Some coastal communities in California are expressing their concerns on the possibility that Governor Gavin Newsom may be closing Californian beaches in support of the continuing efforts of the nation to prevent the further spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Newsom recently criticized beachgoers last week in Orange County, which opened its beaches to the public while Los Angeles County's beaches remained closed.


Urging Everyone to Stay at Home

Newsom requested that the residents of the state stay at home and follow social distancing guidelines to prevent spoiling the progress of California in preventing the further spread of the novel coronavirus as he plans to let some businesses in the state to reopen.


The Unveiling of a Plan

Newsom had revealed a broad outline of its strategy of four stages to end the stay-at-home order in the state. The plan also includes the gradual ease of the restrictions implemented among the residents of the state in the following weeks and months. Additionally, the government announced that there is a possibility that the schools in the states could open again in July or August.


California Beaches

A lot of people opposed the idea of closing the beaches across California. Officials from Orange County, San Diego, and Eureka were among those who were against the idea.

Marvin Faulconer, the mayor of San Diego, praised the responsible behavior of people this week on the recently reopened beaches. However, the decision may result in sending the wrong message.

Dianne Jacob and Greg Cox, two County Supervisors, sent letters to the governor of California to reconsider his decision. The letter says that the region was able to employ a safe plan. They deserve the right to make their own decisions, says the two.

According to Jacob, instead of prohibiting everyone from going to the beaches, Newsom should be giving providing regions with greater flexibility as they move on to face the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.


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Opposing Newsom's Decision

William Honsal, the sheriff of the Humboldt County, expressed his disagreement with the expected decision of the governor to close all of the beaches of California. He believes that closing the beaches of California is against constitutional rights.

According to Honsal, it is unfair for the people in Northern California to be punished after the people from Southern California went to the beach in Orange County last week.

Honsal believes that Newsom is smart enough to follow sound advice.

Furthermore, Don Wager, the Orange County Supervisor, stated that the idea of beaches being closed is unwise.

Wager said that medical professionals state the importance of sunlight and fresh air to fight off infectious diseases, and it includes maintaining good mental health. The citizens of Orange County have been cooperative with the orders of the state, says Wager. He fears that the overreaction of the state can affect the cooperative attitude and the collective efforts of the state to battle the illness, he added.