Spooky season is among us and many are wondering how this season will go with the pandemic, considering trick or treating requires close proximity and taking other people’s candy.

According to an article published by The Daily Herald in September, Buffalo Grove officials said they will allow trick-or-treating this year, but because of COVID-19, they are not recommending it.

Most towns, including Buffalo Grove, are not banning trick-or-treating outright mostly due to how difficult it would be to enforce such a ban.

It is recommended that you do not take part in trick-or-treating if you or someone in your house is sick or showing symptoms of COVID-19. People should also avoid trick-or-treating in large groups. Those giving out candy should turn on outdoor lights to let trick-or-treaters know their home is participating in trick-or-treating. Cook County reported 22,106 cases of COVID-19 between Oct. 14-27.  These increasing numbers have caused some to believe trick-or-treating this year is not worth the risk.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea for people to interact with each other in an activity like trick-or-treating,” senior Angela Perez said. “Right now we’re striving to become better so the pandemic doesn’t get worse.”

As recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a safer option for giving out candy is participating in “one-way Trick or Treating,” which is wrapped candy lined up for people to grab outside someone’s house.

“I think trick-or-treating can be possible if people wear a mask and if people just leave candy bowls outside the house,” junior Grace Root said.

Many people during this time will not be participating in trick-or-treating. Those who do wish to participate should only approach homes that make it apparent they are comfortable welcoming trick-or-treaters. 

 “Families that don’t want to provide candy can do what they have done in the past, have lights turned off or don’t answer the door,” P.E. teacher William Montemayor said.

The CDC has released that door-to-door trick or treating is considered a high-risk activity for spreading viruses.

“Honestly, I think people are trying to get back to that normality sense even though it’s never going to be that normal anymore,” Perez said. “Everybody has to understand we are living in different times and that right now it’s not the best option to go to strangers’ doors and interact with them like we used to.”

 Trick-or-treating this year remains a choice. Whether you stay home or go out, make sure to do so safely. 

 “Continue to follow the protocols in place, like wearing a mask and social distance, and leave it up to the choice of the parents if they want to let their children go out or not,” Montemayor said.

Some fun things you can do if you are not going trick- or- treating is pumpkin carving, watching Halloween movies or meeting up with a friend safely.

This year, Halloween trick-or-treating hours this year will be from 3-7 p.m.  Although the holiday will be on a Saturday, people should deeply weigh the decision to participate or not. 

“The pros of trick-or-treating would be getting candy and having fun with friends but the con obviously is the risk of getting COVID-19,” Root said.