At today's daily COVID-19 coronavirus update press conference, City of San Diego officials announced that gatherings of any size (except for family units) are hereby prohibited at beaches and parks, and parking lots at all city-run beaches and parks are now closed.
"Following a statewide stay-at-home order issued last week to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, today San Diego Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell and Lifeguard Division Chief James Gartland remind San Diegans that gatherings of any size are prohibited at all beaches and parks," said San Diego City Supervisor Nathan Fletcher at today's press conference. "In light of reports of groups at parks and beaches this weekend, the City is closing public parking lots serving all City-operated parks and beaches to discourage gatherings and encourage physical distancing."
Yesterday - possibly stoked by a day of beautiful weather - beaches and parks were reporting greater than normal gatherings (photos above taken in Pacific Beach on Saturday, March 21, 2020). Groups gathered along the walkways of Pacific Beach, and at local parks like Kate Sessions and Balboa. This likely served as a catalyst to today's citywide ban. At the conference, it was said that violators of the gathering ban could face misdemeanor charges and more than $1,000 in fines.
"People can still go for a walk or run or bike ride, but they should do it while following physical distancing rules," said Lifeguard Division Chief James Gartland. "The Stay At Home order makes clear that this is not a time for parties, it’s a time to protect the public health."
For the latest information from the City of San Diego about the COVID-19 virus, visit sandiego.gov/coronavirus.
This is a developing story: We will update this post as we learn more.
"People can still go for a walk or run or bike ride, but they should do it while following physical distancing rules," said Lifeguard Division Chief James Gartland. "The Stay At Home order makes clear that this is not a time for parties, it’s a time to protect the public health."
For the latest information from the City of San Diego about the COVID-19 virus, visit sandiego.gov/coronavirus.
This is a developing story: We will update this post as we learn more.
