How To Trick-Or-Treat Safely In Chicago Heights

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL — Halloween will have a much different feel in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Trick-or-treating in large groups and hosting parties are against recommendations, but some people have found creative ways to keep the spirit of the annual Oct. 31 holiday.

Trick-or-treating is on in Chicago Heights this Saturday. The city said hours recommended to collect candy are between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Chicago Heights is not encouraging trick-or-treating due to the pandemic.

The city said individuals and families may not feel comfortable participating in trick-or-treating this year. Please respect your neighbors' decision if they choose not to participate in door-to-door trick-or-treating.

Traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating, where treats are handed directly to children, is considered a high-risk activity this year by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Unlike St. Patrick’s Day, when the pandemic was just a few days old, Halloween enthusiasts have had time to prepare for different kinds of celebrations this year.

Building a candy chute has been touted as a fast and fairly simple way to ensure trick-or-treaters can get the sweets without contact.

An Arlington, Virginia, woman told the Washington, D.C., ABC affiliate she bought a PVC pipe, had the kids paint it orange and black, decorated it and attached it to the porch.

Transforming a front yard into a candy graveyard and holding a Halloween egg hunt are among 14 other ideas for low-contact trick-or-treating shared by Fun365, a website that offers party, wedding and classroom ideas.

Lower-risk activities recommended by the CDC include carving pumpkins, decorating the house, having a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt and a virtual costume contest.

“If you may have COVID-19 or you may have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you should not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and should not give out candy to trick-or-treaters,” the CDC states.