Santa Barbara County releases guidance for celebrating Halloween

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. - The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department released guidance for the community on Friday in preparation for the Halloween season.

While celebrating Halloween is still allowed and encouraged during the pandemic, some changes are being requested to help limit the spread of COVID-19.

This year, public health is not permitting gatherings of people from multiple households. It is also urging safe practices during trick-or-treating due to increased contact with the public.

“Traditional trick-or-treating can be a high-risk activity and alternatives are strongly encouraged this year. We must remain diligent during this holiday season and ensure that we are wearing face coverings, practicing social distancing, and avoiding mixing with people that do not live in our household,” said Public Health Director Van Do-Reynoso.

Alternate celebration ideas include:

• Watching Halloween movies at home or virtually with others
• Halloween movie night at drive-in theaters (that comply with the State Guidance for Movie Theaters and Family Entertainment Centers)
• Virtual costume party or virtual craft projects with others
• Decorating your house or apartment inside and out

Public Health is also recommending events such as "Trunk-or-Treat" for the purpose of distributing candy only, car parades and costume parades. For parades, the department recommends placing treats for children to pick up along the route or providing a bag of treats at the end of the parade.

Social distancing is required during all public events.

For more information on Santa Barbara County's Halloween guidance, click here.

For updates and a breakdown of COVID-19 cases in Santa Barbara County, click here.