California Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to announce the closure of all state beaches and parks after beachgoers fled to the shore in defiance of social distancing rules.
The California Police Chief’s Association sent a memo on Wednesday saying local law enforcement agencies should be prepared for the announcement on Thursday, which will be effective May 1.
“After well-publicized media coverage of overcrowded beaches this past weekend, in violation of Governor Newson’s shelter in place order, the governor will be announcing tomorrow that beaches and all state parks in California will be closed, effective Friday, May 1,” said the notification sent out to all California police chiefs and obtained by the Los Angeles CBS affiliate.
Newsom criticized beachgoers on Monday, specifically singling out those who went to Huntington Beach and Newport Beach in Orange County.
“This virus doesn’t take the weekends off, this virus doesn’t go home because it’s a beautiful sunny day around our coasts,” the governor said, labeling their actions as “what not to do.”
Three people were arrested on the beach in Encinitas while protesting stay-at-home orders and beach closures last weekend as photos showing beachgoers defy social distancing guidelines went viral.
