The Halloween tradition of trick-or-treaters going to house after house for candy faced joining the list of pandemic-related cancelations for Los Angeles County. This week, LA County released guidelines for Halloween 2020, which included a ban on door-to-door trick-or-treating. However, not long after their announcement, they walked back on their guidelines.
In an initial press release, the LA County Department of Health wrote, “Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated does not allow you to minimize contact with non-household members, it is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives.”
Now, LA County lists door-to-door trick-or-treating or “trunk-or-treating” as “not recommended.” While other cities have not yet taken similar actions, this could be a sign of things to come for Halloween 2020.
Los Angeles Halloween Guidelines
Despite the county walking back on trick-or-treating bans, they still upheld other restrictions. The following activities are not permitted due to LA County’s guidelines:
- Gatherings or parties with non-household members, both indoors and outdoors.
- Carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions.
While these traditions many know and love are on hold for Halloween 2020, LA County also suggested the following as safe alternatives for celebrating:
- Online parties/contests with costumes and pumpkin carving.
- Car parades that comply with public health guidance for vehicle-based parades, such as driveby events where individuals dress up themselves or their vehicles.
- Drive-through events where individuals remain in their vehicles to drive through an area with Halloween displays.
- Drive-in events where individuals receive a treat (commercially-packaged, non-perishable treats) or item.
- Halloween movie nights at drive-in theaters.
- Halloween-themed meals at outdoor restaurants.
- Halloween-themed art installations at outdoor museums.
- Dressing up homes and yards with Halloween decorations.
Health officials encouraged everyone attending such events to follow COVID-19 guidelines, such as wearing face coverings, maintaining social distancing, washing hands frequently.
As of Thursday, LA County has recorded 251,024 coronavirus cases and 6,128 deaths total.
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