Surfer Fined $1,000 For Ignoring Coronavirus Beach Closure

MANHATTAN BEACH, CA — Authorities said they issued a $1,000 citation to a surfer Saturday after he ignored coronavirus-related beach closures.

Police and lifeguards gave numerous warnings to the man, telling him not to go into the water, the Los Angeles Times reported. The citation was the only one the Manhattan Beach Police Department has issued for failing to follow the stay-at-home orders, the newspaper reported.

“People have been pretty good about it,” Sgt. Mike Sistoni told the Times.

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All Los Angeles County beaches were closed Friday in an effort to curb the spread of the new coronavirus. The public health order, which was signed by L.A. County Public Health Officer Dr. Muntu Davis, applies to all county beaches, beach bathrooms, piers, promenades and beach bike paths.

There were 2,147 cases of the new coronavirus in Los Angeles County as of Sunday, including 99 in Long Beach and 10 in Pasadena, which each have their own public health departments, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. There have been 37 deaths from the virus in L.A. County.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC's recommendations for using a face mask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

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