[ad_1]
Few things mean normality for Los Angeles people like a day at the beach.
But those who took the first opportunity to return to the beach for the first time in two months found things far from normal.
Los Angeles County officials have reopened its 75 miles of beach from Malibu to Long Beach, but with strict restrictions.
Things are still far from normal after two months of confinement
Los Angeles beach lovers can walk, run, swim, and surf, but can’t sunbathe or picnic
The threat of coronavirus It means that beach lovers can walk, run, swim and surf, but cannot sunbathe or have a picnic. They can be active, they cannot stay or rest.
Still, the opportunity to feel the Pacific breeze and the sand between their toes was a relief for those who live locked up.
“It feels like a great day,” said Maria Castro. “You can see that people are still a little scared and that’s a good thing maybe. It’s good to be back.”
They returned in modest numbers. The people of Los Angeles have generally been supportive and observant of the authorities’ message that they stay home.
Even the bustling Rosie’s Dog Beach, which was recently opened to owners and their puppies, only received a handful of visitors on Wednesday morning.
Despite the reduction of restrictions, the order “safer at home” will remain in force until July
It was certainly a contrast to the scenes witnessed on the beaches of neighboring Orange County in recent weeks when crowds and anti-lockdown protesters emerged on the boardwalk.
Indeed, anyone in Los Angeles desperate to visit the beach so far has been able to travel a few miles north or south to reach some of those who have been open.
And the real test of whether people can be trusted to comply with the restrictions will come over the weekend.
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Spreaker
:: Listen to Divided States on Apple podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify and Spreaker
But Los Angeles residents could perhaps be forgiven for being confused by the county director of public health’s statement that, while things are opening up, the “safer at home” order would remain in effect until July.
While that statement was later clarified to reflect that a slow and steady lifting of restrictions will still continue, it served as a reminder that things will not return to normal for some time yet.
Even a day at the beach cannot eliminate that reality.
