Halloween is around the corner, and it will look and feel different than past years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The City of Geneva has begun to receive several inquiries about neighborhood Halloween trick-or-treating on Saturday, Oct. 31. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Illinois Department of Public Health Department have issued Halloween guidelines that parents should read before making plans.

For those that choose to go trick-or-treating, Geneva's suggested hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Oct. 31.

Pending any additional guidance from the CDC or IDPH, the City would like to recommend the following safety guidelines:

* If you choose to hand out candy, make sure to turn your porch light on, and please consider options for contact-free distribution.

* If you choose to not participate, please turn your porch lights off.

* Refrain from trick-or-treating if you do not feel well, are awaiting COVID-19 test results, have recently returned from travel to a hot spot state, or if you know that you have been exposed to the coronavirus.

* If you decide to take your child/children trick-or-treating, wear a facemask incorporated into your costume to help prevent the spread of germs.

* Trick-or-treat as a household and maintain social distancing from other groups.

* Make sure trick-or-treaters have a clear field of vision, wear light-colored costumes or incorporate reflective tape into their clothing.

* Use caution when crossing streets and check all directions for cars.

* Do not enter into any homes.

* Check all treats once you arrive back at home. Only eat unopened candy that is in its original packaging.

* Respect others and their property

As a final reminder, Halloween is not a City of Geneva holiday. The City also does not provide guidance as to the cancellation of Halloween events due to inclement weather. While Halloween weather can be very unpredictable, as evidenced by last year's snowstorm, the decision to trick or treat is left to the discretion of individual families.

We hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable Halloween. If you should have any questions please contact the Geneva Police Department at 630-232-4736.