Imperial County discourages trick or treating

CBS 13's Alexandra Rangel looks for safe alternatives for Halloween

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - Coronavirus is impacting another holiday tradition. This year, Imperial County and the state of California are strongly Door-to-door discouraging trick or treating.

New guidelines issued by the state say traditional celebrations revolving around Halloween increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

The state also recently released guidelines for social gatherings, restricting the number of households that should be together to a minimum of three with a maximum of 16 individuals.

Instead the state offered safe alternatives to celebrating the spooky day.

At-Home Halloween: 

• Create a haunted house or candy scavenger hunt 
• Host a scary movie night, with pumpkin carving activities
• Dress up your home and yard with Halloween decorations 
• Prepare a Halloween themed meal with your household 

Virtual Halloween: 

• Host a virtual party, complete with costumes and pumpkin carving 

Car-Based Halloween: 

• Gather the household for a car-based outing such as a drive-in movie or drive to view Halloween decorations 

Outdoor Halloween: 

• Enjoy outdoor Halloween-themed installments. 

Día de los Muertos 

• Altars: Create your altar in a front window or outside so others can enjoy from a safe distance. 
• Virtual Altar: Create a virtual space to honor lost loved ones and share via email or social media. 
• Cemetery Visits: If you visit the cemetery, only visit with those you live with, wear masks, and maintain appropriate social distancing. Keep your visit short.