Halloween celebrations are yet another casualty of the Covid-19 pandemic. In an effort to limit the spread of Coronavirus, Los Angeles County has put significant restrictions on how Halloween is allowed to be celebrated this year.
Originally, the county’s restrictions banned door to door trick-or-treating, haunted houses, parades, live entertainment, carnivals, festivals, and car trunk-or-treating, due to an inability to enforce social distancing guidelines.
In addition, the county banned all gatherings with people outside of your household, even if the gatherings occur outdoors. Instead, county health officials recommend car parades, online parties, and movie nights with household members.
After facing criticism for their ban, Los Angeles County public health officials went back on their decision and changed the guidelines to make a distinction between activities that are banned and activities that are allowed but “not recommended.” Activities that fall under allowed but “not recommended” include door to door trick-or-treating and car trunk-or-treating.
“This year it’s just not safe to celebrate in the ways we usually do," Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said. “We are recommending that trick-or-treating not happen this year”.
Throughout the pandemic, Los Angeles and Southern California have been hotspots for Covid-19 in the United States and is one of the areas with the highest infection rates. As of September 17, Los Angeles county has reported over 255,000 cases and over 6,200 deaths.