The Strand, Beach To Close Saturday In Hermosa Beach

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — The Strand and beach in Hermosa Beach will be closed at 6 a.m. Saturday in an attempt to stop gatherings that could increase the spread of the coronavirus, city manager Suja Lowenthal said Wednesday.

"We understand the desire to be outside and in nature is more powerful than ever and being out in nature is permitted if people avoid crowds and maintain 6 feet of distance from non-household members," Lowenthal said.

"While most people are staying home to slow the spread of COVID-19, the actions of a few who choose not to follow the rules can cost the lives of many. The sooner we close the beach and Strand, the better our chance to slow the spread of COVID-19."

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Hermosa Beach's Downtown Parking Structure will also be closed to the public to discourage people traveling to the beach and the Strand, Lowenthal said.

The closures will remain in effect until city officials have determined it is safe to re-open the beach, Strand and parking structure, Lowenthal said.

The decision to close the beach and the Strand came in response to groups of people gathering on the beach and Strand last weekend increasing the risk of spreading the coronavirus because people were unable to maintain the required 6-foot distance from non-family members, Lowenthal said.

City staff will place signs and barriers at access points to the beach and Strand over the next two days, and the Hermosa Beach Police Department will patrol the beach to enforce the closures, interim Hermosa Beach Police Department Chief Michael McCrary said.

"We are hoping for voluntary compliance, and police officers will initially be informing the public about the closures," McCrary said. ``But police officers will start writing citations and imposing fines, if needed, to keep the public safe.

Hermosa Beach owns its beach, unlike other South Bay cities, and can decide on its own whether to close it, Lowenthal said.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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City News Service contributed to this post