionally previously released guidelines for folks taking part in Halloween festivities, together with trick-or-treating, the final week of October.
Chicago’s Halloweek will happen from Oct. 23 to Oct. 30, in line with a launch from metropolis officers, and includes 9 main COVID-19 precautionary tips, together with masks, trick-or-treating in smaller teams, consuming sweet at dwelling and extra.
Chicagoans can obtain an indication by means of town’s web site to be displayed within the window, notifying folks whether or not or not they’re taking part in Halloween this yr.
“Starting October 23, we’re providing a weeklong celebration of trick-or-treating and different actions that our youngsters and households can as soon as once more get pleasure from,” Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot stated. “As we have a good time this vacation in a reimagined means, I need to remind everybody that this would not be attainable with out masking, social distancing, and most significantly vaccinations.”
