Yes To Trick-Or-Treating, No To Masks: IL Patch Parents Respond

ILLINOIS — More than 82 percent of the more than 1,100 readers who took Patch's trick-or-treating survey last week said their kids will trick-or-treat this year — up from just over 47 percent last year. Just 13 percent of those who responded said their kids are opting out of trick-or-treating for 2021, compared with 40 percent last Halloween.

But while more than 61 percent of Illinois Patch readers last year said their kids would wear masks while going door to door, that number dropped drastically this time around, with just 28.7 percent saying yes to masks.

That's despite guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health saying that costume masks are not sufficient and that kids should still wear face coverings while trick-or-treating — and with a vaccine for kids ages 5-11 still weeks away.

Halloween COVID-19 Precautions: IL Offers Trick-Or-Treating Tips

According to the state health department, "A costume mask is NOT a substitute for a well-fitting mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wearing a costume mask over a face covering to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is not recommended because it could make breathing more difficult. Safer options include choosing a costume that does not come with a costume mask, or find a costume that incorporates a face covering."

Parents were also much less concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic as it relates to trick-or-treating this year, with around 64 percent of those who responded saying they're not worried at all. Another 23 percent said they're slightly concerned, and just 12.6 percent were "very concerned." In 2020, more than 43 percent of Patch readers who responded said they were very concerned about trick-or-treating during the coronavirus pandemic.

This year, more than 80 percent of those who responded said they plan to pass out Halloween candy as usual on Sunday, while just over 12 percent said they won't, and about 6 percent weren't sure yet.

In 2020, 33 percent of Patch readers who responded said they weren't planning to hand out candy.

State and federal health officials urged parents to let their kids participate in Halloween festivities, but to use caution.

COVID-19 Vaccine For Illinois Kids: New Timeline, Rollout Plan

"I think that, particularly if you're vaccinated — you're outdoors for the most part — you can get out there and enjoy it," infectious disease specialist Dr. Anthony Fauci said on CNN earlier this month. "This is a time that children love. It's a very important time of the year for children. I know my children enjoyed it."

Illinois health officials urged parents to have kids trick-or-treat outdoors in small groups. For events with indoor trick-or-treating, IDPH advised organizers to open doors or windows to increase ventilation, enforce mask wearing, and urge those handing out or receiving candy to frequently wash their hands.

Open-air haunted houses, haunted walks, pumpkin patches, orchards and outdoor fall fests are other great ways to celebrate Halloween, state health officials said.

You can check out the Chicago area's best haunted yards with some help from Patch's 2021 tour o' spooky yards. For more Halloween and fall fun, check out:

• Best Chicago-Area Pumpkin Patches And Corn Mazes 2021
• Apple Orchards In The Chicago Area: Fall 2021 Guide
• Illinois Haunted House Guide 2021