Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom is reportedly preparing to close all the beaches in his state after large crowds gathered in Southern California last weekend.
A memo sent to all California police chiefs and obtained by several local news outlets stated that Newsom is set to close the beaches May 1, with no set date for the order to expire. (RELATED: Gavin Newsom Says Nike Did ‘The Right Thing’ In Pulling Betsy Ross Flag Shoes)
“All beaches and all state parks in California will be closed, effective Friday, May 1st,” the memo says. “We wanted to give all of our members a heads up about this in order to provide time for you to plan for any situations you might expect as a result, knowing each community has its own dynamics.”
#BREAKING: Gov. Gavin Newsom tomorrow will call for all beaches and state parks to close starting Friday, a memo sent to all California police chiefs says https://t.co/TUfR0xM7VG pic.twitter.com/Ofe68hcVqg
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) April 30, 2020
Photos of large crowds gathering at beaches in the southern part of the state generated some controversy on social media over the weekend. A recent study found that of 318 outbreaks in China, just two cases were transmitted outdoors.
New: Study of 318 outbreaks in China found transmission occurred out-of-doors in only one, involving just 2 cases. Most occurred in home or public transport. Raises key chance for states to move services outdoors (religious, gym classes, restaurants, etc). https://t.co/Isg5DGxRWa pic.twitter.com/Z5n1b52h8V
— Scott Gottlieb, MD (@ScottGottliebMD) April 23, 2020
The White House Coronavirus task force recently announced findings that concluded sunlight has a “powerful” effect on the virus, saying it is far more difficult to spread outdoors.