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On Friday, California Governor Gavin Newsom pleaded with people to stay at home now that the summer weather is making it’s way to the state.
It’s going to be nice outside this weekend. You might be feeling cooped up. Ready for life to go back to “normal.”
But can’t stress this enough:
CA can only keep flattening the curve if we stay home and practice physical distancing.
You have the power to literally save lives.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) April 24, 2020
Newson’s pleas seem to have fallen on deaf ears because several beaches were packed with people this weekend.
According to lifeguards in the Orange County area, an estimated 40,000 people crowded Newport beach on Saturday afternoon.
Via Fox News
Lifeguards estimate 40,000 people on Newport Beach Friday, which is twice as many as Thursday. Many they say, are from LA and San Diego.
“We’re seeing a huge increase in crowds that we would normally see out here in the middle of the summer,” said Lifeguard Battalion Chief Brian O’Rourke.
Newport Beach is open, but the parking lot, pier and boardwalk are closed to try to deter a crowd. Still, some were choosing not to social-distance.
It does not appear that people are able to properly social distance from the images/videos that were posted on social media.
https://twitter.com/jedigoodman/status/1254229279493066752
WATCH: Large crowds flock to Newport Beach, CA upon its reopening. pic.twitter.com/M4uuxoC8UN
— The Hill (@thehill) April 26, 2020
Just a few people out in Newport Beach today pic.twitter.com/qZMM1Pj3BB
— Jenn (@baseballnchill) April 25, 2020
Visitors head home after a busy day at Newport Beach as tens of thousands head to the coast to stay cool.
Tomorrow Orange County beaches are expected to be even busier as LA officials will be out in force keeping people from the shore.
The Beach battle at 11pm @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/YqeMd1945p— Leanne Suter (@abc7leanne) April 25, 2020
Newport Beach appears to be pretty crowded, as Southern California is hit by a heat wave. https://t.co/abDlBmkZo0 pic.twitter.com/1DDSjvPhT5
— NBC Los Angeles (@NBCLA) April 25, 2020
We’ll see how Governor Newsom responds to the large gatherings on Monday during his press conference.