Though locals are encouraged to take walks and go on hikes, proper social distancing measures should still be taking place.
The city caught a break from the rain clouds over the weekend, which resulted in people flocking to the coast and nearby parks to get some much needed outdoor time. Though the city has been issued a “safer at home” order which encourages the public to stay indoors and at least six feet away from others, the beaches and trails were so packed that it caught the attention of city officials.
WATCH LIVE: Many people across SoCal appear to be ignoring the “Stay at Home” order as they play basketball on Venice Beach and play apparent drinking games in Manhattan Beach. Similar scenes down in Newport and Huntington beaches. https://t.co/Oz7z2WRZBy pic.twitter.com/U0tGbpQy4R
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) March 22, 2020
In response to people crowding public beaches, parks, and sporting facilities, the city faces more restrictions than before to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
This weekend we saw too many people packing beaches, trails and parks. So we are closing sports and recreation at @LACityParks and closing parking at city beaches. That doesn’t mean gather elsewhere. This is serious. Stay home and save lives.
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) March 23, 2020
Santa Monica City Manager Rick Cole announced that all beach parking lots will be closed until further notice, even though the beaches themselves temporarily remain open.
The Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority also announced that all MCRA-operated parks, trails, and building facilities – including all parks owned by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy – will close to the public until further notice. Popular parks include Vista Hermosa Natural Park, Fryman Canyon Park, and all overlooks along Mulholland Drive.
Long Beach Mayor, Robert Garcia, ordered that a number of the county’s public facilities temporarily shut down as well due to large gatherings and people failing to practice social distancing advice from health officials.
The following city facilities have now been closed:
– Basketball courts
– Tennis courts
– Volleyball courts
– Dog parks
– Playgrounds
– Skate parks
– Picnic areas
– Group exercise in parksWe are also working towards additional guidance for beaches.
— Mayor Robert Garcia (@LongBeachMayor) March 22, 2020
Though many Angelenos are seeking to “find peace and comfort in the natural beauties of our city”, Mayor Garcetti urges locals to practice physical distancing and to be responsible! It’s important to remember that not all COVID-19 carriers show symptoms and can spread the virus without knowing they’re infected.