UPDATE: Public Health Revises Halloween Order | LA County Recommends Against Trick-or-Treating

Traditional door-to-door trick or treating is not advised on Halloween in Los Angeles County because it can be difficult to maintain proper social distancing on porches and at front doors, say health officials, especially in neighborhoods like South Pasadena that are popular with trick-or-treaters

PHOTO: Eric Fabbro | SouthPasadenan.com News | Sunset near Orange Grove Park on Halloween

On Wednesday night, health officials walked back on it’s previous orders prohibiting door-to-door trick-or-treating, and categorized it as “not recommended.”

The coronavirus had seemingly knocked out door-to-door trick or treating on Halloween in Los Angeles County as of Wednesday, earlier in the day when guidelines had initially restricted the annual nighttime activity.

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.

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The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health shared information on how to take part in this holiday in a manner that reduces your risk of developing COVID-19. Officials recommend online virtual parties.

Last week LA County Health Director Barbara Ferrer said while holidays are typically a time to come together with extended family and friends to celebrate, “we ask you to alter your plans this year and take responsibility by not engaging in any risky activities that can spread the virus.”

Since some of the traditional ways in which this holiday is celebrated are not permitted this year consider some safer (revised) alternatives that are listed below.

Not Permitted

(gatherings and events are not currently allowed under the Health Officer Order)

• 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:

a. Drive by events or contests where individuals dress up or decorate their vehicles and drive by “judges” that are appropriately physically distanced.

b. Drive through events where individuals remain in their vehicles and drive through an area with Halloween displays.

c. 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