Encinitas Urges Residents To Help Keep Moonlight Beach Open

ENCINITAS, CA — After Gov. Gavin Newsom shut down Orange County beaches Thursday, the city of Encinitas urged residents to help keep Moonlight Beach open. The city reopened the beach Monday after it was closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Orange County beaches were shut down because beachgoers failed to follow social distancing orders.

"The closing of the Orange County beaches serves as a reminder to us here in Encinitas that the use of the beaches during the COVID-19 period is ours to lose," city spokesman Patrick Piatt said in an announcement from the city. "We encourage discipline and adherence to the rules as stated in the county health order to ensure that the beaches remain open for recreation in Encinitas. Please help by doing your part."

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City officials reminded residents that the main sand area of Moonlight Beach closes at 10 p.m. There have been large gatherings at the beach at night, according to Piatt.

"This is in direct conflict with the county's order of no gatherings," Piatt said. "It also negatively impacts the surrounding neighborhoods. Please refrain from gathering at the beach at night. Please note that the Sheriff will be enforcing the county's public health order during all hours. "

Moonlight Beach reopened for walking, running and water activities.

Only active activities are allowed. Active recreation includes all water activities except fishing, and beach activities include walking and running.

Beachgoers must still follow social distancing guidelines, and as of Friday, have a face cover, according to the county's public health order.

"The city will be enforcing the county order, and if compliance is not achieved, the beaches will be closed once again," Piatt said.

Also see:

• California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures
• Coronavirus In Encinitas: Latest News
• Encinitas Reopens Moonlight Beach After Coronavirus Closure
• Beaches Stay Open; Golf Courses, Parks Can Reopen In San Diego County
• Some San Diego County Beaches Reopen After Coronavirus Closures
• San Diego County Makes Face Coverings Mandatory: Coronavirus
• San Diego Residents Urged To 'Stay The Course' Following Protests
• 7 More Deaths As Coronavirus Cases Surpass 2,000 In San Diego
• Coronavirus Cases Surpass 1,000 Milestone In San Diego County