WTTM
Chicago health officials are preparing to release guidelines to celebrate Halloween this week.
The Chicago Department of Public Health told NBC Chicago on Monday that the city “should have an updated Halloween guidelines later this week.”
“The CDPH is following the CDC and recommends that people consult them if they have any questions in the meantime,” the department said in a statement.
The update comes just after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released updated guidelines for the holiday season, recommending continued virtual or outdoor celebrations and social distancing.
“Attending gatherings to celebrate events and holidays increases your risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19,†the guide says. “The safest way to celebrate is virtually, with people who live with you, or outside and at least 6 feet from each other.”
But for those who still want to congregate indoors when the outdoors isn’t an option, the CDC recommends bringing in some fresh air.
“If you’re celebrating indoors, let in some fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible,†says its guidelines for holiday celebrations. “You can use a window fan in one of the open windows to blow air out of the window. This will suck in cool air through the other open windows.”
Chicago had previously announced the return of some of the city’s popular in-person vacation traditions last month.
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot said in-person holiday festivities will return this year, starting with Halloween.
According to the mayor’s office and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Halloween community events will return across town.
Plus, winter traditions will return to Millennium Park, including ice skating and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which takes place on November 19.
Last year, the Christmas tree lighting ceremony went virtually and the Millennium Park McCormick Tribune rink closed for the season.
The Illinois Department of Health did not respond to requests for comment.