Halloween 2021: IDPH releases guidelines for COVID-safe fun

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Illinois Department of Health just released its guidelines for Halloween 2021.

While vaccines allow this year's Halloween some more freedoms than last year's, doctors are reminding people the pandemic is still with us. They offered guidance on how to celebrate safely, especially for kids who are too young for the vaccine.

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"If you are going trick or treating, you should go within your family circle," said Dr. Tina Tan at Lurie Children's Hospital. "And if you are not in your circle, everyone should wear a mask."

IDPH added that costume masks are not substitutes for well-fitting cloth masks.

Public health officials and doctors also offered guidance for people passing out candy, and it hasn't changed much from last year.

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"They really should be wearing a mask and they should bag the candy in individual bags, so not so many people are touching the candy," Tan said.

Doctors also encourage alternative ideas, like the candy shoots many people did last year.

And to keep Halloween fun and safe, public health officials once again encourage anyone who is eligible and has not already to get vaccinated.

They also are reminding people masks are still required in indoor public settings, including at haunted houses.