Two surfers were cited Monday after climbing over a chain-link fence to access a beach that’s closed to the public because of the coronavirus outbreak, deputies say.

The men had been seen Monday afternoon climbing over the fence and heading to the beach with their surfboards, according to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Otter Rock residents reported they were disregarding the closure, and a deputy spotted two men matching their description climbing back over the fence about two hours later.

The men, Max Gause and Konnor Owens of Cottage Grove, were cited for criminal trespassing.

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The sheriff’s office said the area is among those that deputies are patrolling after an uptick in reports of trespassing on public and private property, as well as people congregating in violation of state and local orders.

The sheriff’s office said it’s taken the “very moderate approach” of educating people first, instead of immediately enforcing the order.

But, the agency said, while “education has had some positive impact on most, this incident was an example of individuals openly disregarding a closed and barricaded area as well as warnings from a nearby resident.”

-- Jim Ryan; jryan@oregonian.com; 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

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