San Diego County To Open Ocean Access: Coronavirus

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — San Diego County is lifting some ocean restrictions that were put in place to help slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Beginning Monday, restrictions will be lifted for swimmers, surfers, paddle-boarders and kayakers, Supervisor Nathan Fletcher announced.

Boating will still not be allowed. Piers, boardwalks and parking lots at beaches will remain closed, and restrictions for active recreation will also remain in effect, Fletcher explained.

The order also does not apply to state parks and beaches.

"We believe that we can take this step and this action in a way that does not compromise our efforts to protect public health," Fletcher said. "But we need the public's help to ensure compliance; we need the public's help to exercise the appropriate restraint."

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The order leaves the decision of beach closures to the cities.

Each municipality can make the call on opening beaches, Fletcher said. Beaches that do open will be subject to the county's "passive use" definition, and visitors must avoid sitting, lying and engaging in group activities. Any open beach can be used for walking, running or as an access point to the ocean.

"Let's make the job of the lifeguards and the law enforcement officers and the city officials much easier," he said. "Ensure physical distancing. Cover your face when applicable. Please do not violate the spirit or intent of the public health orders and responsibly enjoy getting back in the ocean starting Monday morning."

Also see:

• California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures
• Coronavirus In San Diego County: Latest News
• 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
• Face Coverings Urged As Coronavirus Cases Rise In San Diego
• San Diego Authorities To Crack Down On Stay-At-Home Violators

City News Service contributed to this report.