A different Halloween for L.A. Residents
As fall approaches families are planning for the upcoming holiday season beginning with Halloween.
Since some of the traditional ways Halloween is celebrated do not allow people and kids to minimize contact with non-household members, the L.A. County Department of Public Health is recommending that people plan early to make the most of this festive time of year.
Last week, the agency shared newly developed guidelines and information on how to take part in Halloween in a manner that reduces the risk of spreading COVID-19. Many of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated will not permitted this year. As a result, L.A. County is offering what it considers “safer alternatives” listed below.
Halloween Activities (gatherings and events are not currently allowed under the Health Officer Order).
Not Permitted
• Halloween gatherings, events or parties with non-household members are not permitted even if they are conducted outdoors.
• Carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions are not allowed.
Not Recommended
• Door to door trick or treating is not recommended because it can be very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors, ensure that everyone answering or coming to the door is appropriately masked to prevent disease spread, and because sharing food is risky.
• “Trunk or treating” where children go from car to car instead of door to door to receive treats is also not recommended, particularly when part of Halloween events, since it is difficult to avoid crowding and sharing food.
Permitted and Recommended
• Online parties/contests (e.g. costume or pumpkin carving)•Car parades that comply with public health guidance for vehicle based parades including:
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Drive by events or contests where individuals dress up or decorate their vehicles and drive by “judges” that are appropriately physically distanced.
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Drive through events where individuals remain in their vehicles and drive through an area with Halloween displays.
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Drive in events where individuals can receive a treat bag (limited to commercially packaged non-perishable treats) or take away item from an organizer while the participants remain in their vehicle.
• Halloween movie nights at drive in theaters (must comply with the public health drive in movie theater guidance).
• Halloween themed meals at outdoor restaurants (must comply with the restaurant protocol).
• Halloween themed art installations at an outdoor museum (must comply with the public health museum guidance.)
• Dressing up homes and yards with Halloween themed decorations.
For more information, visit: http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/