THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS ISSUING COVID-19 GUIDANCE FOR HALLOWEEN. 

THERE IS DEFINITELY ROOM TO BOTH PROTECT FROM THE VIRUS AND STILL ENJOY TRICK OR TREATING SAYS STATE PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR NGOZI (en-gahzi) EZIKE (eh-zee-kay).

THOSE HANDING OUT TREATS AT THE DOOR ARE ENCOURAGED TO WASH THEIR HANDS OFTEN. EZIKE SAYS HAUNTED TRAILS ARE PREFERABLE OVER HAUNTED HOUSES. MASKS ARE STILL REQUIRED INDOORS.

WHEN IT COMES TO COSTUMES, EZIKE SAYS IT'S NOT RECOMMENDED THAT KIDS WEAR A FACIAL COVERING WITH A HALLOWEEN MASK ON TOP SINCE THAT COULD RESTRICT BREATHING. INSTEAD, IF CHILDREN ARE GOING TO WEARING A COSTUME INDOORS, THEY SHOULD OPT FOR OUTFITS THAT THEY CAN EASILY INCLUDE A COVID-19 MASK.