The results of the Chronicle’s trick-or-treating opinion poll are in, and voters were split about what they think is appropriate for the Halloween tradition in light of the COVID pandemic.
Out of 501 votes, 31 percent of respondents said they think it’s OK to trick-or-treat, with precautions. However, 29 percent said they think we should skip trick-or-treating completely this year.
Seventeen percent of respondents indicated they thought trick-or-treating should proceed as normal, while 15 percent of voters said only socially distant trick-or-treating is appropriate.
Shortly after the Chronicle posted the poll on our website, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control issued guidelines for Halloween in which the agency categorized traditional trick-or-treating as a “higher risk” activity.
Only 9 percent of respondents to the Chronicle’s poll said trunk-or-treat events and small gatherings seemed OK. However, the CDC lists small outdoor gatherings under the “moderate risk” category, and classifies trunk-or-treat events as “higher risk.”
The CDC’s recommendations are extensive and include suggestions for lower-risk activities.
On Tuesday, Homewood posted recommended guidelines for celebrating the holiday.
The Chronicle is looking for Homewood and Flossmoor residents who are planning an alternate way to trick-or-treat or offer candy to kids on Halloween. Email [email protected] or send us a message on Facebook.