Coronavirus: LA County Beaches To Reopen Wednesday For Active Use Only

MANHATTAN BEACH (CBSLA) — Los Angeles County's beaches will reopen Wednesday to limited, active use.

Physical distancing will be required, and beaches will be open only for active use, so people will not be able to lay down blankets or picnic. The Strand, the Manhattan Beach Pier and parking lots will remain closed to prevent crowds and the spread of coronavirus.

But Manhattan Beach Mayor Richard Montgomery says he is excited the beach will once again be accessible to the public.

"The beach will be open for active uses only, such as walking, running, surfing and swimming," Montgomery said in a statement. "If beach visitors do not follow all the rules, the State of California or Los Angeles County can once again close our beaches. By abiding by these measures, you will play an important role in keeping the beaches open."

LA County beaches will operate under normal hours, and chairs, canopies, coolers and grills will not be permitted. Sunbathing, gathering and any organized games, like beach volleyball, are also not allowed.

Hermosa Beach said it would also reopen Wednesday, which will be the start of the county's plan to gradually expand beach activities over time. The current plan calls for expanding activities in six-week phases, with the timing of each phase based on how the public manages the current restrictions and public health indicators, including the number of new COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations.

The county will also require face coverings on the beach, but not in the water.

It's not clear if LA city beaches, like Venice, or beaches in Santa Monica or Malibu will also reopen. Neighboring Orange County has been slowly reopening its beaches, while Ventura County instituted a "soft closure" on its beaches during Gov. Gavin Newsom's stay-at-home order.