People pack Marin County beaches and parks, officials to close most of Point Reyes National Seashore

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 / 9 Caption Close People pack Marin County beaches and parks, officials to close most of Point Reyes National Seashore 1 / 9 Back to Gallery

Update: On Sunday, Marin County closed all of its parks in response to the crowds.

Amid warm, sunny weather, people flocked to the beaches and parks of Marin County on Saturday despite California's shelter-in-place order asking residents to stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Marin County Fire posted images of Stinson Beach packed with people and the little town of Dillon Beach mired by gridlock traffic.

"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 departmented tweeted. "The influx of people is putting our vulnerable residents at risk. Please stay at home!"

"The entire Marin Coast is packed with folks not practicing social distancing," wrote a Twitter user. "The worst is Stinson Beach, crowded."

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.

UCSF pediatrician Dr. Lisa Dana of Golden Gate Pediatrics was shocked by the photos. "People aren't getting the message. Everybody just needs to stay home. Do not go to the Marina Green. Do not go to Crissy Field. Don't have picnics with other families. Don't play volleyball or soccer. That's not social distancing. Crowded beaches, crowded bathrooms, crowded parking lots, there's no way for social distance."

Dana has especially noticed that outdoor spaces are seeing an influx of teenagers looking to connect with friends.

"Teens and young adults have very mild symptoms and they can be so mild they don't recognize them and they can pass the virus unknowingly," she said.

Dana also said that driving to these outdoor recreation spots is unwise because you run the risk of getting into a car accident and needing to be hospitalized during a time when hospitals are overwhelmed with coronavirus patients. "The ERs are stretched, and are in short supply of PPE [personal protective equipment]," said Dana.

The trails and beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore especially saw an influx of people over the weekend. In response, officials with the National Park Service and Point Reyes National Seashore announced late Saturday night that most areas of the Marin County national preserve would be closed starting Sunday for a little more than two weeks.

The park said on its website that in addition to its campgrounds and visitors centers being closed through April 7, gates to Limantour Access Road, Mt. Vision Road, Drakes Beach and Drake Estero will be shuttered to the public.

Limited access will be allowed at Palomarin Trailhead beyond Commonweal entrance, Pierce Point Road, along with the Lighthouse and Chimney Rock parking. Visitors are asked to pack out what they bring in.

Marin County had 38 COVID-19 patients as of Sunday morning.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said infection rates are doubling every four days in some parts of the state and issued the dire prediction that 56% of the state's population — equal to 22.4 million people — could contract the virus over the next eight weeks.

His order late Thursday restricted non-essential movement for all residents.

“This is a moment we need to make tough decisions,” Newsom said. "We need to recognize reality.”

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