Halloween Canceled In Los Angeles County As Officials Ban Trick-Or-Treating

2020 is a year that has been full of scares. So much so that the entire year has become a joke of what next tragedy awaits us in the upcoming months. While these are mostly over-exaggerated, but they convey exactly how we all feel internally every day. And as if this year was not scary enough, we are learning that traditional Halloween activities will not be allowed for residents in Los Angeles County this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, reported CBS Local. That means, there will be no trick-or-treating, no parties, no haunted houses, and no festivals. 

Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health released detailed guidelines for the annual tradition, saying, "As fall approaches families start to plan for the upcoming holiday season beginning with Halloween. 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. Door to door trick or treating is not allowed because it can be very difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors especially in neighborhoods that are popular with trick or treaters."

The event of Trick or Treating, where children go door-to-door to receive candies is banned, and for adults, parties with non-household members and Halloween gatherings are also forbidden, even if they are held outside. The health officials also cited a series of safe activities the residents can participate in as traditional ones are definitely not happening this year. Some of the ideas include online costume or pumpkin carving, dressing up homes and yards with Halloween-themed decorations, as well as, car parades that "comply with public health guidance." The LA County Department of public health also mentioned that Halloween themed meals at outdoor restaurants have to comply with the restaurant protocols. Drive-in movie nights are allowed too. 

Ron Moazzez, owner of a costume store on Hollywood Blvd for the last 35 years, said, "People decorate their house, backyard… and [on] Hollywood Blvd, it’s always Halloween. There doesn’t need to be a private party.” Alison Isbell is in agreement with Moazzez and said, "Just because people have been kind of stir crazy, pent up at home [with] not much to do, so I would think it would be a big release of fun for everybody and hopefully that’s what it is."

No matter what activities are happening, people participating in it should wear masks all the time when they are outside home. Try avoiding confined spaces and don't forget to maintain distance with others. Don't forget to wash and sanitize your hands frequently and also sanitize any item which is being frequently touched. If you are feeling sick, please alert the health authorities near you. 

In the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic, other major Halloween-centered activities have been canceled. Universal Studios has canceled its popular Halloween Horror Nights event, The Haunted Hayride has been re-imagined as a drive-up experience, and Descanso Gardens in La Canada Flintridge is holding their famous Halloween at Descanso event but with social distancing measures in place.