Marin County closes all of its parks in response to massive crowds despite pandemic

Even though the state has a shelter-in-place order, Stinson Beach was crowded on March 21, 2020. Even though the state has a shelter-in-place order, Stinson Beach was crowded on March 21, 2020. Photo: Marin County Fire Department Photo: Marin County Fire Department Image 1 of / 52 Caption Close Marin County closes all of its parks in response to massive crowds despite pandemic 1 / 52 Back to Gallery

One day after scolding the public for packing its beaches and parks despite a statewide shelter-in-place order due to the coronavirus pandemic, Marin County on Sunday announced it was closing all of its parks.

The immediate closure affects over 18,000 acres in federal, state and local parks. They include Point Reyes National Seashore, Mount Tamalpais State Park, Muir Woods National Monument, and Point Bonita Lighthouse.

“They are experiencing typical summer crowds or even bigger,” said Sgt. Brenton Schneider of the Marin County Sheriff’s Office in the county’s statement. “This is creating unsafe conditions for employees working at businesses that are staying open because they are deemed essential. Those workers are being overwhelmed and they are fearful about all the close contact that they’re witnessing.”

On Saturday, Marin County Fire posted images of Stinson Beach packed with people and the little town of Dillon Beach mired by gridlock traffic. The state and health experts advise people to keep 6 feet of distance from others at all times.

"We understand the communities’ frustration with the LARGE amount of people traveling to the Coast today and NOT adhering to the Shelter Order," the fire department tweeted. "The influx of people is putting our vulnerable residents at risk. Please stay at home!"

The sheriff's office said the visitors created traffic congestion, which interferes with first responders' ability to handle emergencies. In addition, state and county park parking lots and bathrooms are closed due to the shelter-in-place order, adding to further congestion and creating problems with sanitation.

While the shelter-in-place orders allow people to step outside their homes for exercise, to walk the dog or get some fresh air, officials are discouraging people from flooding popular outdoor recreation spots. "Marin is usually a place for recreation, but now is not the time," Dr. Lisa Santora, Marin's deputy public health officer, said in a statement.

As of Sunday, Marin County had reported 38 cases of novel coronavirus.

For more information on the closures, visit Marin County’s parks website.

SFGATE digital editor Amy Graff contributed to this report.

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