Public health officials on the Central and South Coast are warning people that this year is not the year for traditional trick-or-treating activities or Halloween parties because of coronavirus concerns.
Group gathering are still banned, and trick-or-treating is considered a high-risk activity. Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties are in the state’s red tier, which means the spread of the virus is substantial.
Health officials are urging people to consider alternative activities like watching Halloween movies at home or at a drive-in, or attending virtual Halloween events with friends.
Santa Barbara County and UC Santa Barbara officials have taken a number of steps to try to prevent the unsponsored, unsanctioned parties which have taken place around the Halloween period in Isla Vista for decades.
