By Lexie Blakeman
News Editor
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) developed guidelines for Halloween this year to reduce the spread of COVID-19 through the traditional ways of celebrating the holiday.
Under the current order, one of the Halloween activities not permitted is events or parties with non-household members, even if conducted outdoors, along with carnivals, festivals, live entertainment and haunted house attractions of any kind. According to a press release on Oct. 8, the City of Manhattan Beach intends to enforce these directions from the county, as citizens prepare for celebration.
“I’m an actor for Halloween events at theme parks during the Halloween season,” local actor AJ Danna said. “Something that a lot of people don’t realize is that there is a major economic impact of events like Knott’s Scary Farm and Halloween Horror nights at Universal [Studios] closing down for the season.”
In a previous set of guidelines from the LACDPH, it stated that trick-or-treating would not be allowed, but the revised rules state that trick-or-treating is only not recommended, due to the difficulty of maintaining a safe distance from others during the act. The guidelines also state that trick or treating can lead to the sharing of food, which is deemed risky, according to LACDPH.
“Halloween is a sad subject for me this year because of all the restrictions,” junior Ryan Garvey said. “It has always been my favorite holiday, especially growing up, and I feel so bad for all the little kids that don’t get to experience a traditional Halloween this year.”
Some personal protection measures that are encouraged by LACDPH to prevent the spread of COVID-19 this Halloween include correctly wearing a cloth face covering and avoiding confined spaces and close contact with others. Manhattan Beach’s World Famous Pumpkin Race will not take place this year, but the Manhattan Beach Downtown Business and Professional Association will host a virtual pumpkin decorating contest which will take place instead of the traditional event. Participants can drop off their pumpkins at the Metlox Plaza on Oct. 25, where photos of the pumpkins will be taken and uploaded online. Local businesses will award prizes to the winners of the contest.
“I encourage the community to celebrate in accordance with the City’s and County’s recommendations and decorate your pumpkin for the entire community to see virtually,” Mayor of Manhattan Beach Richard Montgomery said.
Ways of celebrating that are encouraged under the LACDPH Halloween safety guidelines are Halloween car parades and car costume contests where participants “dress up” their cars. Drive through events, Halloween movie nights at drive-in theaters and Halloween-themed meals at outdoor restaurants are also authorized ways of celebrating. Manhattan Beach residents are also invited to decorate their houses with Halloween-themed decorations, or attend outdoor art installations that comply with the guidelines.
“It’s unfortunate that we can’t go out and celebrate most of the things we would normally do on Halloween,” junior Jonny Nguyen said. “However, I understand that with the seriousness of the situation that staying home is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus.”
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