The Village of Gurnee encourages the community to have fun this Halloween but to celebrate safely. Should your family choose to trick-or-treat or pass out candy this year, the Village advises our community to keep COVID-19 safety front of mind with the following trick-or-treating guidelines to provide a safe Halloween experience for all on Saturday, October 31st:

• Trick-or-treat only between the hours of 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Do not participate in trick-or-treating if you are feeling unwell, if you are awaiting COVID-19 test results or if you know that you have been exposed to COVID-19
• Face masks should be worn by all participants over the age of two, including by those handing out treats. Consider creative ways to incorporate face masks into costumes!
• Social distancing should be maintained at all times.
• To help trick-or-treaters determine which houses are welcoming trick-or-treaters, the Village has designed two signs for residents to hang in their door, window or lawn to indicate whether they  are welcoming trick-or-treaters (Trick-or-Treat-we-are-open) or if they are not welcoming trick-or-treaters this year (Trick-or-treat-Opt-Out). The signs are also included in the upcoming October Keeping Posted Newsletter for those who do not have access to a printer. Residents can also turn on their porch or exterior lights to let trick-or-treaters know they are welcome.
• Following CDC guidelines, it is recommended that houses consider setting up “goodie bags” at the end of their driveways to allow for social distancing.
• Homes should distribute pre-packaged treats that parents can disinfect before giving to kids. Participants should wash hands and use hand sanitizer throughout the evening.
• As in every year, the Gurnee Police Department recommends having each child carry or wear something lit or visibility, such as a flashlight, glow bracelet or necklace or flashing attire.
• Do not trick-or-treat in groups with others; trick-or-treat as a household.
• Watch for traffic, obey all traffic signs, look before crossing the street and never cross between parked cards or in the middle of the block.

For more information on trick-or-treat safety and for additional signs, visit our website at www.gurnee.il.us/trickortreat2020.