Coronavirus: Sheriff Creates Beaches, Parks Enforcement Team

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office has created a Beaches and Parks Contact Team to crack down on people who are defying the shelter-in-place order and having gatherings at parks and beaches with people who do not live in their household.

This week the county extended its shelter-in-place order through May 3 due to concerns about the new coronavirus, along with much of the Bay Area. Residents may leave the house for essential matters or to get exercise, but the county calls for people to stay six feet away from others.

Santa Cruz County said this week so-called social distancing requirements appeared to be slowing the spread of the virus.

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People who are violating the order will be asked to disperse or subject to enforcement. Violating the shelter-in-place order could come with a fine and/or jail time.

Anyone who observes people violating the order are asked to call the tip line at 831-454-7747.

Full coronavirus coverage: California Coronavirus: Latest Updates On Cases, Orders, Closures