Thousands Visit Beaches in Southern California During Pandemic

BY JACK PHILLIPS

Videos and photos showed throngs of people at Huntington Beach and Newport Beach on Saturday. According to an Associated Press estimation, more than 40,000 people visited Newport Beach on Friday.

Beaches in Los Angeles and San Diego counties are closed due to stay-at-home orders. State-operated beaches are also closed, AP reported.

Los Angeles Police Department Chief Michel Moore noted that Los Angeles County beaches were empty on Saturday and thanked residents.

My compliments to our community for staying away from the beaches in LA. From Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, to Dockweiler – All Clear!! Safer at Home will get us there sooner. pic.twitter.com/wZeJ8G8pDR

— Chief Michel Moore (@LAPDChiefMoore) April 25, 2020

“My compliments to our community for staying away from the beaches in LA. From Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, to Dockweiler – All Clear!! Safer at Home will get us there sooner,” he wrote.

Brian O’Rourke, a lifeguard battalion chief in Newport Beach, told NBC News that there were virtually no problems as they tried to have people adhere to social distancing guidelines.

“It’s crowded out,” O’Rourke said. “We haven’t had too many issues with [social distancing] as lifeguards. Our primary mission is watching the water. We’ve had dozens of ocean rescues and hundreds of preventative actions.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom called on residents to avoid leaving their areas to go visit counties with fewer restrictions.

“I just caution you, if you’re going to get in the car, make a long drive and expect to find parking to go to a closed beach, it is very unlikely,” Newsom said, reported the Ventura County Star. He added that people visiting open parks and beaches should “abide by social distancing.”

Republished with Permission The Epoch Times    SUBSCRIBE

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