SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel on Wednesday issued new restrictions on the county’s beaches, restricting their use between 11am and 5 pm starting on Saturday.
The new restrictions came after hordes of people crowded the beaches and ignored social distancing rules over the past weekend.
“Despite warnings against traveling to Santa Cruz County for beach access and against congregating on beaches, local law enforcement spent the weekend responding to numerous issues all along our coastline,” Santa Cruz County Sheriff Jim Hart said. “Unfortunately, these actions are necessary to protect the health and welfare of our most vulnerable residents. The Sheriff’s Office, the police departments and State Parks will do everything we can to support the Health Officer and enforce her revised order.”
Previous limits on beach activities such as lying, sitting, standing, sunbathing, sightseeing and other non-exercise related activities remain in place. No umbrellas, barbecues, coolers, beach chairs, shade structures, tents or other equipment will be allowed at any time.
Water-based activities such as surfing, paddle-boarding, boogie boarding, swimming, snorkeling and kayaking will not be impacted by the order.
Beaches may be traversed to participate in these activities. Additionally, facilities adjacent to beaches such as parkways, sidewalks and trails will remain open. Non-beach areas of local parks are unaffected by the order, though they remain subject to restrictions put in place by state and local jurisdictions.
The order will remain in effect until revised by the Santa Cruz County Health Officer.
For information on COVID-19, visit www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text COVID19 to 211211. Residents may also call 454-4242 between the hours of 8am and 6pm, seven days a week.
