Beach Will Reopen In Manhattan Beach, City Announces
MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Manhattan Beach will reopen Wednesday with some restrictions, city officials announced Monday. Face coverings and social distancing are still required on the sand. Chairs, canopies and tanning won't be included.
"Beginning on Wednesday, May 13, beaches operated by Los Angeles County, including those in Manhattan Beach, will be reopened with restrictions for limited active uses with physical distancing as a requirement," according to a city news release.
The Strand, bike path, pier and parking lots will remain closed at this time, officials said.
“Following numerous discussions and meetings with Los Angeles County, I am excited that one of our most valued resources, the beach, will once again be accessible to the public,” Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery said in a news release.
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“I urge everyone to follow all Public Health Orders for your safety and your neighbors, and please use the beach responsibly by practicing physical distancing," Montgomery said. "The beach will be open for active uses only, such as walking, running, surfing and swimming. If beach visitors do not follow all the rules, the State of California or Los Angeles County can once again close our beaches. By abiding by these measures, you will play an important role in keeping the beaches open.”
For now, beaches will be open during normal hours and can only be used for recreation, city officials said. Beach volleyball is not allowed, along with other rules.
"Beachgoers are not permitted to set up chairs, canopies, coolers, grills, sunbathe, hold gatherings of any size, or have any organized recreational programming," according to the city.
City officials encourage people to avoid crowded areas where possible, otherwise, they might face fines.
"Violators of these requirements may be subject to fines and criminal prosecution," the city announced.
Reopening beaches is expected to happen in a phased approach across Los Angeles County. Manhattan Beach reopening is the first step.
"This preliminary step will allow the County to assess if additional activities may be permitted at the beach, as long as the risks of spreading the coronavirus are minimized," according to a city news release. "The County of Los Angeles has indicated that face coverings are required while on the beach (and not in the water) and when around others."
To learn more and find guidance on wearing a face covering, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website or the LA County Department of Public Health’s guidance.
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This article originally appeared on the Manhattan Beach Patch
