No Trick-or-Treat: LA County Health Officials Announce Strict Halloween Rules

By Dana Cruz Sep 09 2020, 03:53 AM EDT

Halloween is going to be very different for Los Angeles County residents this year.

People trick-or-treating on October 31, 2015. Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images

With the coronavirus still not under control, the LA County Public Health Department has now banned door-to-door trick-or-treating for Halloween.

Other Halloween events like parties, carnivals, and haunted houses were also canceled in the LA county due to the pandemic, the NBC Los Angeles reported.

The latest orders from the department said such activities could pose too much risk for spreading COVID-19. The agency noted that some of the traditional ways in which the holiday is celebrated do not allow for less contact with other people.

"It is important to plan early and identify safer alternatives," the agency said.

The public health department recognized that families will want to stay in touch during the holiday but still urged people to exercise caution.

"We ask you to alter your plans this year and take responsibility by not engaging in any risky activities that can spread the virus," Health Director Barbara Ferrer said last week.

There are over 249,000 people diagnosed with COVID-19 in Los Angeles as of Tuesday. There are also about 6,000 recorded deaths, the KTLA noted.

The county's health officials have planned way ahead of the holiday, with reminders even before the Labor Day weekend. The guidance on the coming Halloween season can be seen on the agency's website.

Banned Halloween Activities

Under the Halloween's county guidance, some activities are banned to keep the children safe from contracting COVID-19.

Other than the door-to-door collection of treats, LA county is also banning "trunk-to-trunk" events. In the latter setup, children collect candy from the trunks of parked cars.

Parties that will be held outside of people's homes will also be banned. Attractions, carnivals, festivals, and other forms of live entertainment will also be prohibited.

Local theme parks like Knott's Berry Farm, Disneyland, and Universal Studios Hollywood have already canceled all their annual Halloween events.

The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, on the other hand, was reimagined to try and scare people despite social distancing measures.

Permitted Activities

To give LA county residents something to still look forward to for Halloween, public health officials gave some suggestions in celebrating the occasion.

The county allowed online parties and contests. These events can range from pumpkin carving to costume contests.

Car parades and drive-thru attractions are also allowed. Examples of drive-thru events include giving away "treat bags."

If people wish to go down the treat bag route, they will only have to give away "commercially packaged non-perishable treats," and the kids who will receive these treats have to stay in cars.

Drive-in movie night is also allowed, along with "Halloween-themed meals at outdoor restaurants." People can also see art installations and decorations of homes and yards during the holiday.

With these measures in place, people were still asked to follow all health protocols. As always, people still have to wear facial coverings, practice social distancing, and meet other health requirements.

Health officials also urged frequent hand washing and avoiding closed spaces. They also asked people who may have contacted a sick person to stay home during the holiday.