Some San Diego County Beaches Reopen After Coronavirus Closures

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — Some beaches reopened Monday while others remained closed in San Diego County amid the coronavirus pandemic.

County officials announced Friday that ocean activities would be allowed again starting Monday.

Restrictions were lifted for swimmers, surfers, kayakers and paddle-boarders, while boating remained prohibited. Boardwalks, piers and parking lots at beaches also remained closed.

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

The county's order left the decision of beach closures to the cities. The order does not apply to state parks and beaches.

Beachgoers must avoid sitting, lying and engaging in group activities at reopened beaches. Walking and running is allowed.

"Let's make the job of the lifeguards and the law enforcement officers and the city officials much easier," Fletcher4 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."

On Monday, the city of San Diego reopened its beaches and San Diego Bay. Fiesta Island remained closed.

The city of Coronado reopened its beach. The city's Dog Beach remained closed.

The city of Encinitas reopened Moonlight Beach.

The city of Imperial Beach allowed access to the beach, but not the ocean. The ocean is too polluted to allow people in the water because of the ongoing issue of runoff from the Tijuana River.

The city of Oceanside reopened its beaches.

Officials, however, reminded beachgoers to follow public health orders to continue to slow the spread of the virus and keep reopened beaches open.

"The only way beaches can reopen and stay open is if the regulations developed by public health officials and regional lifeguards are followed," San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer said. "Public health concerns from overcrowding led to the closure of beaches in the first place back in March, and decisions will continue to be made with the goal of protecting the well- being of every San Diegan. Please stay classy, San Diego."

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Because the county surprised so many beach cities Friday with the sudden lifting of a ban on ocean activity, not all beaches were reopened Monday.

Beaches in Carlsbad, Del Mar and Solana Beach remained closed. Officials in those cities will consider reopening beaches at a later date.

"While Del Mar and Solana Beach participated in a regional discussion this week regarding a coordinated approach to reopening the beaches, the cities did not approve the phased approach referenced by the County of San Diego and City of San Diego," a joint statement from the two cities said. "There was inadequate time for each respective city to share their unique concerns and needs for a coordinated approach to reopening the beaches."

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 County To Open Ocean Access: 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