Social Distancing, Proper Masks Encouraged to Promote COVID-19 Safety
Following direction from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (C-UPHD), Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin, and Champaign County Executive Darlene Kloeppel have announced the Trick-or-Treat hours in the Cities of Champaign and Urbana. Trick-or-treating in Champaign and Urbana will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2020, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
The Champaign County Board approved specific rules/guidelines/hours, which the cities of Urbana and Champaign have historically agreed to; specifically Halloween/Trick-or-Treat will be held on October 31, regardless of what day of the week it is. The rules also state if October 31 falls on a weekend day the trick-or-treat hours will be 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
This year, when setting these hours, both Mayors Feinen and Marlin join with Executive Kloeppel in urging all residents to discuss appropriate safety precautions and social distancing measures for both the homes giving out candy and the children trick-or-treating during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Per the guidance issued by IDPH and C-UPHD, the following safety measures should be taken by those planning to trick-or-treat:
- As an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating, anyone who would like to distribute treats should leave individually wrapped candy or treats on a table, on their front walkways, sidewalks, or any outdoor space that allows for at least 6 feet of social distance from the door. The individually wrapped candy should be spread out so each piece is not touching another. Anyone distributing candy or treats should wash their hands properly for at least 20 seconds before placing the candy on the table and when replenishing.
- All individuals participating in trick-or-treating, including those passing out candy should maintain social distance of least 6 feet and wear proper face coverings. A costume mask, such as those worn for Halloween, is not a substitute for a face covering. If face coverings are worn under costume masks, please ensure this does not create breathing problems, and if so, discard the costume mask.
- Only household members should trick-or-treat together, and they should maintain 6-feet social distance from other trick-or-treaters at all times. Mixed household trick-or-treaters are discouraged.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizer should be carried and used frequently.
- Candy collected during trick-or-treating should not be consumed until after handwashing. As always, a parent/guardian should check all candy to make sure it is wrapped and should discard unwrapped candy.
- Outdoor areas are preferred for trick-or-treating. Enclosed indoor areas, like apartment buildings, present greater risk of transmission. Open doors and windows as appropriate to promote increased ventilation.
Additionally, the guidance from the IDPH and C-UPHD includes the following information that applies to the entire County on alternative Fall activities and events:
- Trunk or Treat events are being discouraged unless they are spread out and retooled with set traffic flows and traffic patterns.
- Haunted houses, forests, or walks are not allowed under Restore Illinois Phase 4 Guidelines.
- Pumpkin Patches, Orchard Visits, and Hayrides must adhere to social distancing and capacity guidelines. Hand sanitizer is encouraged before touching any produce.
- Fall Festival Events should be avoided in areas with community spread.
- Social Gatherings, Costume Parties in Adult Settings, and Halloween Parties at Bars must adhere to social distancing and capacity guidelines.
Individuals with questions about safe social distancing are encouraged to contact the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Coronavirus Hotline by phone at 217-239-7877 or by email at [email protected].