Santa Monica Beach (Photo – Mike McBey)
L.A. County Health Department is ordering L.A. County beaches closed from July 3 through July 6 to prevent dangerous crowding that results in the spread of deadly COVID-19.
By News Desk
All public beaches, piers, public beach parking lots, beach bike paths that traverse that sanded portion of the beach, and beach access points will be temporarily closed to the public as of 12:01 am on July 3, 2020, until 5:00 am on July 6, 2020.* The department is also prohibiting fireworks displays in the County this July 4th holiday weekend.
During the holiday weekend, beaches will be totally closed to all recreational activities along with beach parking lots.
Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, Director of Public Health, said:
The Fourth of July holiday weekend typically means large crowds and gatherings to celebrate, a recipe for increased transmission of COVID-19. We all need to take this virus more seriously and residents and business owners must do their part. Physical distancing isn’t optional, wearing a face covering isn’t optional, spending time only with those you live with isn’t optional — these are requirements in the Health Officer Order and are the tools we have to protect each other, our families and those most vulnerable in our communities.
A surge
On June 29, 2020, the department announced more than 2,900 new cases of COVID-19, the single largest one-day case count since the pandemic began. Data show increases in people testing positive for the virus and increases in hospitalizations as a result. The Department of Health Services projects a marked increase in hospitalizations in the coming weeks, which could cause a surge in the healthcare system.
*Long Beach has its own health department and the health order does not apply to it, at this time.
Ah shoot ! Then we go to Ventura county!