NYC Allows Swimming at Beaches Ahead of Independence Day Weekend

Wednesday, June 24, 2020 4:23 am | < 1 Minute Read

Social distance signage is posted on the first day that New York beaches were opened ahead of the Memorial Day weekend, following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), at Town Park at Point Lookout beach on Long Island, New York, May 22. (Reuters/Andrew Kelly)

Beaches in New York City will be open to the public for swimming ahead of Independence Day, after partially being reopened for Memorial Day weekend celebrations last month, Mayor Bill de Blasio tweeted late on Tuesday.

The mayor confirmed media reports that the city’s beaches would be officially open next week.

“The rumors are true: NYC beaches will open for swimming on July 1,” de Blasio said.

He reiterated that people should follow social distancing rules and cover their faces at the beach to prevent spreading the novel coronavirus, which has killed more than 121,000 people and affected 2.36 million people in the U.S. as of late Tuesday.

Beaches in a few states were partially reopened for the Memorial Day holiday weekend on May 23-25, with various restrictions, including a swimming ban at New York City beaches.

The city has reported a total of 217,742 coronavirus cases as of yesterday, and 22,343 dead.

The decision to open beaches ahead of Independence Day weekend comes as the country is grappling with both public health concerns and social tension.

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