Mayor Faulconer says he is proud of San Diegans for respecting restrictions as city beaches opened Monday.
San Diego County health officials amended public health orders Friday, lifting restrictions for swimmers, surfers and those using kayaks or paddle boards but beach parking lots and boardwalks would remain closed and gatherings of any size on beaches are prohibited.
The County also announced Friday that effective May 1st, a countywide order goes into effect requiring the wearing of face masks or face coverings if you are out in public and within six feet of anyone who is not a member of your family or your household.
The measures come after a week in which South County cities saw spikes in coronavirus cases and began mandating that residents were face masks when in public.
The beach order will allow ocean access from city beaches for the above-mentioned activities. piers, boardwalks and parking lots are still closed to the public, and the order does not include boat ramps or watercraft. It also does not apply to state parks and beaches and leaves the decision to open beaches to the cities.
Each municipality can make the call on opening beaches. any beaches that do open will be subject to the county's ``passive use'' definition, and visitors must avoid sitting, lying and engaging in group activities -- any open beach can be used for walking, running or as an access point to the ocean.
Two New Deaths Reported Monday
San Diego County health officials on Sunday reported 98 new cases of the COVID-19 virus and two new deaths. The total number of cases in the county stands at 3.141 with 113 deaths.
Statewide, as of Sunday at 7:30pm, the total number of coronavirus cases in California was 41,338 with 1,651 deaths.
CLICK HERE TO SEE DAILY COUNTY CORONAVIRUS REPORT.
(Photo credit c.e. albert)