More than 50,000 California locals flocked to the beaches in Huntington and Newport Beach as some communities opened their shorelines Saturday.

Lifeguards working at the beaches said the crowd of tens of thousands gathered and violated social distancing rules as temperatures surpassed 80 degrees. People working at the Newport Beach said the crowd doubled within two days of the reopening. 

In a photo obtained by a media site, residents were seen packed like sardines, most of whom do not have face covers. One image showed a group of five people sitting within six feet of each other. A group of sunbathers sat so close their towels touched. 

On one side of the beach, residents wore no masks as they went out to walk their dogs and push strollers on the swarmed boardwalk. 

Ignite the Virus

The heatwave attracted an uptick of people to beaches and golf courses on Saturday. Authorities reportedly closed an unidentified coastal park due to Californian residents swarming the area. 

Many recreation centers remained close under the stay-at-home policies. Local officials are worried those that chose to stay open would draw crowds of people who were hunkered down for more than a month. Authorities warned the packed crowds could ignite a deadly COVID-19 rage.

Law enforcement officials in Pacific Grove ordered the Lovers Point Park and Beach at Monterey Bay to cease operations due to a lack of social distancing. 

In Los Angeles, officers on horseback patrolled the trails and playgrounds to enforce strict self-isolation rules. The city also opened cooling centers where people could stay during the intense heatwave. 

Many residents were seen on the beaches and parks in Jacksonville after it was reopened for limited hours beginning Friday for "essential activities." The activities include walking, fishing, biking, and dog walking. The beaches are operational from 6 to 11 AM and from 5 to 8 PM. 

The crowd cheered and rushed to the sands after police removed the barrier Friday afternoon, the same day the state reported a record number of COVID-19 cases. Aerial photos recorded hundred of people without masks. 

Non-Essential Businesses

In Oklahoma, spas and pet groomers also started accepting appointments on Friday, with parks and recreation areas open to the public. 

In Georgia, non-essential businesses such as gyms, barbershops, and tattoo parlors resumed operation on Friday amid the rising number of coronavirus cases and deaths in the country which hit 960,896 patients and 54,265 fatalities Sunday morning. 

A model made by researchers at the University of Washington suggested the economy should not be reopened until May 1. Experts also believe Georgia should not reopen until June 22. 

Business owners reported fully booked schedules, with more expected to set their appointments. Customers were also seen lining up outside hair salons to get manicures and haircuts early in the morning. 

Tammy Noboa, a salon owner, said deciding whether or not to open her doors was not hard. She immediately accepted seven appointments on Saturday. 

"I have to work. I have bills to pay," she said.