The heat will continue to soar in Southern California Sunday, a day after temperatures hit the triple digits in the inland areas and sent many people flocking to the beach.

On Saturday, temperatures reached 108 F in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys, 106 F in the Antelope Valley, and 102 F in Ventura County. Anaheim broke its daily record at 99 F, and Riverside tied its own at 105 F.

Even coastal communities felt the heat, with Long Beach Airport recording a high of 94 F and Los Angeles International Airport reporting a high of 79 F.

Many people went to cool down in Santa Monica, where temperatures reached 80 F.

It was like 105 degrees, its much nicer here, said beachgoer Anastasia Pozdlnyakova, whos originally from Russia but now lives in the San Fernando Valley.

People appeared to be following health guidelines, Pozdlnyakova said.

We just try to keep our distance, mask on, and just breathe a little more fresh air, she said.

Others came to the beach from places as far as Chicago and Fargo, North Dakota.

Southern Californias beaches closed in the earlier weeks of the coronavirus pandemic, then again over the July 4th weekend to prevent large gatherings.

Beaches in L.A. County reopened on July 6, with facial covering and social distancing rules to curb the spread of COVID-19. (Click here for the countys beach guidelines.)

As of Saturday, the county has reported more than 130,000 positive cases. A total of 3,793 people, or about 2.9% of cases, have died.

Whether beaches will close again is ultimately up to the L.A. County Department of Public Health, according to the countys Department of Beaches and Harbors.

Beach openings can change as cases or . If you visit the beach, respect those around you and protect your household by using a face covering and keeping your distance . Visit https://t.co/scxVfsCXEo for up-to-date openings/closures. pic.twitter.com/qYwt8l8DlO

This includes the beach! Face coverings are required on all L.A. County beaches when you are out of the water and around others. https://t.co/QGOL1IhuGm

Temperatures will likely break records again in a few areas Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Cities within reach of their records include Newport Beach at 82 F, Anaheim at 98 F, Riverside at 107 F and Palm Springs at 120 F.

Forecasters expect onshore winds to bring down temperatures by several degrees on Monday.

Lancaster Fox Field tied their record high today at 107. The old record was 107 set in 2002, 1964, 1961 and 1953. This record will likely be broken. Other locations may possibly set records this afternoon including Palmdale, Sandberg, and Paso Robles. #LAHeat #LAWeather #cawx

Originally posted here:

We just try to keep our distance: As heat wave scorches SoCal, many head to the beach to cool down - KTLA Los Angeles

Among the people marking their spots on the sands of Huntington Beach, the Sheppard family from Glendora was determined to make this an all day beach day.

Its 102 at home... this is the only place you can get relief, Sharon Sheppard said.

They set up early, with shade, chairs and games, seeking the ocean breeze. And theyre not alone.

With temperatures soaring to triple digits in areas of Southern California, Huntington Beach Fire's lifeguards are expecting more visitors on the surf and sand. They'll keep their eyes on the water with the smaller surf as people head into the ocean for a break from the sun.

Chaysie Iloreta and her 4 year old daughter were also looking for relief from the heat, willing to cross state lines to cool off.

It's too hot in Vegas, so it's nice to be around the beach, Iloreta said.

Finding relief from the heat is hard enough, but it's even harder for those who have to work in it. Jane Yamamoto reports for NBC LA at 6 p.m. Saturday July 11, 2020.

For Alhambra resident Matt Hsieh and his family, a front row seat to the water is just how his wife wanted to spend her birthday.

Definitely we enjoy the ocean breeze. We're enjoying just having some fresh air, and seeing the sights. There's some good surfing. We're going to do some bodyboarding as well, he said.

Even though it's cooler at the beaches, lifeguards warn people to watch out for symptoms of heat related illnesses.

Stay in the shade, stay healthy, stay hydrated. Make sure you use proper sunscreen. And if you're starting to feel woozy or dizzy or have any fever-like symptoms, please separate yourself from the group, Lt. Eric Dieterman, of Huntington Beach Fire Marine Safety, said."See a doctor, see a lifeguard and we'll help you out."

Huntington beach lifeguards say that whenever there's a heat wave, they tend to see the number of water rescues go up. They'll be staffed accordingly throughout the weekend.

Original post:

People Turn To SoCal Beaches To Escape Triple-Digit Temperatures - NBC Southern California

There is a moderate for rip currents along all Dare County beaches as well as Ocracoke beaches Sunday, July 12. Only experienced ocean swimmers who know how to escape a rip current should enter the water.

The National Weather Service reports a low risk for rip currents along Currituck County beaches.

It is advised to never swim alone and always take a floatation device with you. If help is needed, call 911.

If caught in a rip current, remain calm. Dont fight the current. Swim in a direction following the shoreline. When out of the current, swim back to shore. If tired, float or tread water until out of the rip current. If unable to escape, face the shore and call or wave for help.

The National Weather Services beach forecast also advises the UV index for Dare and Hyde is in the very high category, which indicates a very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. For Currituck beaches, the UV index is in the extreme category, which indicates extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

READ ABOUT MORE NEWS AND EVENTS HERE.

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Moderate risk of rip currents reported for Dare and Hyde beaches - The Coastland Times - The Coastland Times

Watch out for a weather change today that will take gorgeous swim waters to dangerous.

While todays weather out of the sky wont be great beach weather, the late afternoon and evening will have sky conditions enticing you to the southern Michigan beaches of Lake Michigan.

Most of the danger will develop along these popular beaches from Indiana north through Muskegon to Leelanau County.

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The dangerous conditions are expected to develop by 2 p.m. this afternoon and continue through Saturday.

Heres a forecast animation showing the wind shift to the northwest coming across Michigan. The northwest wind will end the heatwave for a few days, but kick up waves on the Lake Michigan shores, Lake Superior shores and the west side of the Thumb.

Wind forecast from 10 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2020 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11, 2020.

High waves, strong currents and dangerous swimming conditions are going to develop this afternoon along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the eastern side of Saginaw Bay and the Lake Superior shoreline.

Current record high water levels are putting calm waters of Lake Michigan only a few feet below the top of pier walkways. With the winds kicking up to over 15 mph out of the northwest, waves will easily start crashing over the top of piers.

I was at the Frankfort pier last week and realized it would only take three foot waves for water to come over the pier.

So watch for a change in the wave activity on all of Michigans Great Lakes this afternoon. Stay out of the water as the waves increase. Strong currents can pull any level of swimmer into deeper water. Stay off the piers. The north side of piers will be especially dangerous, but stay off the piers altogether.

If you feel like you have to be in the water, WEAR A LIFE JACKET.

Sunday should go back to being a better swimming day. However, it will be cooler with highs near 80 degrees.

View original post here:

As wind switches today, Michigans most popular beaches will turn dangerous - MLive.com

To the editor: You can blame President Trump for our failure as he has abdicated responsibility for protecting American citizens, disseminated false information and flat-out lied. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. (A nurses plea: Please tell me my life is worth a LITTLE of your discomfort? July 8)

We know what we need to do: Wear a mask, social distance and wash our hands. But many refuse to take this simple set of actions because it is inconvenient or a violation of our freedom or unconstitutional (what?). Nobody is asking us to storm Omaha Beach (although given Europes reaction to our incompetence, it might be the only way Americans can visit France in the near future).

I am embarrassed that we have fallen so far short of how my fathers generation responded. We are a failed society, and we will fail when the inevitable next pandemic or other crisis arrives.

Peter Kinman, Laguna Beach

..

To the editor: A real-life example shows why I wear a mask.

I was exposed to COVID-19. The woman who exposed me didnt know that she herself had been exposed. When she found out a few days later that someone she had been with had tested positive, she notified those she had been in contact with and got tested.

Her test was positive, but she had no knowledge for several days that she had the potential to infect others.

Fortunately, during our contact we were both wearing masks and were socially distanced. My test results were negative.

So, thats why I wear a mask to protect myself and to protect others in case I unknowingly contract COVID-19. To me, its a social contract.

Nancy Gardner, Corona del Mar

..

To the editor: I live in Orange County. Many here are not just skeptical about masks, they are downright defiant. (Many in Orange County resist masks even as coronavirus cases soar, July 8)

Forceful and raucous protest led the Board of Supervisors to cave on Orange Countys mask order; now it only strongly suggests that residents wear a mask in public, despite the state order.

Your article soft-pedaled Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes position in the subject. He said (on video, for the record), We are not the mask police. Those of us who live here and are concerned about the spread of COVID-19 are told to stay home if were scared.

I remain bewildered that others can be so selfish that wearing a mask is a bridge too far.

Elise Power, Garden Grove

Read more:

We're told to wear a mask, not storm the beach on D-Day - Los Angeles Times

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) From Memorial Day weekend when the Chicopee Memorial State Park was allowed to open, wearing of masks seemed to be less of a priority than the enforcement insisted upon at the opening of state pools this weekend.

22News hoped to find out from swimmers and beach-goers Sunday why those not wearing a mask were clearly in the majority.

Im staying clear of everybody else, said Darien Alvarez of Springfield. I think its alright, the wind is blowing, we do wear a mask, one day off you know.

When this whole pandemic started, I was super scared about the whole situation, I wore masks, I would do everything to protect, overtime I kind of realized no matter what you do, you cant control you might get it, added Gabriel Mijal of Chicopee.

Many park goers enjoyed their day in the sun wearing a face covering Sunday. Visitors told 22News, they believe in the protective value of the mask.

Since the Memorial Day reopening of Chicopee State Park, visitors have insisted repeatedly, they were led to believe they could skip wearing a mask as long as they obeyed the rules of social distancing.

In recent weeks, with an upsurge in coronavirus cases elsewhere in the country, face coverings have taken on a greater urgency as Massachusetts doubles down on its efforts to slow down the spread.

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Masks at the beach? Local residents have mixed feelings - WWLP.com

Tourists have resorted to sleeping on beaches because hotels they booked are still closed, according to a new report.

The unlucky British travellers were left disappointed when they turned up to their destinations and discovered some hotels were still closed following the coronavirus lockdown.

Consumer watchdog Which? said travel agency Loveholidays was one of the main culprits for booking hotels that were not open,the Times newspaper reported.

British tourists have been forced to sleep on beaches due to some hotels remaining shut due to coronavirus. Source: Getty Images

Other Brits who decided not to sleep on beaches or return home had to find alternative accommodation.

Paul Davis, 48, booked a $2720 trip to Spain on July 1 when international travel advice was relaxed in the UK.

But when he arrived three days later in Salou on the Costa Daurada, the 4R Regina Gran hotel he was meant to stay in was closed and he had to arrange an alternative.

He lost a $450 deposit when he later transferred to aLoveholidays hotel, according to the report.

Mr Davis, from Lincolnshire, told the Times he thought he mustve had the wrong hotel when he arrived.

When we pulled up I thought we must have the wrong hotel it was all shut and hadn't been opened for a good while, he said.

It's disgusting. We were fortunate enough to have the money to stay somewhere else but lots of other people probably aren't in that position.

Another Brit, Sammy Liperis, was also left disappointed when she arrived in the Canary Islands and found the Sol Fuerteventura Jandi hotel was closed.

A couple who arrived in Spain with their son, 10, also said their hotel was not open.

We wholeheartedly apologise to the affected customers for the inconvenience and distress this has caused, a Loveholidays spokesperson said.

While some were forced sleep on beaches abroad, others were forced to return home or find alternative accomodation. Source: Getty Images

Our customer services team is in contact with them to resolve matters to their satisfaction and ensure that they can enjoy the rest of their holidays.

We are not aware of customers sleeping on the beach and would be horrified if this was the case as we have a 24/7 in resort helpline number that customers can and should call if they face issues at their destination using the number set out in their booking documentation and on our website.

We are working closely with all our suppliers to understand which hotels are open for customers but unfortunately some closures were not communicated to us prior to customers travelling to those hotels.

Yahoo UK

Do you have a story tip? Email:newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us onFacebook,InstagramandTwitterand download the Yahoo News app from theApp StoreorGoogle Play.

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'It's disgusting': Tourists forced to sleep on beaches after lockdown - Yahoo News Australia

Daniel Uhlfelder, who sued the state's Republican governor earlier this year saying he prematurely opened beaches, has spent the last several weeks warning beachgoers of the coronavirus's rising danger while dressed as the Grim Reaper -- complete with a dark cloak and a giant scythe.

"Unfortunately, when I started this work in March, I had a bad belief that this was going to get really bad. Unfortunately, my predictions have exceeded what I thought," Uhlfelder -- this time dressed in a light blue shirt and pink tie -- told CNN on Monday.

Criticizing DeSantis for leaving decisions like masks and beach access up to local officials, Uhlfelder said, "he needs to issue a mask order because masks work."

"Local officials have instituted mask mandates in their respective counties, including Miami Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Orange, Hillsborough and Duval. These are Florida's largest counties, therefore most of the state's population is under a mask mandate," Cody McCloud, press secretary to Gov. DeSantis told CNN. "Some counties have experienced significant cases of COVID-19 and others relatively few, which is why the input from municipal leaders is important to determine the best course of action for a particular community. A mask mandate may make sense in Miami-Dade County, but not in Florida's more than 20 rural counties, some with fewer than 50 COVID-positive cases."

DeSantis said earlier on Monday that the state's high positivity rates are in part due to an increase in the number of tests done throughout the state. He went on to say that the median age of everybody testing positive right now is 36 and that barring comorbidities the "fatality rate is pretty close to zero."

The costumed attorney says he is targeting beaches because they are drawing people into the state from around the world, which is in part resulting in increased case numbers.

Since the beginning of his tour on May 1, Uhlfelder has traveled to beaches from Miami to Jacksonville, receiving at least some push back from beachgoers.

"Coming out here and dressed as the grim reaper, you know, saying 'You're dead for being out here,' I think that's a little bit much," beachgoer James Rivera told CNN at Jacksonville Beach. "Let's not give everything up because we're sick. As crazy as that sounds, it's a bit too much."

Regardless of the opposition, however, Uhlfelder has continued his tour in hopes of being "a voice for the people of Florida."

He says his main concern is not necessarily Floridian beachgoers, but rather the tourists who come from out of state.

"It's not necessarily the act of being on the beach," says Uhlfelder. "They're getting fresh air, they're exercising, and I don't have a problem with that type of conduct. It's the fact that people come to Florida to come to use our beaches."

His worry is that small towns, like his own in Escambia County, may not have sufficient infrastructure to support the surge in cases of coronavirus. The solution, he says, is statewide guidance such as the desired mask order.

"We don't have a comprehensive state plan to deal with this," he says. "The governor has decided to defer to the local areas, like cities and counties, to make the decisions, which are tough decisions."

CNN's Rosa Flores, Artemis Moshtaghian and Sara Weisfeldt contributed to this report.

View original post here:

A Florida man visiting beaches dressed as the Grim Reaper says governor should require masks statewide - CNN

It's been a quiet Sunday but that won't be the case on Monday.

Sunday has been not as humid with highs in the 90s under a mostly sunny sky in Southern New England while temperatures in the 80s with scattered showers to the north. It's been a perfect beach day with a lower risk for rip currents, except on south facing beaches.

Showers will return Monday and early Tuesday. Scattered strong to severe thunderstorms are possible Monday afternoon, between noon and 6 p.m., with the main threat being for damaging wind and torrential rain and possibly flooding.

Less humid air takes over Tuesday night and Wednesday as high pressure settles over the region, with highs in the 70s and low 80s, but the comfortable air will be short-lived as the humidity returns Thursday with a mid-summer pattern in control through the end of the exclusive First Alert 10-day forecast, with some areas capable of a reaching 90 degrees for three consecutive days.

Warm air returns by the end of the week with increasing humidity, as well. Temperatures could reach 90 next weekend and we stay warm through the next week.

Read more here:

Perfect Beach Day Closes Out Weekend Before Scattered Severe Weather Returns Monday - NBC10 Boston

BULLHEAD CITY, AZ Bullhead City Mayor Tom Brady issued a proclamation on July 7, 2020, closing down all City beaches and boat launches on weekends.

The proclamation declares that all City beaches, boat launches and associated parks will be closed for the remainder of the summer on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to slow the spread of COVID-19. The parks will be open to the public Monday-Thursday.

Closed Friday, Saturday and Sunday:

Today I am issuing an order to close the beaches and boat launches in Bullhead City parks from Friday through Sunday of each week through Labor Day weekend. This decision, along with the decision regarding the wearing of face coverings, has been an extremely difficult one to make, and it is done with a full understanding of the repercussions to our citizens and our business community.Throughout this entire pandemic, I, as well as the city manager and police chief, have been involved in countless daily meetings and briefings with the top medical professionals, health care administrators, first responders and the governors office. Our top priority in every decision has been the ability of our medical community and first responders to safely deliver all the resources necessary to those who need treatment from this disease. This includes hospital beds, ventilators, personal protective equipment, testing, and adequate staffing to name just a few. Until recently, the information we received locally was that we were prepared and our number of confirmed cases was low.Now we are being told that hospitals elsewhere in Arizona are being overrun and that they are transferring them to rural hospitals that still have capacity. That hasnt happened yet in Bullhead City, but our number of positive cases is spiking and our hospital admissions are climbing enough that it is time to take further actions.Initially we resisted the mandatory face covering order and strongly encouraged our citizens and businesses to voluntarily comply. That didnt work and with the numbers rising dramatically, I was forced into the hard decision of making them mandatory in all indoor public spaces.I had hoped that since we control only a few areas of the Colorado River shoreline, we could keep them open by reducing the numbers of visitors allowed to an acceptable level for social distancing. However, last weekend our out-of-towners figured out a way to thwart our plan, and they crowded our beaches to socially unacceptable levels. In trying to control large crowds moving forward, I now realize our limitations and believe that no matter what the City does, non-compliance and overcrowding will continue to occur, which is not acceptable in trying to stem the spread of this virus. As such, under a new proclamation with further details, I am closing city controlled beaches and boat launches and associated parking lots on Fridays through Sundays.Together we will get through this pandemic, but it requires each of us to do our part in stopping the spread. Lets all pray that it ends quickly with no more suffering or fatalities.

(Bullhead City Parks and Recreation news release)

Read more:

Bullhead City, AZ to close beaches on weekends through September amid COVID-19 - VVNG.com

Beaches in the Clarence Valley along the NSW Mid North Coast remain closed after a fatal great white shark attack yesterday.

Surf Life Saving NSW said drones and jet skis would patrol the waters to assist a Department of Primary Industry investigations.

It has advised people in the region not to enter the water until further notice.

Mani Hart-Deville, a 15-year-old student from Minnie Water, died after being attacked at Wooli Beach on Saturday afternoon.

He was helped to shore by several surfers and was treated for a serious leg injury but died at the scene.

He had suffered a bite to the upper left thigh.

A family friend who did not want to be named said Mani had lived in Minnie Water all his life, loved the ocean, was into art and made several of his own surfboards.

A statement from the Clarence Valley Council said it was a sad loss for the community.

"Minnie Water is a small, close-knit village and the communities of Minnie Water and Wooli will be hurting," it said.

"We will be doing all we can to support the community through the shock and grief."

It said the beach was not patrolled this time of year but all beaches in the council area would remain closed.

Attempts will be made to locate the shark over the coming days, it said.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) confirmed it was a great white shark based on photographs from the scene.

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Coffs-Clarence Police District Chief Inspector Joanne Reid said police would work with the Department of Primary Industries to identify the shark.

"They'll be setting drumlines out off the coast in an attempt to capture or release any sharks that may be in the area," she said.

"It's also important to note now during the school holidays that all beaches in the Clarence Valley will be closed and we'll reassess that on a day-by-day basis."

Mani was surfing at Wilsons Headland at Wooli Beach near Grafton yesterday when he was attacked just before 2:30pm.

His school posted several helpline phone numbers as support for the teen's fellow students.

"One of our Year 10 students died suddenly and tragically," the school statement said.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathy are with the student's family and friends."

Beachgoers are being urged to follow advice from Surf Live Saving NSW and check the DPI's website and SharkSmart app.

Wooli woman Helen Dobra said the victim of the attack was a friend of her son's.

"It was a really traumatic scene, my heart's still really pumping," she said yesterday.

See the original post:

Beaches remain closed for investigation after teen killed by shark on NSW Mid North Coast - ABC News

Significant flooding in Toronto earlier this week means that three of the citys beaches are currently unsafe to swim.

As of Friday afternoon, Marie Curtis Park East Beach, Sunnyside Beach and Hanlans Point have all been deemed unsafe for swimming due to increased levels of E. coli. After major rainfalls, conditions are ripe for bacteria.

So whats happening to our waterways when it rains? According to Roberto Quinlan, an associate professor of biology at York University, major rain events in urban areas lead to a big pulse of debris and nutrients into the waterways.

These nutrients fuel bacterial growth, which in turn lead to water conditions that arent safe for swimming, Quinlan said. In some cases, after a heavy rainfall the sewage system becomes overwhelmed and you just get to release the raw sewage directly into Torontos waterways.

Thats a big health concern especially for those hoping to swim and cool off in the lake this weekend. Unless there is increased capacity for storm runoff, were going to see more of these type of events where youre going to have sewage overflows into waterways, Quinlan said.

Beaches could be closed more often due to poor water quality as extreme storms become more frequent. With temperatures rising, conditions will be ripe for blue-green algae, which is highly toxic to humans and animals alike. (Algae) are expected to bloom more frequently in warmer water temperatures, even if you dont change the amount of nutrients that goes into water, Quinlan explained.

So even if we do a really good job of keeping the water quality the same as it always is, just because of temperature increases alone, we would expect to see more frequent cyanobacteria blooms in the future.

Miriam Diamond, a professor of environment science with the University of Toronto, said that Ontarios developed shoreline means more waste heading to the lake after major rainfalls. Were dirty. We drive cars, we have pets that poop, we create a lot of waste. It collects on the street, and especially when it hasnt rained a lot ... it gets flushed into the lake.

While the lake can clean itself to some extent, it cant when theres too much rain, she said. Normally, animal feces would usually sink into the forest floor something that isnt as possible in an urban environment.

We have some trees, but there are vast swaths of lawns that are terrible at taking up these kinds of contaminants. That means that waste that would typically break down into the soil is flushed down into the late especially when theres a storm surge, Diamond said.

Both Diamond and Quinlan urged Torontonians that are hoping to take a dip this weekend to check for water advisories before they go.

People should be looking out for signs and either the OK or not OK to go into the water, Diamond said.

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Toronto Public Health updates lake water conditions every 24 hours following E. coli samples. Swimmers should check their local beach before heading out.

In an email, Torontos associate medical office of health Vinita Dubey said that while the health department is still encouraging folks to get outside during the weather, we are still advising to avoid public gatherings and large crowds where physical distancing cannot be maintained, including beaches, due to COVID-19.

Read more from the original source:

Several beaches deemed unsafe as Toronto staggers into another blazingly hot weekend - Toronto Star

BARNSTABLE (CBS) Marstons Mills residents are upset toxic algae is invading their ponds again this summer.

Delia and her husband bought their home because it sits on Long Pond. Its now closed to swimming because of cyanobacteria.

Its kind of sad because there are a lot of young couples in the neighborhood who bring their children down here to play in the water because its easier than taking them to the ocean obviously. Its safer, said Delia.

Long Pond is one of several closed in the town of Barnstable. Others are on the warning list.

So were monitoring ponds with permanent beaches and ones that are in trouble for Cyanobacteria, Town of Barnstables Coastal Health Resource Coordinator Karen Malkus-Benjamin said.

Cyanobacteria blooms are also called blue-green algae. They can produce harmful toxins and cause serious illness to humans and pets.

A regular person, if they were exposed to maybe a small amount, might feel nauseous or might be dizzy. It could vary, Malkus-Benjamin said.

Two ocean beaches in Barnstable are also closed to swimmers because of another type of bacteria, possibly caused by wastewater. Veterans Beach and Ropes Beach failed sample tests.

Its really disappointing because its a very picturesque area, and, you know, from time to time, youd like to maybe just put your feet in here, said Nancy Pelland, of Barnstable.

Continued here:

Bacteria Closes Several Beaches And Ponds In Barnstable - CBS Boston

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) COVID-19 has brought challenges to the hotel industry, leading people to ask: Is it safe to stay at a hotel during the coronavirus pandemic?

Some Myrtle Beach hotels have restructured operations and adopted new cleaning procedures amid COVID-19.

Check-ins will likely look different at first glance. Plexiglass barriers minimize face-to-face exposure and metal key fobs eliminate touch on common contact surfaces.

Downtown Myrtle Beachs Westgate Resort is one of the large hotel chains turning to new policies during COVID-19 to limit guest-employee contact.

We have pretty much re-imagined the entire guest experience, Westgate Resort General Manager Carlos Brador said.

New technology is also playing a role in helping guests navigate a new and safer experience.

From the guest checking in with a QR code where you dont have to touch anyone elses pen you can check-in through the application from your phone, Brador said.

As guests enter the lobby they can use a mobile device to scan a QR code that will prompt them to check-in. They can provide their credit card, virtually sign, and there is simply no contact with the front desk.

Its all a part of hotels working harder and smarter. Daily housekeeping, bellhops, luggage service, and beach chair rentals are among the list of services put on pause.

We are no longer providing daily housekeeping services yet, Brador said. If a guest requires service we ask them to vacate the unit and then we will go in and clean the property.

Hotel experts say the major touch points in any hotel are doorways, handles, kitchen surfaces, bedding, bathrooms, switches, electronics, furniture, and temperature controls. Fitness centers and elevators are also among the list of high contact surfaces being cleaned every half hour to hour.

There are a lot of good coming out of this such as the applications and measures being taken, I think some will remain after its all said and done, Brador said.

Continue reading here:

Myrtle Beach hotels restructure operations, adopt new cleaning procedures - WBTW

Kenai police have made several arrests in connection with a beach-party assault on a teenager Monday night that was captured on video.

The Kenai Police Department announced late Thursday officers had arrested a 15-year-old boy from Kenai on Wednesday for fourth-degree assault and transported him to Kenai Youth Detention Facility. They arrested a 17-year-old boy from Kenai on the same charge Thursday and took him to the facility. Neither was identified.

Police said Elijah Royal-Reyna, 19, of Kenai on Thursday was issued a summons to appear in court on the fourth-degree assault charge.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, police say.

A video of the assault surfaced on social media. The victims grandfather, former Soldotna mayor Tom Bearup, posted a 52-second clip showing the incident on his Facebook page Wednesday.

His grandson, who is not being identified, just turned 18, Bearup said. He was invited to the party by what he thought were friends, Bearup said Friday. He was socializing with other people, and then they came and jumped him from the back. Its sickening.

The video shows the teenager being thrown to the ground in front of a bonfire as a group surrounds him. One begins hitting him repeatedly in the head. He can be heard asking What did I do? as another voice says, The head, get the head. Other boys pummel him before a female voice urges them to stop, saying, I think thats good. I think thats good. ... Hes hurt. Hes hurt.

The teen is recovering from bruising to his face, head and body, relatives say. He was treated at a hospital and released, Bearum said.

Police on Wednesday issued a statement saying they were looking into the incident after receiving multiple calls and inquiries from people who saw the video posted online. They asked witnesses to contact them.

[Because of a high volume of comments requiring moderation, we are temporarily disabling comments on many of our articles so editors can focus on the coronavirus crisis and other coverage. We invite you to write a letter to the editor or reach out directly if youd like to communicate with us about a particular article. Thanks.]

Link:

Teens arrested in connection with Kenai beach-party assault caught on video - Anchorage Daily News

TOMS RIVER, NJ Beginning Thursday night, kids under the age of 18 will have to be off the streets in Toms River's barrier island beach communities from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. under an order issued by the Toms River authorities.

The curfew has been instituted in response to continuing problems with kids gathering in large groups in those communities and vandalizing property and causing other problems, said Jillian Messina, media relations specialist with the Toms River Police Department.

"Residents have reported increasing problems with unruly juveniles congregating nightly in violation of the social distancing and face mask restrictions imposed by the governor's executive order, and also committing acts of criminal mischief and other disorderly behavior," Messina said, quoting an emergency order issued by the township's Office of Emergency Management and the police department.

The incidents have been happening in the North Beach area on the barrier island, which includes Silver Beach, Monterey, Normandy Beach, Chadwick Beach and Ocean Beaches 1, 2 and 3.

The incidents have been happening since early June, Messina said, and have continued despite warnings from the police department for parents to not drop off kids at random in the communities. Read more: Keep Kids Home, Toms River Police Warn, After Property Damage

"While we understand these are difficult times and children are frustrated with the lack of open activities, it is not an excuse for misbehavior and disrespect within our community," Messina said.

The curfew prohibits anyone 17 or younger from being on "a public street, avenue, boulevard, place, walkway, alley, park, or any public area or unimproved private property located in the North Beach area of the Township between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian," according to the order.

Messina said the goal has been "to educate our community, especially parents."

Kids who are out in violation fo the curfew will be told to go home, she said. Those who refuse to follow the curfew "may be taken into protective custody and returned to their homes with charges pending.

"When violations are egregious, they may be taken into custody and brought to headquarters where complaints will be signed and a parent or a guardian will have to respond to pick them up after processing," she said.

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Rowdy Teens Prompt Curfew In Toms River Beach Communities - Toms River, NJ Patch

Some parts of Delaware could see as much as four inches of rain today due to Tropical Storm Fay. 7/10/20 Wochit

A tropical storm that formed off the East Coast Thursday could dump up to 7 inches of rain on isolated areas of the Mid-Atlantic Coast Friday, as well as some flash flooding and rough surf.

As the storm moves north, it's likely to produce 2-4 inches of rain in Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and southern New England, according to the National Hurricane Center's 5 a.m. briefing Friday.

By 10 a.m., the storm was flooding several roadways throughout the state. The Delaware Environmental Observing System is showing that 4.97inches of rain has fallen on Rehoboth Beach near the Boardwalk in the last 24 hours.Scroll down for a full list of impacted roads.

As of 11a.m. Friday, it was about 25 miles off the coast of Delaware and moving north at 12mph. It's expected to move along the Mid-Atlantic coast Friday, moving more inland some time late Friday night or on Saturday. Once that happens, the storm is expected to weaken, according to the hurricane center.

The isolated bursts of heavier rain could result in flash flooding,but "widespread river flooding is not expected at this time." Delaware is under a flash flood watch until 4 p.m. Friday. Some other areas of the state, like Rehoboth Beach, are now under a flash flood warning, in effect until 12:30 p.m.

Tropical Storm Fay is passing through the area today and is affecting Delaware's beach community with pounding rain, strong winds and rough surf. 7/10/20 Delaware News Journal

A tropical storm warning has been extended to now include Fenwick Island and southern Delaware Bay. It extends north to Rhode Island. The warning means tropical storm conditions are expected in the warning area. As of 8 a.m., tropical storm force winds reaching 39 mph or greater extended 140 miles from the center of the storm.

A rip current statement, warning of a high risk of dangerous rip currents, is in effect at New Jersey and Delawarebeaches through Friday evening. The storm is expected to bring large waves reaching 7-9 feet along Delaware and New Jersey coastal waters.

That has prompted lifeguard captains in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach to temporarily close the beaches to swimming. In Bethany, the situation will be reassessed after high tide around 1 p.m.

In Rehoboth Beach, Captain Kent Buckson said he's trying to keep people off the beach altogether for everyone's safety.

"They can spectate from the Boardwalk, but they don't need to be walking down there," he said, noting that the surf Friday morning is extremely rough. Saturday could be a sunnier day, but rip current risks could linger.

Bethany Beach Patrol Captain Joe Donnelly said the beach will remain open for walking and exercise, although the narrowness of the beach's current state during high tide won't provide a lot of space for activity. The sands in Dewey Beach also remain open.

"The water will be closed at least through high tide and then we'll see how the afternoon develops," Donnelly said.

For more information about Tropical Storm Fay, go to nhc.noaa.gov. For more local weather forecasts, go to weather.gov/phi.

"Entering the surf is discouraged," according to the statement.That rip current risk could continue Saturday.

There's a chance of dangerous rip currents Friday and Saturday at the Delaware beaches.(Photo: Chuck Snyder, Special to the News Journal/CHUCK)

The threat of tropical storm winds on land is very low, according to the National Weather Service, except for along the New Jersey coast. As of 11a.m. Friday, Tropical Storm Fay had maximum sustained winds reaching 60 mph with higher gusts. A weather station in Lewes was reporting sustained winds of 40 mph with gusts reaching 49 mph on Friday.

The storm should move north of Delaware by Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service forecast for Wilmington shows a 100% chance of rain on Friday with a high of 81 degrees. A chance of showers and thunderstorms continues through Monday.

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According to the Delaware Department of Transportation, the following roads are impacted by flooding:

New Castle County

Contact reporter Maddy Lauria at (302) 345-0608,mlauria@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @MaddyinMilford.

Read or Share this story: https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2020/07/10/delaware-see-rain-rip-currents-maybe-flooding-tropical-storm/5412075002/

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Tropical Storm Fay to bring rain, rough surf to Delaware; some beaches closed to swimming - The News Journal

A view taken on July 2, 2020 shows tourist and residents sunbathing and swimming at a beach in ... [+] Amalfi on the Amalfi coast in southern Italy. - With its white and multicoloured houses perched on the mountainside about the crystalline waters of the Mediterranean, Italy's Amalfi coast is suffering from this year's lack of US tourists. (Photo by Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP) (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)

While the coronavirus pandemic in Italy continues to decrease - new cases are now around 200 a day - around the country people are starting to plan and go on summer holidays.

Now that the EU has opened its internal borders to all member states and its external borders to a number of other countries, Italy expects a fair amount of foreign tourists to arrive to its coasts as well. According to the National Tourism Agency (ENIT) in the last week of June bookings from abroad have increased by 43%, although it is foreseen that by the end of 2020 there will be a fall of 55% in the number of international tourists sojourning in Italy.

To encourage and sustain local tourism, with the latest decree the government has established a vacation bonus, where Italian families would receive a voucher of 500 ($566) to pay for domestic accommodation. While there are problems with it (it has been reported that only one in five hotels accept it as a form of payment) Italians are still eager to visit their own country during the summer season. According to recent polls, 93% of them will remain in Italy.

To ensure safety, resorts have been setting up new measures - hand-washing stations and distanced umbrellas - but beach attendance as a whole is not a very different experience from what it used to be before the coronavirus crisis started.

In the region of Liguria, among the classic destinations of northern Italians, for example, specific websites have been set up to account for how crowded the beaches are, helping bathers direct themselves to different resorts without fearing to not be admitted. There is no need for reservation. To ordinate the flow, there are also a number of stewards, to ensure that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time.

We work 9 hours a day, from Monday to Sunday. Our association also owns an environmental certification, explains Michelangelo La Tegola, at the head of beach operations in the towns of Camogli, San Fruttuoso, Santa Margherita and Rapallo.

On the beaches of Tuscany, instead, lists are made with the names of those coming to the beach, to allow for better tracing if anyone is found to be positive to the virus. The coasts of Maremma and Argentario, being more spacious compared to those of Liguria, also allow for more people at the same time. However, the summer season here is yet to get back to its regular attendance levels.

Many clients have cancelled on the beach umbrellas or the camper vans areas due to money shortages, a lack of break time from work or just for the fear that the Covid-19 has generated. But many others, mostly freelance workers, are coming here for the first time, says Sergio Morettoni, the owner of a local beach resort.

In the region of Campania, home to the iconic Amalfi and Positano beaches, many resorts have adopted phone apps, such as Skiply and Prenota Lido to book ones attendance at the beach. There are three time slots options (between 7 a.m. and 1 p.m; between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; or for the entire day) and some of them also allow to directly order food or drinks at the beach bar, without the need to queue. Reservation is also needed for the free beaches by calling the number 089 763810. For non residents there is a fee of 1 ($1.13) a day to attend the beach.

While needing to ensure safety to all workers and tourists, it appears that a fair balance has been found to ensure that the holiday season in Italy goes smoothly. In the country, currently the debate is rather focusing on the concessions of beach resorts, which with the latest decree have been extended until 2033. The topic has been controversial for many years, specifically since the EU approved in 2006 the so-called Bolkestein Directive, which requires that a tender system is established in the field of concessions.

Italy has managed to avoid applying the directive for many years, based on the fact that beach management is usually a family-run local business, which would be damaged by international competition. Yet, the concession system as it is now is believed to fundamentally damage the Italian State, by granting permission to operate a beach for a very cheap price and for an extended period of time (concessions are generally renewed automatically and passed on between members of the same family once they expire).

Because of this, a number of politicians in Italy have been calling for a change in the system, or at least for an increase in rental prices for the beach managers. For the moment, though, it does not appear that this is going to happen. All in all, the summer in Italy is not going to be very different from before.

Continue reading here:

Social Distancing And Booking Apps: What To Expect On Italian Beaches This Summer - Forbes

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) Almost all Southland beaches will be closed for the holiday weekend, but not everyone is planning to stay away.

I figured I was by myself, there was no one really around, said John Campbell, who managed to get in a swim in Friday. I wont do it on the weekend but today was kind of a chill day.

In Venice and Santa Monica, images showed a few beach-goers Friday as well, with lifeguards not appearing to enforce the holiday beach closure.

Some in Santa Monica were seen watching the beach from a nearby park, to still get the beachfront views but stay in line with coronavirus rules.

While the beaches were closed, there werent strong enforcements from police officers in Venice, but instead, officers relied on the honor system.

And some visitors say, even as they comply with COVID-19 restrictions, they do not want to see a crackdown on beach-goers.

Its such a controversial topic, said Victor Zaud. Everyone wants to have their freedom. It is just really complicated and really confusing. Im glad they are deterring people from coming to the beach.

Elsewhere, in Manhattan Beach, where the number of confirmed cases has gone from 80 at the beginning of June to 140 at the beginning of this week, police are policing.

The department plans to use 14 event staffers to help police spread the word about the beach, parking lots, and bike path shutdowns.

Honestly, I wasnt notified that the bike path was closed. There are so many people biking here, said Nunya Brooks, a Santa Monica resident.

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Nearly All SoCal Beaches To Remain Closed This Holiday Weekend - CBS Los Angeles

Delaware beach goers were encouraged to social distance as COVID-19 continues to spike in beach towns. Wochit

Rehoboth Beach residents and visitors no longer have to wear a face mask on the beach as long as social distancing is possible.

You'll still have to wear a mask when entering and leaving the beach area.But lounging on the beach with family, swimming, exercising and working on that tancan all be done mask-less, unless the beach gets too crowded andsocial distancing of six feet can't be maintained.

Facial coverings must still be worn in all other public areas. That includes the Boardwalk, public parks, public sidewalks, public streets and commercial establishments within city limits. They are not required when exercising as long as you can maintain six feet from others.

Cases confirmed at Rehoboth Beach: 10 more lifeguards test positive for COVID-19

Tuesday's announcement comesless than a week after city commissioners concerned with a lack of social distancing and a recent spike in COVID-19 cases in eastern Sussex made it mandatory for people to wear facial coverings in all public places, including on the beach.

While Bethany also requires people on the Boardwalk to wear a mask, Rehobothis currently the only resort town along the Delaware coast that specifically targeted beachgoers.

Crowds came out on July 4th to Rehoboth Beach, as seen from atop the Atlantic Sands.(Photo: Chuck Snyder/Special to Delaware News Journal)

The short-lived mandate made for a 4th of July weekend like no other, and sparked major concern from both visitors and Rehoboth businesses.

Delaware health officials also reported Tuesday a 6.34% positive testing rate in the Rehoboth/Dewey area, after 264 people recently tested positive for the coronavirus.

State officials ramped up testing in the beach area after seeing outbreaks there. Theyconducted more than4,000 testsover the past week. Most people who tested positive were asymptomatic, health officials said Tuesday.

Prison virus outbreak: Delaware fighting coronavirus outbreak at Sussex prison

Rehoboth businesses took a major economic hit over the 4th of July weekend as a result of the mask requirement, according toRehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce president Carol Everhart.

Everharttold commissioners during a meeting Tuesday that hotels reported $833,000 in lost revenue over the holidayweekend, compared to last4th of July.

"We immediately began to get calls from hotels and restaurants about cancellations," Everhart said. "It wasn't all the masks, but that was the main reason for the cancellations. I'm not getting complaints about wearing a mask anywhere but on the beach."

Kuhns disagreed, saying a major reason for the light crowds was the cancellation of Rehoboth's Independence Day fireworks, which the city nixed back in April.

Rehoboth Beach at noon on Saturday was packed with holiday beachgoers.(Photo: Courtesy of Maj. Gary Emeigh, Civil Air Patrol)

"I think absolutely having a mask on the beach did something, but there werent any fireworks," he said during the meeting."(People) were afraid to come because of the outbreak in the eastern part of the county."

Gov. John Carney also slowed down the proposed phase threeof the state's reopening after spikes in positive COVID-19 cases, particularlyby Delaware's beaches.

Everhart said she also surveyed 15 retail businesses, most of which said they were off in revenue by60% to 70%compared to last year's Independence Day weekend.

"Those who have been infected with the virus are not the only victims here," commissioner Edward Chrzanowski said during the meeting."We have to think about the town overall, the business community."

Read or Share this story: https://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/delaware/2020/07/07/rehoboth-beach-face-masks-no-longer-required-officials-announce/5393810002/

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Visiting Rehoboth Beach? What you need to know about the new face mask requirement - Delmarva Now