Officials Prepping For Large Beach Crowds Ahead Of Labor Day Weekend, Expected Heat Wave, COVID-19 Concerns
HERMOSA BEACH (CBSLA) -- Los Angeles County officials say they are increasing staffing in preparation for expected large crowds during the Labor Day weekend.
In Malibu, there is more than double the amount of officials patrolling. For other areas, like Hermosa Beach, some authorities have been walking around reminding visitors to wear their face coverings.
Health experts say ongoing pandemic concerns and the record-setting heat poses several risks for people who want to head to the beach this weekend.
Local and national officials are pleading with Americans not to pack beaches as many did on the Fourth of July and Memorial Day weekend, leading to a spike in coronavirus cases.
"You don't want to see a repeat of the surges we have seen on the holiday weekend... another surge we have to turn around again," said Dr. Anthony Fauci from the National Institutes of Health.
An incoming heat wave could have temperatures passing 100 degrees, breaking from the norm in years past.
"If it seems like it's getting worse, that's because it is," said Dr. Jennifer Marlon, a Yale University climate scientist.
Marlon and other experts say the climate changes appear to be consistent with air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, and even increased fire or hurricanes can have an impact too.
"Hurricanes seem to be affecting more people and dumping more rains so a lot of extreme net weather events are coming," Marlon said. "Many Americans start to think about climate change and become more worried about it."
For people who do visit the beach, officials say all visitors should maintain physical distancing and wear a face-covering unless you're in the water or alone.
Hermosa Beach enforcement officers will be on the beach throughout the weekend to monitor coronavirus safety compliance. Fines for not following guidelines range from $100 to $500.
