Santa Cruz County Beaches, Parks Closing: Coronavirus

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, CA — Santa Cruz County beaches and parks will be closed April 9 through April 15 in an attempt to curb the spread of the new coronavirus ahead of Easter weekend and Passover. Surfing will also be prohibited.

Santa Cruz County Health Officer Gail Newel issued the order Tuesday evening, the county said in a news release. Anyone who violates the shetler-in-place order could face a ticket, arrest or $1,000 fine.

Dog parks, skate parks, disc golf courses, and basketball, tennis, pickleball and other courts will have to close too.

Don't miss updates about coronavirus precautions as they are announced. Sign up for Patch news alerts and newsletters.

“While the vast majority of Santa Cruz County residents are staying home and following the direction of the County Health Officer, unfortunately some visitors and community members are treating this extraordinary crisis as a holiday,” Sheriff Jim Hart said in the release.

The news comes after the sheriff's office announced the creation of a team to roam beaches and parks in search of groups disobeying the shelter-in-place order.

Santa Cruz County said last week there is evidence that the shelter-in-place order appears to be making an impact.

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