As Halloween approaches, the City of Wheaton would like to address questions we have received about trick-or-treating and Halloween during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City has not yet received guidance from the Illinois Department of Public Health or DuPage County Health Department on any restrictions they intend to set for Halloween or trick-or-treating. If these agencies set restrictions or share public health regulations, the City of Wheaton will comply with their public health guidance, and we will issue an update to this information.
In the meantime, we would like to share the following information:
- It is up to each resident to decide whether you would like to engage in Halloween activities – including whether you allow trick-or-treaters to visit your home or not – and how you will do so.
- Trick-or-treating hours are from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31.
- If you do not want trick-or-treaters to visit your home, hang a sign on your door indicating you are not participating and/or you can turn off your porch light. We are providing this sign to print out for your use, or you can pick up a copy at City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St., between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.
- If you choose to trick-or-treat, please take extra precautions, including maintaining a physical distance of at least 6 feet, wearing a mask (please note that a costume mask does not provide the protection of a cloth mask), and frequently using hand sanitizer.
- If you will be inviting trick-or-treaters to stop at your house, please wear a mask or face covering and gloves when handing out candy, wash your hands frequently, and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorbells and door knobs that trick-or-treaters might touch.
Please Respect Your Neighbors
We remind those who are participating in trick-or-treating not to approach homes or knock on doors of homes that have “no trick-or-treating here” signs or have exterior lights off. Please treat all neighbors with respect and courtesy.
We encourage all residents to celebrate safely and respectfully, and take the necessary steps to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as physical distancing of at least 6 feet, wearing a cloth mask or face covering, using hand sanitizer/washing your hands frequently, and disinfecting high-touch surfaces.
For additional information and updates regarding public health restrictions or guidance on Halloween trick-or-treating, please visit www.wheaton.il.us and see the CDC's recommendations for holiday celebrations here.