Santa Cruz County Health Officer Dr. Gail Newel has issued a new order will have closed parks and beaches throughout Santa Cruz County beginning 11:59 p.m. April 8, 2020 through 11:59 p.m. April 15, 2020, a period which includes Easter weekend and much of Passover.
Issued under California Health and Safety Code §120295, the order is necessary to reduce the public health and safety threat from novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, due to crowding in recreational spaces throughout Santa Cruz County. Any violation of the order is a misdemeanor punishable by citation or arrest, with fines of $1,000 possible.
Deputies were at beaches earlier this week warning people of impending closure.
“While the vast majority of Santa Cruz County residents are staying home and following the direction of the County Health Officer, unfortunately some visitors and community members are treating this extraordinary crisis as a holiday,” Sheriff Jim Hart said. “We are at a critical moment in our efforts to reduce the impacts of COVID-19, and we need to make sure we’re doing everything we can to halt the spread of this disease.”
The order prohibits surfing in Santa Cruz County until April 16.
While playground equipment was closed by a prior order, the new order impacts dog parks, skate parks, disc golf courses, and basketball, tennis, pickleball, or other recreational courts.
Public safety personnel throughout Santa Cruz County will work collaboratively to ensure compliance with the Order through patrols and engagement with community members.
For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text “COVID19” to 211211. Residents may also call (831) 454-4242 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., seven days a week.
To report any violations of the order, call the Sheriff’s tip line at (831)454-7747.