Reasonable restrictions are put in place for Halloween

One may attend pumpkin patches that follow safety guidelines. This event can be one of the many alternatives to celebrate this holiday during this pandemic. Photo courtesy to NBC12

By Isabella Montenegro

Staff Writer

This upcoming holiday of Halloween is going to be very different than those in the past due to COVID-19. The regulations released by LA County’s Health Department on Sep. 8th, are reasonable and to be followed to ensure one’s safety and the safety of others.

Los Angeles County has placed restrictions on Halloween gatherings, events or parties with non-household members. They are not permitted even if they are conducted outdoors. Carnivals, festivals, live entertainment, and haunted house attractions are not allowed either. Door to door trick or treating is heavily not recommended to keep everyone as safe as possible. These regulations are logical for the safety of everyone.

These restrictions and recommendations are very much practicable and appropriate, as it is to keep everyone safe during this pandemic. For example, if one was to go trick or treating, the chances of them being exposed to contamination would be very high. Trick or treating consists of getting close to others to receive candy and it ignores the protocols for social distancing.

All of these events of celebration are unsafe, as they interfere with all the safety guidelines embedded into our daily lives as of now. As stated above, social distancing would be almost impossible; especially if one was walking through a busy street with trick or treaters everywhere. Sanitation would be quickly forgotten when a child is ready to eat his/her candy right away. The passing of germs and/or bacteria from the candy and the placement of it would be very unsanitary which would increase the spread of COVID-19.

One may argue that trick or treating is the only way for children to experience a fun Halloween. However, there are plenty of alternatives such as online parties and contests, drive by events or contests, and Halloween movie nights at drive-in theaters. All of these alternatives can be or are conducted with the safety guidelines of COVID-19. These activities are safer and they still allow everyone to celebrate this fun filled holiday even with restrictions set in place.

The restrictions of Halloween during this pandemic are fair and rational as they will keep everyone safe with the pandemic still rising. Although it may be sad to not be able to participate in the annual events, families still have several options to choose from to celebrate Halloween this year.