Manhattan Beach closes Strand, bike path

Manhattan Beach has reopened its Strand. File photo

Manhattan Beach is closing its portion of the Strand due to COVID-19 concerns. File photo

The City of Manhattan Beach is closing the Strand immediately due to the rapid spread of COVID-19. The action comes in concert with LA County’s immediate closure of all county beaches and bike paths. 

“These are unprecedented times and our City is moving aggressively to slow the spread of COVID-19. Closing the Strand combined with LA County shutting down the beaches will reduce the crowds and risks posed to our community,” said Mayor Richard Montgomery. “Please spread the word, so we do not spread the virus.”

Manhattan Beach has 21 confirmed COVID-19 cases, according to the LA County Public Health Department. 

According to the City and County orders, residents and visitors are to refrain from entering or occupying the Strand, sandy beach, or using the bike path until further notice. All restrooms will be locked as well. The County and City will be patrolling these areas to enforce the closures.

Throughout the South Bay, the beach and the Strand will be closed. Neighboring jurisdictions in Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach have closed their public walkways and bike paths on or next to the beach as well. 
 
City officials urged residents to utilize their local neighborhoods to get outside for fresh air and to maintain social distance of six feet to do so.

Under the City’s recently-passed urgency ordinance, violators of the six foot requirement may be subject to citations or fines.  
 
“The Manhattan Beach Police Department is prepared to enforce these important public health orders to keep our residents safe. I urge everyone to stay home, and not come to the beaches as it represents a public health risk,” said Police Chief Derrick Abell. 

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