South Bay Leader

City of Manhattan Beach issued the following announcement on Oct. 8

As the community begins to plan for the upcoming holiday season, beginning with Halloween, the City is recommending safe alternatives that still promote festive holiday celebrations amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Traditional Halloween celebrations do not minimize contact with non-household members, and therefore the City is following the County’s guidance in not recommending door-to-door trick-or-treating or “trunk or treating” as it can be very difficult to maintain proper physical distancing and minimize disease spread.

Rather than engaging in high-risk activities such as door-to-door trick-or-treating and “trunk or treating” that increase the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission, the City recommends:

• Online parties/contests (e.g., costume or pumpkin carving);
• Car parades, such as drive-by events or contests;
• Halloween movie nights at drive-in theaters;
• Halloween-themed meals at outdoor restaurants; 
• Halloween-themed art installations at outdoor museums; and
• Dressing up homes and yards with Halloween themed decorations.

While the “World Famous Pumpkin Races” are canceled this year in compliance with County orders and to avoid gatherings, the Parks & Recreation Department is excited to partner with Manhattan Beach Downtown Business and Professional Association to host a virtual pumpkin decorating contest. 

Residents are encouraged to decorate their pumpkins ahead of time and drop them off at Metlox Plaza (13th and Morningside) to be displayed at the “Pumpkin Valet” between Noon to 5 pm on Sunday, October 25; then enjoy shopping and dining downtown as photos of the pumpkins are captured and prepared to upload to the contest site. Prizes from local businesses will be awarded for the favorite pumpkins in the following categories: Best Kids Creation, Good Enough to Eat, Most Artistic, Most Original, Scariest, and Local Love for MB pumpkins. 

“While I lament the loss of our typical Halloween celebration, our shared goal with the County is to minimize risk of COVID-19 and prevent future surges in coronavirus cases or hospitalizations,” said Mayor Richard Montgomery. “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!”

It is also important to keep the following precautions in mind when celebrating Halloween and other upcoming holidays: 

• Always wear a cloth face covering when in public;
• Avoid confined spaces. Actively stay away from indoor spaces that do not allow for easy distancing of at least six feet;
• Avoid close contact with others. Stay at least six feet away from all other people who are not part of your own household, especially while talking, eating, drinking and singing;
• Wash or sanitize your hands often;
• Clean frequently touched items regularly; and
• If you are sick, or if you have been in contact with someone who is sick with COVID-19 or has symptoms of COVID-19, stay home and away from others.

Original source can be found here.