Sandy Beach, a stretch of hotels and condos popular with Arizona visitors in Puerto Peasco, Sonora, is completely empty on April 9, 2020. The city closed the beaches, despite it being the peak of tourism season, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.(Photo: Courtesy of Hector Vasquez del Mercado)

TUCSON The popular Mexican resort city of Puerto Peasco began welcoming back tourists earlier this week, as the city beginsto emerge from a nearly three-month lockdown due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.

However, the area's main attraction, its miles-long sandy beaches, will remain closed to the public as health officials in the Mexican state of Sonoraand in Arizona where most of the visitors to Peasco come from continue to grapplewith rising numbers of infections.

Nonetheless, other activitiessuch as fishing, off-roading and using the pool areas of hotels and resorts will resume, with restrictions allowing for social distancing. City officials said that if cases in the city remain low, the beaches couldreopen by the start of July.

"We decided to plan a gradual reopening, orderly obviously, but with the premise of finding what has become a verycomplexbalance between public health and economic health," Puerto PeascoMayorKiko Munro told The Arizona Republic.

Nearly 80% percent of businesses in the city commonly known as Rocky Point toArizonans are dependent on the roughly 2 million visitors each year, according to the city's tourism officials.

Unlike the U.S., the federal government in Mexico did not offer stimulus packages or any other support to private businesses affected by the pandemic and the economic shutdown. That created pressure on the local government to take action.

Munro'splan to reopen Peasco has five phases. The first two allowed some of those businesses and restaurants to open their doors in order to establish and solidify safety guidelines, such as constant cleaning of common areas and mandating the use of masks in public for employees and customers.

As part of its third phase, the city began welcoming visitors from Arizona and other parts of Mexico on Wednesday. Munro marked the occasion with a special ceremony, and some resorts in the cityeven greeted the first visitors with mariachi bands.

Munro said the beaches in Rocky Point could reopen as early as July 1. That's when the city will roll outthe fourth phase of its reopening plan. But the decision lies in the hands of the federal government in Mexico City, which will make that determination based on the number of COVID-19 casesnationwide.

"We're ready to open them safely," he said. "We're just waiting for the official authorization from the government in charge of that matter."

When visitors make their way to Peasco in the coming weeks, they'll havetofollow stringent guidelinesto accessthe city's extensive network of beach-side resorts and hotels. Theirexperience also will be different because of the measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"We want to be very insistent about this point here in Peasco. We do want peopleto visit us, but when you visit us, please follow our guidelines, because that's how we'll maintain the number of infections to manageable levels," said Hector Vasquez del Mercado, the president of the Puerto PeascoConvention and Visitor's Bureau.

To date, Puerto Peasco has been spared the large outbreaks of COVID-19 that haveplagued other cities in northern Mexico and in Arizona. The city has reported only 13 cases in the past three months and one death from the virus.

Elected and tourism officials in Puerto Peasco, or Rocky Point, unveiled protocols for tourists as the popular beach-side city reopens to visitors.(Photo: Puerto Peasco Convention and Visitors Bureau)

At the onset of the pandemic, Munro locked down the city to all outsidevisitors to contain the virus. Local police blocked access and strictlyenforced a federal shutdown at the beaches.

They also set up a checkpoint to the north of the city atMexican Federal Highway 8, the road that connectsRocky Pointto the Arizona border. As the only point of access into Peasco,only homeowners and residents were allowed in.

The checkpoint will play a crucial role for all visitors. Munro said soldiers andRed Cross workerswill check the temperatures of all visitors and residents before entering the city. If someone shows above-normal body temperatures, they'll be given the option to take a rapid-detection test on site.

"If the test comes back positive, then we'll ask that person to return to where they came from, taking the necessary measures so they don't spread the virus along the way," Munro said."But if it's negative, we'll allow them access into the city."

Furthermore, only visitors with hotel reservations will be allowed past the checkpoint, Vasquez del Mercado said.

As part of the reopening guidelines, none of the hotels in the city will accept same-day reservations. So they all need to made at least two days in advance, and visitors will be required to show proof at the checkpoint.As a secondary layer of protection, the hotels open to guests will also be required to check temperatures during check-in.

Additional regulations that hotels and resorts must follow include blocking rooms for 24 hours after a reservation has ended to allow forthorough cleaning. Vasquez del Mercado, said they're also limiting occupancy to 70% for resorts and 40% for hotels.

"This weekend we're expecting a 25% occupancy, and for the following weekend no more than 40%," he added.

To help visitors plan their trip to Puerto Peasco, the city government and the visitor's bureau posted English and Spanish-language versions of their "Entry Protocols for Tourists"to their websites. They explain the policies all visitors must follow, and it lists certified hotels and businesses abiding by the city's COVID-19 guidelines.

In addition, the city government created an online map that allows visitors to see the locations in the city that have recorded positive cases.

But as the number of confirmed cases in Arizona continues to set records, the mayor ofPuerto Peasco said they're well positionedto respond to any outbreaks in the city arising from their efforts to reopen.

In the past three months, local and state officials have provided ventilators to local hospitals, and they've have also donated protective equipment to healthcare workers, Munro said.

The local government has also worked with hospitals tocreate a mobile health unit that can respond quickly to any outbreaks within the city. He added that the plan to reopen was designed to be flexible.

"In the event that we have an outbreak that we realizewe cannot control as a city, the plan allows us to close out the current phase we're in and go back to earlier phases."

Have any news tips or story ideas about the U.S.-Mexico border? Reach the reporter at rafael.carranza@arizonarepublic.com, or follow him on Twitter at @RafaelCarranza.

Support local journalism.Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

Read or Share this story: https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/border-issues/2020/06/20/rocky-point-beaches-closed-but-mexico-city-has-reopened-tourists/3216074001/

View original post here:

Rocky Point reopens to tourists amid COVID-19 pandemic, but its beaches are still closed - AZCentral

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) Starting this week, lifeguards will be returning to popular Minneapolis beaches on the weekends.

The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board announced Wednesday that lifeguards will be at Bde Maka Skas Thomas Beach, Lake Nokomis Main Beach and Wirth Lake Beach on Saturday and Sunday, from noon to 7 p.m. Theyll be out again the following weekend as well.

This announcement comes after two swimmers had to be rescued Tuesday evening from the water near Bde Maka Skas Thomas Beach.

Early next month, the park board plans to hire more lifeguards and offer daily services at the beaches listed above, as well as Cedar Lake East Beach and Lake Harriet North Beach. The lifeguards hired will have been certified in past years and receive additional training.

According to the park board, no other beaches will have lifeguards for the remainder of the summer.

In early April, the park board said that public beaches would be closed for the summer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, per health guidelines, beaches have been allowed to open to swimmers, although no lifeguards were posted.

Planning to head to the beach this summer? The park board says you should follow social distancing guidelines and bring your own water bottle and hand sanitizer.

Read the original post:

Lifeguards To Return To Select Minneapolis Beaches This Weekend - CBS Minnesota

Nothing beats a quiet day spent at the beach. Especially if you can find a stretch of silky sand that is not crowded. From a national park located on a remote island to a state park packed with driftwood to a cove known for its whale migration, here are some secluded beaches with ample elbow room.

Beaches that will blow your mind

At Big Talbot Island State Park, on an Atlantic Coast barrier island between Amelia Island and Fort George Island, youll find a beach that might not be what youd expect to see in Florida. About a half-hour drive fromJacksonville, Boneyard Beach (aka Black Rock Beach) is not your typical white sandy beach. Along the coastline and among the 30-foot bluffs, youll find massive driftwood trees. Climbing these beauties will make you feel like a kid again, and if you stick around for sunset, youre in for a treat. The driftwood makes for a lovely silhouette shot. Eventhe geological formations here are super unique only 3.5 percent of land in the U.S. has this type of black rock.

From sand dunes to sea cliffs, Michigan is full of natural wonders worthy of a quick escape. Talk to any Michigander for recommendationsand Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshoreon South Manitou Island will surely come up. Trekking to the top is practically a rite of passage. If you take the Dunes Trail, the whole trip is about 3.5 miles and takes 2 to 4 hours depending on your fitness level and the weather.

The peaceful area is home to 35 miles of shoreline, so choosing your own spot is very simple. With bright blue water in the foreground and sand dunes behind, its serene to the nth degree. After beach lounging, hike among conifers and hardwoods. But remember, cougars sometimes roam around these parts.

With just 60,000 annual visitors, Dry Tortugas National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the nation. Known for its amazing coral reef system, historic fort and sea turtles,Dry Tortugas National Park, about 70 nautical miles west ofKey West, is a pretty special place to visit. Nearly 99 percent of the parks hundred square miles are submerged beneath the water where moray eels, Goliath grouper and nurse sharks flourish.

During the day, spend time snorkeling, kayaking and learning about when Ponce de Leon first stepped foot here in 1513. When the ferry boat leaves, if you camp on the beach here and youll have the island almost to yourself. Major bonus: its relatively bug-free because theres no freshwater to attract mosquitos.

Located across the Calibogue Sound from Hilton Head Island, this South Carolina island is surrounded by beautiful uncrowded beaches and ancient oaksdripping with Spanish moss. Theres no bridge to the mainland, so book a ferry ride or hop in your own boat to get there. Once you arrive, golf carts, bikes or your own two feet are the best way to explore. Take time to learn about the Gullah/Geechee influence, soak up therich art scene and sample the Lowcountry cuisine.

Gray Whale Cove State Beach in Half Moon Bay is one ofNorthern Californias under-the-radar beaches. Pack a picnic lunch (theres a picnic area on the bluff with a spectacular view) and if you are there during the Gray Whale migration (November to April) be on the lookout for the gentle giants. The whales often come fairly close to shore. When you venture down to the beach, just know that there is a nudist area on the north end. So, if you arent into that, go left at the bottom of the stairs.

Five gorgeous islands off the Southern California coast make up the remoteChannel Islands National Park. Arrive by small plane or boat or kayak to the 100-foot-wide Painted Cave, one of the largest sea caves in the world. And its not the only one: There are 30 sea caves dotting the islands and plenty of dramatic sea cliffs. Known as the Galapagos of North America, many come to see the endemic plants and wildlife.

On land, look for the endangered island barberry and the soft-leaved paintbrush plant. In the water, its common to see bright orange garibaldi fish, harbor seals, sea lions and giant sea kelp. If youre a hiker, visit Anacapa to see the lighthouse. Dont forget Santa Rosa IslandsLobo Canyon for sandstone formations, pygmy mammoth fossils and, if youre lucky, local island foxes.

From camping to the Carnegies,Cumberland Island sure is a special place. This nationalseashoreis a haven for wildlife. On the beach, youll find wild horses and loggerhead turtles. Hike through the islands interior, which is shaded by enormous oak tree canopies, for the chance to see armadillos, deer, hogs, rabbits, turkeys and raccoons. Except for the wildlife, its never crowded because the only way to get there is by boat or ferry ride, and once you are there, youve got 17 miles worth of sandy shores to choose from.

Unusual beaches you have to see to believe

Get more travel inspiration, tips and exclusive offers sent straight to your inbox with our weekly newsletter. Make sure you're ready for anything with travel insurance from our trusted partners.

See more here:

The 7 best secret beaches in the USA - Lonely Planet Travel News

Headed to the beach? You'll see some big changes

Updated: 10:28 AM EDT Jun 21, 2020

Hide TranscriptShow Transcript

WOLLASTON BEACH, JOSH SOME CHANGES FOR BEACH GOERS TODAY, . JOSH: IT IS 10:00 BUT IT IS ALREADY PRETTY WARM OUT HERE. SOME FAMILIES ARE OUT HERE ALREADY. THEY HAVE THEIR TENTS, SOME ARE WALKING ON THE SAN OBVIOUSLY AT THIS POINT, PEOPLE ARE ABLE TO DISTANCE GIVEN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ON THE BEACH. WHAT YOU WILL START TO SEE THAT IS DIFFERENT ARE THE LIFEGUARD CHAIRS BEING FILLED WITH THE GUARDS. THIS IS SOMETHING THE DCR HAS JUST ANNOUNCED. THIS WEEKEND, DCR, THE APARTMENT OF CONSERVATION -- DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION RECTORY AUCTIO -- RECREATION BEACHES. MAINTAINING 12 FEET BETWEEN GROUPS ON THE BEACH WHICH ARE NOT TO EXCEED 10 PEOPLE. THE BEACH GAMES, THEY ARE REALLY FUN. THEY ARE NOT ALLOWED. THAT INCLUDES VOLLEYBALL, SPIKE BALL AND OTHERS AS WELL. THIS IS GOING TO BE THE FOURTH STRAIGHT 90 DEGREE DAY FOR A LOT OF PLACES. I EXPECT MANY BEACHES TO FILL UP

Headed to the beach? You'll see some big changes

Updated: 10:28 AM EDT Jun 21, 2020

VIDEO: Leave the volleyball net at home. Beaches are reopening, but there will be some big changes in place.

VIDEO: Leave the volleyball net at home. Beaches are reopening, but there will be some big changes in place.

Here is the original post:

Headed to the beach? You'll see some big changes - WCVB Boston

Spain was plunged into the so-called new normality on Sunday, after nearly 100 days under a state of alarm due to the coronavirus crisis. Subject to temperature checks, the obligatory use of masks, and supplied with liters and liters of hand sanitizer, passengers on a hundred or so flights landed in Spain from Schengen-area countries, with a total of 225 routes restarting a low number compared to a normal month of June.

El Prat airport in Barcelona, for example, was operating at 5% of capacity yesterday. The majority of arrivals were foreigners who work in Spain and who left the country during the lockdown. There were few tourists to be seen. Cristhie Mcfett is from South Africa and has worked in Barcelona in the digital music industry for the last two years. When the pandemic was declared I came home, but now that the situation there is worse, I have come back to carry on working, she explained.

Spains border with France opened on Sunday the frontier with Portugal remains closed and from the start of the day lines formed in Behobia, Irn, where French citizens were waiting to buy cheap tobacco, cosmetics and Spanish ham. Its been 90 days since I smoked, joked one young Frenchman on Sunday, who had been paying double for cigarettes during the lockdown given the higher taxes paid on the product in France.

Plenty of bathers came to the beaches of Cdiz, in southern Spain, where people had to be turned away in order to avoid overcrowding. Bolonia beach, in Tarifa, for example, was faced with the difficult combination of more bathers, lower capacity, and the same amount of sand as always, which is also subject to rising and falling tides. As a result, many of the access points to the beaches across the province had to be shut to avoid overcrowding.

The lifting of the state of alarm which means that citizens can move freely across the entire Spanish territory for the first time since March 14 was noted in tourist zones such as Xbia, in the eastern Mediterranean province of Alicante, where thousands of people have second residences. The arrival of tourists there was met with a mixture of relief given the effect it will have on the local economy and apprehension, due to the risk of new coronavirus outbreaks. Were calling on people to use common sense to avoid risky situations, said the mayor of Xbia, Jos Chulvi. We trust that everyone will act responsibly, we are not going to be marking out spaces on beaches, he added, in reference to the social-distancing measures that are being introduced in some of Spains coastline.

The countrys children, who were subject to one of the strictest lockdowns in the world at the start of the state of alarm, were greeted by the sight of play parks open for business once more, with the police tape being removed from swings and slides in cities such as Barcelona, Valencia, A Corua and Madrid. Seville and Bilbao will follow suit during the week. The authorities are trusting parents to clean their childrens hands with sanitizer after they play in the parks, and for social distancing to be observed not an easy task when it comes to the younger boys and girls.

With reporting by Jess A. Caas, Pedro Gorospe, Ignacio Zafra, Javier Martn-Arroyo.

Read more here:

Crowded beaches and lines for tobacco: What day one of Spains new normality looked like on Sunday - EL PAS in English

Daylight Beach Club, the pool party at Mandalay Bay, returns on July 2 as an adult-only pool scene for those 21 and over, one day after the resort reopens on the south end of the Strip.

Pool parties and nightclubs were two of the first venues to close when the coronavirus pandemic started in Nevada in March. And while the Nevada Gaming Control Board says neither can return in their former form quite yet, that hasnt stopped resorts on the Las Vegas Strip from bringing toned down versions of the pool party and nightclubs back.

Parent company Play Management says the venue will offer music from local deejays instead of well-known names, along with bottle service, food, and frozen cocktails.

Customers need to make a reservation in advance for a daybed or cabana, and social distancing will keep the number of people at each limited.

Daylight plans to be open Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Daylight joins Encore Beach Club at Encore Las Vegas and Marquee Dayclub at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas in changing from a pool party to an adult pool scene.

Gov. Steve Sisolak closed casinos on March 17 to curb the spread of COVID-19. The Nevada Gaming Control Board issued guidelines to resorts to reopen that include maintaining 50 percent capacity, masks on staff, cleaning protocols, and social distancing throughout the casino. Casinos were permitted to reopen across the state on June 4.

The Pool Party Returns to Las Vegas, Just a Little Tamer [ELV]

Nightclubs and Pool Parties Will Not Reopen When Casinos in Nevada Do [ELV]

How Coronavirus Is Affecting Las Vegas Food and Restaurants [ELV]

Sign up for our newsletter.

Go here to read the rest:

Daylight Beach Club returns to Mandalay Bay as an adult pool on the Las Vegas Strip. - Eater Vegas

Sonoma County Regional Parks announced last week that it wouldnt be installing the annual summer dam at the Healdsburg Veterans Memorial Beach. The primary reasons for not installing the summer dam include projections of reduced river flow and concerns about how to install the dam while following social distancing guidelines.

According to an announcement from Sonoma County Regional Parks, water managers are anticipating that river flow will be about two-thirds below what it usually is. With the reduced river flow, theres an increased need to preserve water storage for Lake Mendocino in order to support the fish habitat as the season progresses.

While the installation of the dam allows for the creation of a swimming area during summer months, the COVID-19 pandemic is making it so the beach wont have the same amount of lifeguard watch as it usually has.

In most summers, the county installs a temporary dam at the beach, just downstream from Healdsburgs Memorial Bridge, creating a swimming area from late June through early September. Due to the health emergency, Regional Parks does not have the seasonal staff to fully lifeguard the beach and enforce new social distancing and hygiene requirements, the announcement states. The beach will remain open without the dam and full-time lifeguards, with river conditions suitable for wading and more shoreline for visitors to spread out for sunbathing and picnicking. Roving lifeguard patrols will visit Memorial Beach and other river parks beginning in July.

Excerpt from:

Memorial Beach won't get its summer dam this year - Sonoma West

ORLEANS (CBS) There was a scare at Nauset Beach Friday afternoon when a mother and her teenage son became trapped under the sand after digging a hole. It happened in a remote part of the beach in the overland area where people drive their cars onto the sand.

Orleans Fire Chief Geof Deering said firefighters and seasonal EMTs stationed at the beach were called in to help.

The entire hole was about six feet deep and the male was sitting in the bottom of it when the sand collapsed and trapped him and also trapped the woman, Deering said.

The teen was buried up to his mid torso and his mother was up to her waist.

Its a very delicate process when it comes to sand, Deering said. We have to do it very carefully so it doesnt continue to collapse on those people.

It took the 11-person crew about 20 minutes to dig them out.

Today we were very lucky that these two people were not injured seriously and we were able to get to them quickly and remove them, Deering said. But it highlights something that is very innocent. Digging in the sand, playing on the beach is a pretty innocent thing, but really it can turn very dangerous very quickly.

Deering warned beachgoers never to dig holes beyond the height of the knees of the smallest person in the group.

More here:

Mother, Son Rescued From Sand Collapse On Nauset Beach - CBS Boston

Texas has hundreds of miles of coastline and dozens of great beach spots. Whatever your pleasure surfing, fishing, wildlife-watching, partying, sand-castle building theres a beach for that.

But right now, beach-goers want long, uncrowded stretches of sand where they can safely keep their distance from other visitors. Add in the music of wind, waves, and birds (with no shops, bars, or high-rises to block your view of the dunes and the water), andMatagorda Bay Nature Park is the place.

Located on the Gulf Coast, about midway between Galveston and Corpus Christi, Matagorda Bay is literally at the end of a long narrow road bounded by salty wetlands on one side and the last stretch of the Colorado River on the other.

The location may be remote about a six-hour journey from Fort Worth but this Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) park has everything you need to enjoy it: parking, picnic areas, fishing piers, and restrooms.

The visitor center sells coffee and ice cream and rents beach chairs, umbrellas, wagons, and even kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. It also houses a gift shop and educational exhibits on area habitat and wildlife, complete with fish and touch tanks.

An RV park has full hookups and a laundry room, and the park allows tent camping in RV sites, or you can pitch a tent on the sand and really rough it.

The best option for a no-hassle, high-comfort beach experience is renting one of the two onsite Airstreams. The sleek silver trailers have practically wall-to-wall windows, the better to enjoy their waterside setting. Each comes with a fully equipped kitchen, two TVs, a sound system, a stack of towels, and a surprising amount of storage space. Private patios sport an enormous outdoor grill, Yeti cooler, and a picnic table, plus a view of the Colorado and its opposite shore, nothing but a tangle of wild brush.

In the park, sit down beneath a rustling palm tree and watch as pelicans glide above the water or drift peacefully on its surface. In the reeds, stilt-legged herons stalk fish, and on the fishing pier, people with fishing poles do the same. Dont have fishing gear, or forgot to bring it? No worries: the park will lend you some and even hosts occasional activities to teach you the basics (free, but reservations are required).

The beach here, one of the widest in Texas hands-down, runs northeast from the Colorado River for 23 miles and is perfect for long walks, sandcastle building, beachcombing, or just sitting. Driving a car on the beach requires a $10 permit from the county, available at the park and good for the rest of the year, and four-wheel drive is recommended.

Skip the driving and put a kayak in the water right behind the Airstream to explore, or join one of the parks guided paddles. Paddle across the river to 35 more miles of beach, accessible only by watercraft, and thus even less trammeled than the park side.

For more exploring via water, check out the East Matagorda Bay kayak trails (ask for a map at the visitor center). For some land-based exploring, Thunder Horse Outfitters across from the visitor center offers horseback rides on the beach. And after the sun sets, the skies here are dark enough for some serious stargazing.

Beach experiences just dont get much better than this.

The park visitor fee is $5 per adult (13-64), $2 for seniors (65 and up), and kids are free. RV sites start at $50, and camping starts at $40.

Read the rest here:

This remote destination is home to one of Texas' least crowded beaches - culturemap.com

'); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append('"+val.ihtml+""); $("#expandable-weather-block .weather-index-alerts").show(); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body h2").css({"font-family":"'Fira Sans', sans-serif", "font-weight":"500", "padding-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body p").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body span.wxalertnum").css({"float":"left", "width":"40px", "height":"40px", "color":"#ffffff", "line-height":"40px", "background-color":"#888888", "border-radius":"40px", "text-align":"center", "margin-right":"12px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body b").css("font-size", "18px"); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body li").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"18px", "margin-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body ul").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body pre").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body img").css({"width":"100%", "margin-bottom":"20px", "borderWidth":"1px", "border-style":"solid", "border-color":"#aaaaaa"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).css({"borderWidth":"0", "border-bottom-width":"1px", "border-style":"dashed", "border-color":"#aaaaaa", "padding-bottom":"10px", "margin-bottom":"40px"}); }); } function parseAlertJSON(json) { console.log(json); alertCount = 0; if (Object.keys(json.alerts).length > 0) { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").empty(); } $.each(json.alerts, function(key, val) { alertCount++; $("#mrd-wx-alerts .alert_count").text(alertCount); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").append(''); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } else if (val.fips != "" && val.fipsimg != "") { // $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } // } //val.instr = val.instr.replace(/[W_]+/g," "); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(val.dhtml+"

Instruction

Continued here:

Beaches are back: Orange Beach hosts hundreds of beachgoers on day one of reopen - FOX10 News

Public beaches in Old Lyme will be closed indefinitely starting Saturday. The decision was made by the Board of Selectmen earlier this week.

First Selectman Timothy Griswold said the town made the decision after seeing the warm temperatures forecast for this weekend. He said, using history as a guide, large groups of people tend to flock to Sound View beaches and other town beaches when the weather gets nice, making social distancing nearly impossible.

"If we suddenly had 4- or 500 people coming down, the genie would be out of the bottle," said Griswold. "We really would not be able to properly regulate things."

The town has placed electronic message boards along the main roads that lead to the beaches, reminding people that beaches are closed. Griswold said that police officers and rangers will be at Sound View this weekend to inform visitors that the beaches are closed.

According to a press release from the Town of Old Lyme, the town is not regulating the activities of the private beach associations, but they are urging private owners to be vigilant and ensure social distancing procedures are followed.

Restaurants along the beaches are still open. The general manager of Kokomo's at Sound View said that a lot of their business comes from the foot traffic of people visiting the beach.

"I was concerned about the reduction of revenue for us," said Drew McLachlan, general manager of Kokomo's.

While the public beach next door to Kokomo's is closed, the restaurant does have a private beach in its backyard. This weekend, McLachlan said, they are keeping their beach open. They will set up beach chairs, spread out six feet apart, and let people sit in a chair for $20 a visit. The $20 can then be used as a credit for a takeout meal from the restaurant.

"We are hoping to make up for the lost revenue with that," said McLachlan.

Beaches in neighboring towns and state beaches are still open, just encouraging normal social distancing practices.

Griswold said that he hopes the closure will not last long.

"We regret having to do this, but we look forward to the time when we can return to normal," said Griswold.

More here:

Old Lyme Beaches to Close Indefinitely Starting This Weekend - NBC Connecticut

Remdesivir is reportedly showing promise, but there's no guarantee the initial reports will lead to a commercially available treatment for COVID-19. USA TODAY

Officials instates including California andNew Jersey are urging people enjoying recently increased access to parks and beaches to observe social distancing regulations this weekend.

States across the nation are constantly changing their social distancing restrictions, slowlyrelaxing an uneven patchwork of regulations and making moves to reopen ravaged economies. The weekend will again bring challenges as some worry nice weather will cause crowding

Our live blog is being updated throughout the day. Refresh for the latest news, and get updates in your inbox with The Daily Briefing.

Here are the most significant developments to get your weekend started:

What we're talking about today:Should we worry about a meat shortage?

Some good news:Don't feel pressure to exercise too much as you're stuck at home"Whatever your regular exercise routine was, I wouldn't alter it," one expert recommends.

California authorities pleaded for beachgoers to follow social distancing rules over the weekend after Gov. Gavin Newsom on Thursday temporarily shuttered Orange Countys coastline,a move he said was prompted by overcrowded beaches last weekend.

At least in some places, officials were pleased with results. In San Diego, where people can exercise on the beach but not linger, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer praised residents for heeding safety restrictions that public health officials have credited at slowing the spread of the coronavirus.

But even as Newsom and others seek a cautious, phased reopening of the state, protesters dont want to wait.In Huntington Beach, police estimated 2,500 to 3,000 people gathered for May Day on a beachside street. They waved American flags and held signs. Most of them wore no masks and didnt practice social distancing.

In Sacramento, as police lined steps outside the Capitol, protesters waved signs that said Defend Freedom and broke into U-S-A chants.

A similar situation played out in various states on the East Coast on Saturday. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said he was pleased with initial reports of social distancing from a beachfront park, state parks and some golf courses that also reopened on Saturday. Meanwhile aReopen Maryland rallydrew a large crowd addressed by Rep. Andy Harris.

--Joel Shannon

More than 30 gravely ill patients who took part in an experimentaltreatment for COVID-19 at Houston Methodist Research Institute have recovered from the illness and have left the hospital, the physician overseeing the therapy said Friday.

"All of these people were very, very sick," Dr. James A. Musser, chairman of the department of pathology and genomic medicine at Houston Methodist Hospital, said in a phone interview. "Many of them were on ventilators. That was the common theme."

It cannot be said with certainty the treatment in which plasma donated by people who had fully recovered from the illness caused by the contagious and sometimes deadly coronavirus is injected into those still sick was responsible for recoveries, Musser said. But it appears to be a hopeful sign, he added.

Experts are still seeking to determine the types of patients who appeared to have benefited from the therapy and thetypes who did not.

John C Moritz

In an effort to limit further coronavirus infections, New York is initiating an intensive projectto identify the population with antibodies and determine the source of new cases.

Newly admitted virus patients into hospitals a majority in the downstate region hover at about 900 daily on a three-day average, including 831 Friday.

In an effort to lower the rate, the state's Department of Health is collecting more detailed demographic data on incoming cases, identifying residence, age, gender, race, underlying conditions, occupation, commuting method and other data to determine patterns in the newly infected and other clues on how new cases are generated.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says the aim is to determine if infections, for example, are spread through the homeor limited to front line workers.

In preliminary antibody testing of 15,000 people, up from 3,000 last week, one in five New York City residents tested positive for the virus antibody.

- Jeff Platsky

Spaniards flocked to the streets and parks Saturday to end seven weeks of a strict coronavirus lockdownwhileItaly and France are poised toease rules for businesses on Monday.

Spanish authorities, however, remained cautious, keeping beaches closed and requiring face maskson public transportation. Some small businesses willreopen Monday on a limited basis. In mid-May, each province will begin gradually reopening more broadly every two weeks, as long as individual provinces do not experience a reversal in coronavirus cases.

Italy will begin liftingitsnationwide lockdown Monday by allowing some key businesses primarily construction and manufacturing to reopen under strictsocial distancingrules.Funerals will also be permitted, with participationrestricted to no more than 15 people. Barring a reversal,Italian retail shops will be able to reopen later in May with restaurants, cafes, hair salons and barber shops to follow on June 1. Schools will not reopen until September.

Meannwhile in France, kindergartens and primary and secondary schools will reopen May 11, followed bycafes, restaurants and bars. Germanywill allow hair salons toreopen Monday.

The Navy's Blue Angels and the Air Force's Thunderbirds will fly over parts of the Washington, D.C., area, Baltimore, Atlanta and Fort Wayne, Indiana, on Saturday as a tribute to health care and essential workers battling the coronavirus pandemic.

The tribute, which included a flyover Tuesday in New York City, Philadelphia and Trenton, New Jersey,is part of President Donald Trumps Operation America Strong salute.

Residents within the flight path can expect to hear jet noise as the 12 high-performance aircraft flyin precise formation, and people should be able to view the flyover from their homes.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Ohio's loosening of stay-at-home orders Friday represents Gov. Mike DeWine's cautious approach, starting with an easing of rules for hospitals, dentists and veterinarians, followed Monday withthe opening of construction and manufacturing. Retail and customer service shops will remain shuttered until May 12.

Meanwhile, to usher in the first ofMay, more than a dozen states like Louisiana and Colorado have allowed restaurants, storesor some other business to reopen, but under tightrestrictionsto keep people apart.Find the latest on your state here.

The coronavirus has left one Chicago neighborhood reeling. Blocks away, residents are living life largely as normal. The difference? Income and race.

USA TODAY took an exclusive look at how the pandemic hasbeen felt inneighborhoods across the nation by collecting the ZIP code-level data from health departments in 12 states.The results paint a grim picture of COVID-19's devastation in places just miles orblocks from communities experiencing far less harm:

Read the report here.

- Grace Hauck, Mark Nichols, Miriam Marini and Andrew Pantazi

For Kentuckians and many across the horse racing industry, the first Saturday in May is a sacred holiday reserved for one thing: The Kentucky Derby.

Today would have marked the 146th running at Churchill Downs, which postponed the race until September due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event annually draws 150,000 people to the Louisville racetrack who come dressed in their best spring attire colorful hats, seersucker suits, linen pants and bow ties all to catch a glimpse of the fastest 2 minutes in sports, drink a Mint Julep and maybe spot a celebrity.

The last time the Derby wasn't held on the first Saturday in May was in 1945, when the U.S. government temporarily banned horse racing because of World War II.

And while racetracks in California, Kentucky and New York are closed,all eyes are on the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park, which rescheduled its race for 3-year-olds fromApril 11 to May 2.

- Rachel Aretakis

Reporters and experts from across the country and the USA TODAY Network talk about America's most urgent questions on disinfection and reinfection. USA TODAY

California has gained praisefor its speed in enactingsocial distancing orders which have helpedkeepthe most populousstate from suffering the kind of runaway outbreaks that have plagued other states. But a USA TODAY Network analysis finds the state is still woefully unprepared to reopenin accordance with public health recommendations.

Gov. Gavin Newsom recently laid out a reopening plan with benchmarks that must be met before he will recommend walking back stay-at-home orders and other social distancing measures.He called for California to test between 60,000 and 80,000 people daily.

California is doing just a third of that, as of late April, conducting only about 52 tests per 100,000 people each day, according to a USA TODAY Networkanalysis. Across the nation, Californiafalls slightly into the bottom half of all states.

California is far behind behind the national leaders Rhode Island, North Dakota and New Mexico which are respectively averaging about 260, 209 and 163 tests per 100,000 residents each day. No other states have yet to achievethe recommended testing metric, though New York and Massachusetts are close.

Newsom has saidsome business sectors, such as retail and manufacturing, may be able to open within weeks if the state's testing capability grows and case numbers slow. Butother businesses such as hair salons will take longer.Large gatherings such as concerts still remain out of reach, he said.

Nicole Hayden,Mark Olalde, Jordan Culver and Joel Shannon

The FDAon Friday issued emergency authorization for use of remdesivir for the treatment of hospitalized coronavirus patients. Remdesivir"may be effective in treating COVID-19,"and "there is no adequate, approvedand available alternative,"the FDAs chief scientist Denise Hinton said in a letter.

Remdesivir is an experimental antiviral drug from the American biotech firm Gilead Sciences. It was originally tested as a treatment for Ebola and other coronaviruses including SARS and is now being tested as a possible COVID-19 treatment.

Early data from a global study released Wednesday found patients given remdesivir recovered faster and may be less likely to die. However, another study published the same day in the British medical journal The Lancet found no clinical benefits to the drug.

- Grace Hauck

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has invoked the states Riot Control Act to seal off all roads to nonessential traffic in the city of Gallupto help control a surging coronavirus outbreak in the former trading post on the outskirts of the Navajo Reservation.

Gallup, a city of 70,000,is the seat of McKinley County andhas reported 1,027 coronavirus cases and 19 deaths, the highest for any New Mexico county. Under Lujan Grishams order, which remains in effect until noon Monday, only two people per vehicle are allowed and residents should stay home except for essential trips.

The spread of #COVID19 in McKinley County is frightful. Physical distancing has not occurred & is not occurring, Lujan Grisham tweeted, after enacting the order at the request of Gallups mayor. Stricter measures are necessary to stop the virus.

Statewide, the governor reported eight deaths Friday, bringing the total to133, and 104 cases, raising the total to 3,513.

McKinley County includes part of the Navajo Nation reservation, which spans parts of New Mexico, Arizonaand Utah. The Navajo Nation ordered its own 57-hour weekend curfew starting at 8 p.m.

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Read or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/05/02/coronavirus-update-states-easing-restrictions-testing-concerns-may-2/3066973001/

See more here:

Coronavirus live updates: Officials urge social distancing at beaches; over 65K have died in US - USA TODAY

Keep it classy, San Diego. Don't be like Orange County.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, Calif. This weekend will mark the first in six weeks most San Diego County beaches will be open after being closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, and law enforcement is not taking it lightly.

Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer on Friday thanked San Diegans for staying strong in the face of COVID-19 health regulations and encourage them to keep it up ahead of warm weather forecasted for the weekend.

He stressed the importance of this weekend's beach behavior.

Nows the time we really have to redouble our efforts for the weekend. Im going to continue to advocate for you at all levels but we need your help cooperation and patience. we cannot go backwards, Mayor Faulconer said.

Police will heavily patrol beaches, and many beachgogers are hoping to stay out of trouble.

Its almost as if there are as many cop cars as there are regular cars, said one woman watching the view from her car.

San Diego officials did express concerns that residents would descend to the coast all at once.

One area I would like to ask for help is Sunset Cliffs. We're still seeing quite a few people to watch the red tide, but we're inundating the area, said San Diego Police Chief Nisleit

Parking at the beach will be limited in order to discourage the crowds.

Officials in San Diego hope residents comply and not ruin it for the rest like in Orange County where beaches were ordered to close again after last weekend's social distancing disaster.

Well at that time it was allowed there was nobody really there. There were no restrictions. It was just very confusing why there were no rules between the cities and counties, said a San Diego couple who happened to be part of the Newport crowds.

More cities are coming on board with San Diegos beach openings.

The cities of Carlsbad, Del Mar, and Solana Beach on Friday announced they would reopen their beaches on Monday. Their beaches, too, will remain restricted to recreation use only.

That means beachgoers can: walk, run, bike, swim, surf, kayak, and boat.

Sitting, lying down on the sand, or gathering in groups is not allowed.

Police said their first attempt is a warning, and a quick lecture on the new rules. Those who reject those orders face six months jail time and a $1,000 fine.

For a full list of OPEN parks, go to: http://www.sandiego.gov/coronavirus

Parks are OPEN for passive use.

Parking lots remain CLOSED.

On Friday, City of San Diego golf courses reopened with physical distancing and face covering mandates.

Read this article:

San Diego Officials: First beach weekend in 6 weeks will serve as a test - CBS News 8

TAMPA Tampa Mayor Jane Castor announced late Friday that some of the citys parks would open on Monday at sunrise along with the citys beaches.

The mayor made the announcement on her daily Facebook Live update, saying that dog parks, kayak, canoe and boat launches and other amenities were also reopening.

Here is the list of parks:

Restrooms, playgrounds, picnic area and sports fields will remain closed, according to an accompanying news release.

Castor asked residents to exercise in groups no larger than 10 and to maintain social distancing rules.

Code and law enforcement will monitor the spaces, she said.

Ben T. Davis, the beach on the south side of the eastern terminus of the Courtney Campbell Causeway is the citys most popular beach. The others are Picnic Island, Cypress Point and Davis Islands.

Hillsborough County has already announced it will reopen some of its parks as early as Saturday.

On Wednesday, Castor said she would keep the citys parks and beaches closed for the time being, citing her concern that they would attract crowds.

She also told the Tampa Bay Times in that interview that she considered getting the citys service industry back on its feet to be a higher priority.

Were doing all we can to help out our restaurants and our retail locations, she said. Its critically important that our economy get back open but that we do it very thoughtful, she said in her Facebook appearance.

She said the city would be making an announcement about Gov. Ron DeSantis statewide order allowing restaurants to operate at 25 percent capacity very soon.

Other city parks will remain closed, the release said.

HAVE YOU LOST SOMEONE YOU LOVE TO COVID-19?: Help us remember them

UNEMPLOYMENT Q&A: We answer your questions about Florida unemployment benefits

CONTRIBUTE TO THE SCRAPBOOK: Help us tell the story of life under coronavirus

BRIGHT SPOTS IN DARK TIMES: The world is hard right now, but theres still good news out there

LISTEN TO THE CORONAVIRUS PODCAST: New episodes every week, including interviews with experts and reporters

HAVE A TIP?: Send us confidential news tips

GET THE DAYSTARTER MORNING UPDATE: Sign up to receive the most up-to-date information, six days a week

WATCH VIDEO: How some in Tampa Bay are finding light amid isolation

Were working hard to bring you the latest news on the coronavirus in Florida. This effort takes a lot of resources to gather and update. If you havent already subscribed, please consider buying a print or digital subscription.

See the rest here:

Tampa begins to open its parks, beaches - Tampa Bay Times

ST.PETERSBURG BEACH, Fla. Hundreds of extra deputies will be on Pinellas County beaches to make sure people are social distancing starting Monday.

Pinellas County beaches open at 7 a.m. on Monday morning.

RECOMMENDED: Pinellas County opening public beaches, pools

The sheriff says 250 extra deputies will be on beaches making sure that people are staying six feet apart and in groups of 10 or less.

Every beach access point will have a uniformed deputy to educate people about the social distancing rules.

"Anyone not following the rules is going to be simply asked to leave the beach. If we see certain areas of the beach that exceed safe distancing and capacity requirements, people will be asked to relocate to open areas," said Bob Gualtieri, Pinellas County Sheriff.

The sheriff says deputies will be patrolling the beaches and making sure people are obeying parking rules until 8 p.m. every night.

Along with Pinellas County, Sarasota County will lift all beach restrictions starting Monday.

Manatee County is opening beaches on Monday for all activities, but they will have a two-hour parking limit.

Visit link:

Hundreds of deputies will be making sure people on Pinellas County beaches are social distancing - ABC Action News

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY Beaches remain open with restrictions on picnics and parties, but officials are hoping that could change soon.

Officials continue to evaluate facilities such as public beaches, County Administrator Jason Brown said Friday. The hope is to lift some restrictions within the next couple of weeks.

"We want to see how the first weekend goes," Brown said.

After closing because of the coronavirus,county beaches re-opened Tuesday to allow activities such as swimming, walking, running and kayaking. Social-distancing ruleskeeping 6 feet apart and limiting groups to less than 10 still apply.

More: Coronavirus in Florida: Indian River County beaches reopen for first day of 'essential activities' only

Indian River County officials re-opened the public beach access points to the community on Tuesday, April 28, 2020. Beach activities are limited to "essential activities" only, according to County Administrator Jason Brown. Those include running, walking, surfing and exercise. (Photo: PATRICK DOVE/TCPALM)

Tents, blankets, coolers and chairs remain prohibited items, as sunbathing and "hanging out" activities are not allowed.

While Emergency Services Director Tad Stone said those restrictions couldbe part of the second or third phases of the state's reopening plan,likely two to fourweeks away, Brown said restrictions could be lifted sooner.

Re-opening facilities such as the IG Center could take longer, Brown said.

The county is re-opening a few other facilities, too.

Sandridge Golf Course reopened Friday, and the Indian River County Shooting Range off County Road 512 is expected to open May 8, officials said.

The Indian River County Main Library and North County Library partially opened to "book holds" this week, allowing people to reserve books or DVDs online and then pickthem up outsidethe library. Library materials also can be returned at the libraries.

More: Treasure Coast gears up for business re-opening following Gov. DeSantis' announcement

Autoplay

Show Thumbnails

Show Captions

Want more Treasure Coast news? If you're already a subscriber to TCPalm, thank you! If not, please subscribe and help keep the news you want coming.

Read or Share this story: https://www.tcpalm.com/story/news/local/shaping-our-future/2020/05/01/irc-continues-check-beaches-hoping-lift-restrictions-soon/3060515001/

Read more:

Indian River County beaches open for exercise, and there's hope picnics could return soon - TCPalm

'); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append('"+val.ihtml+""); $("#expandable-weather-block .weather-index-alerts").show(); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body h2").css({"font-family":"'Fira Sans', sans-serif", "font-weight":"500", "padding-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body p").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body span.wxalertnum").css({"float":"left", "width":"40px", "height":"40px", "color":"#ffffff", "line-height":"40px", "background-color":"#888888", "border-radius":"40px", "text-align":"center", "margin-right":"12px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body b").css("font-size", "18px"); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body li").css({"font-size":"14px", "line-height":"18px", "margin-bottom":"10px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body ul").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body pre").css({"margin-bottom":"24px"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body img").css({"width":"100%", "margin-bottom":"20px", "borderWidth":"1px", "border-style":"solid", "border-color":"#aaaaaa"}); $("#expandable-weather-block .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).css({"borderWidth":"0", "border-bottom-width":"1px", "border-style":"dashed", "border-color":"#aaaaaa", "padding-bottom":"10px", "margin-bottom":"40px"}); }); } function parseAlertJSON(json) { console.log(json); alertCount = 0; if (Object.keys(json.alerts).length > 0) { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").empty(); } $.each(json.alerts, function(key, val) { alertCount++; $("#mrd-wx-alerts .alert_count").text(alertCount); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body ").append(''); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(""+val.title+""); // if (window.location.hostname == "www.kmov.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kctv5.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.azfamily.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.kptv.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.fox5vegas.com" || window.location.hostname == "www.wfsb.com") { if (val.poly != "" && val.polyimg != "") { $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } else if (val.fips != "" && val.fipsimg != "") { // $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(''); } // } //val.instr = val.instr.replace(/[W_]+/g," "); $("#mrd-wx-alerts .modal-body #mrd-alert"+ alertCount).append(val.dhtml+"

Instruction

See original here:

First full day of Gulf Shores beaches re-open - FOX10 News

Ventnor officials announced Friday that the citys beaches will reopen May 8 for passive recreation, but the Boardwalk will remain closed.

Permitted activities on the beach include walking, running or jogging, exercising and dog-walking, according to a post on the citys Facebook page. However, there will be no access to the Boardwalk other than crossing to the beach.

The 14-foot wide Boardwalk does not fit the guidelines for social distancing, according to the post, and will remain closed until further notice.

We believe these measures are in keeping with the spirit of the executive orders and have proven to discourage the surge in population that is counterproductive in reducing the spread of the novel virus Covid -19 in Ventnor, according to the post. We continue to discourage ALL homeowners, full time and seasonal, from unnecessary travel or large gatherings that may contribute to the spread of Covid-19.

14-day trend lines showing appreciable and sustained drop in new COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and other metrics reflecting decreasing burden of disease;

Hospitals stepping down from functioning under crisis standards of care.

At least double current diagnostic testing capacity;

Prioritize testing for health care workers, essential personnel, and vulnerable populations;

Create a flexible testing plan accessible to all residents;

Expand partnerships with institutions of higher education, private-sector labs, and the federal government;

Ensure that those who test positive are linked to a health care provider.

Recruit and deploy an army of personnel who will identify and follow-up with contacts;

Leverage technological data and innovative solutions to increase efficiency;

Coordinate the approach of local and state health officials, which will have a coordinated county/regional component.

To the greatest extent possible, provide individuals who do test positive in the future with a safe and free place to isolate and protect others from COVID-19;

Ensure that quarantined contacts are provided supportive services, if needed.

Create the Governors Restart and Recovery Commission to advise on the process and recommend responsible and equitable decisions;

Plan for a methodical and strategic return to work based on level of disease transmission risk and essential classification;

Continuation of social distancing measures, requirements for face coverings, and work-from-home directions where feasible and appropriate;

Leverage any available federal funds and programs to support health care, individual, and small business recoveries.

Learn from the lessons of COVID-19 and prepare for the possibility of a resurgence;

Ensure hospitals, health care systems, and other health delivery facilities have inventories of personal protective equipment and ventilators;

Build our own state personal protective equipment and ventilator stockpile;

Create a playbook for future administrations for the next pandemic.

Continue reading here:

Ventnor beaches to reopen May 8, Boardwalk to remain closed - Press of Atlantic City

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. As of Saturday, May 2, Fort Myers Beach is back open to everyone.

Hundreds of people swarmed to the shores.

One person told Fox 4 she believes beaches should have reopened weeks ago.

Im a proponent for herd immunity if we dont get out and we dont get exposed there is no way that we are going to be able to fight this, sais Katie Deleuce.

Some people say they are receiving push back for their decision to go on with life as normal.

I feel like there is a lot of hostility with people that feel like everybody should be staying home, and thats fine stay hometo each its own, but when I can get back out there Im going to get back out there said Felicia Baas.

Douglas Sharf says fresh air is good for the soul and couldnt be happier to be back on the beach.

The way things are going all around the country...its like people kind of anything they can get to uplift their spirits, said Douglas Scharf.

The Fort Myers Beach Town Council voted unanimously to reopen beaches after weeks of apprehension.

I feel more comfortable now because the other beaches have opened up as well, so its not just Fort Myers Beach and were getting bombarded by everyone, its spread out, said Mayor Ray Murphy.

Mayor Murphy encourages everyone to still abide by CDC guidelines.

Play by the rules, come out have fun, but just keep your distance for now, said Mayor Ray Murphy.

K.C. Grosse worries the public may start to get too comfortable, forgetting we are all still in a pandemic.

This isnt over, thats our big fear is we do this much and people see everybody out and they think oh its over, its not over there are just certain places we can be and we still need to have precautions, said K.C. Grosse

The town council voted to reopen restaurants and retail stores at 25% capacity, matching Governor Ron DeSantis guidelines for Phase 1 of reopening the state starting Monday.

More here:

Fort Myers Beach reopens to the public - Fox 4

Every Californian has an unalienable right to a day at the beach.

Or at least an hour or two.

OK, maybe just a few minutes daydreaming in a car while marveling at the foaming breakers. Of course, most beach parking lots are now closed to you and me.

Going to the beach is our birthright as native Californians and our promise to newcomers. Its our gift from the Creator a trade-off for all the quakes, wildfires, mudslides and smog.

Yeah, I know: Every right has limits. Weve got the right to free speech but shouldnt wade into the surf and yell shark. And we shouldnt be spreading germs to other sunbathers.

So hire some beach patrols and enforce the rule about plopping down no closer than six feet apart. Maybe after a couple of warnings issue a citation for enough bucks to cover the administrative costs.

Although, honestly, I cant envision a young couple adhering to the six-foot rule for more than five minutes.

And forget about wearing masks on the beach. One of the oceans appeals is breathing in that salt air drifting in on a soft breeze.

My parents left Oklahoma and Tennessee in the 1920s searching for the California Dream. They met at a Ventura beach party. I practically grew up on beaches between Ventura and Santa Barbara Hollywood Beach, the Rincon, Carpinteria, East Beach while sheltering in Ojai.

At Ventura College, I often took my reading assignment down to a secluded beach on the Rincon. Later at San Jose State, I immediately noticed how pale most northern students were at summers end compared to Southern California beach worshipers. In Santa Cruz, the sun shined less and the water was colder. But it was still paradise.

Recently, it was reassuring to notice that Ventura politicians still get it. Beaches are the substance of local peoples lives. The City Council decided to open them on the first spectacular weekend of the season in support of balancing residents physical and mental health, it announced.

Yes, a warm sun, calm breeze and a little body surfing will do wonders for the mind, relaxing it and enabling the toleration of all manner of aggravations while sheltering at home. You cant find therapy like that good no matter the fee.

Of course, leaders of my old beach town werent very hospitable to outsiders. They told Angelenos to stay out.

To our L.A. County brothers and sisters, normally we like you to come here, but not right now, county Executive Officer Mike Powers was quoted in the Ventura County Star, which gave me my first daily newspaper job while at VC. If you have to travel, keep it to essential travel where you live.

Guess you cant blame people in Ventura, which has avoided being hard hit by COVID-19, for fearing being overrun by residents in more densely populated L.A., where the coronavirus continues to spread.

L.A. has kept its beaches closed. But they were opened in Orange County. And the Newport Beach City Council rejected a proposal to close down the beach in May after people swarmed there on the hot weekend.

Unfortunately, city parking lots at the beach were closed, so beachgoers invaded nearby neighborhoods.

I think you should reopen them, state Sen. John Moorlach (R-Costa Mesa) said Tuesday. Hes a former Orange County supervisor who represents some beach communities. People should have access to facilities.

Moorlach says he understands why people flocked there on a beautiful weekend.

You need to trust people, the senator says. If they exercise proper social distancing, youve got to let people be people. If youre part of a vulnerable group, shame on you for going to the beach. For everyone else whos sheltering in place, the beach may be the best medicine.

We havent seen the surge in virus contagion that was feared, he continues. And Im not seeing a wide band of people in ICUs. I see hospitals in my district struggling because they dont have patients. Somethings amiss. Maybe people are seeing that too.

What Gov. Gavin Newsom saw those crowded beach scenes made him angry.

Those images are an example of what not to seewhat not to do, the governor declared during his Monday virus briefing. You didnt see those images at L.A. beaches and San Diego beaches and [in] Northern California because we had strong guidelines that were not only adopted but were abided by.

So amend the guidelines and loosen up.

Instead, sadly, the governor announced Thursday hes closing Orange County beaches. Thankfully he backed away from closing all beaches in California.

The TV angles were bad and made the beaches look more crowded than they really were, Moorlach says.

Everyone did social distancing. [It] was real cooperative and very respectful. They just wanted to get out and get some sun, which is really healthy.

If its unhealthy, if people are being infected with the virus by being drawn to the ocean as humans always have, show us some data. Do people who go to the beach contract the virus more than people who dont? Show us the numbers.

Until then, heres my declaration of independence from shallow thinking:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all Californians are endowed with certain unalienable rights. Among these are sun, surf and a day at the beach.

Newsom could use some beach time.

View original post here:

Amid coronavirus, Californians have a right to beaches - Los Angeles Times