Dupage Policy Journal

City of Naperville issued the following announcement on Oct. 1.

City provides signs for residents to welcome or politely turn away trick-or-treaters

The City of Naperville has received many inquiries regarding trick-or-treating during the COVID-19 pandemic. To maintain public health and encourage residents to celebrate Halloween safely this year, the City of Naperville offers the following guidelines:

For the safety of families participating in trick-or-treating, those going door-to-door are encouraged to wear face coverings at all times, keep trick-or-treating groups small and maintain a safe distance from other groups when travelling from house to house. Parents are also encouraged to remind their children not to eat any candy until an adult has inspected it and they have thoroughly washed their hands. Individuals choosing to pass out candy are also encouraged to wear face coverings and gloves and are asked to pass out candy individually instead of inviting children to take a treat from a communal bowl.

Residents are reminded that there is no ordinance in Naperville designating trick-or-treating times.

The City also understands not everyone may feel comfortable with trick-or-treating this year. City staff has designed signs for residents to print and place in their windows, doors or other visible areas for trick-or-treaters to identify whether you are welcoming them or not. These signs are available via download here, or residents may pick up a copy at the Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

Those interested in participating in trick-or-treating are asked to place the “Trick-or-Treaters Welcome” sign on your window or door. Those who are not interested in participating are asked to place the “Please, No Trick-or-Treaters” sign on your window or door.

“Ultimately, the goal is for every resident to have the opportunity to celebrate Halloween in a manner they feel comfortable with while also ensuring the continued health and safety of our community,” said Mayor Steve Chirico. “We’re encouraging residents to educate themselves about the risks so that they can either practice appropriate measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 or take steps to sit trick-or-treating out this year.”

Should the State of Illinois or the health departments of DuPage and Will counties share additional guidelines or restrictions surrounding trick-or-treating, the City of Naperville will publicly share their messaging and comply with their guidance.

Links to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are available on the City’s website (www.naperville.il.us/halloween) along with additional information about Halloween safety and trick-or-treating recommendations.

Original source can be found here.