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Reopen News: Beaches continue social distancing as NYC gets ready for Phase 3

ByEyewitness News WABC logo

Sunday, July 5, 2020

Thousands flock to beaches as NYC preps for Phase 3 Monday

This holiday weekend people have been taking advantage of the newly reopened beaches in New York City.

NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- This holiday weekend people have been taking advantage of the newly reopened beaches in New York City.

While it seemed like a typical Fourth of July weekend at beaches across the area, while many walked the boardwalk and got some sun, it was still obvious that we are in the middle of a pandemic.

Lifeguards have been on duty since Wednesday at beaches around the city and social distancing guidelines are in effect.

Families came down to the beach and the boardwalk Saturday -- nearly all wearing masks. Social distancing ambassadors were also walking the boardwalk handing them out to those who didn't have them.

The rides were not running, but games were open and so were boardwalk restaurants.

Typically restaurants on Surf Avenue on Coney Island are filled with customers sitting outside, but on Sunday, some still remained closed and only offered to-go service.

"It's sad but it's also the reality of what's going on right now, being smart and still having fun," said beachgoer Deirdre Read.

On Monday, the city enters Phase 3 without indoor dining. Nail salons, tattoo and massage parlors will be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity. Businesses must disinfect workstations for each new customer, require customers and employees to wear face coverings.

A six foot distance must be maintained at all times.

WATCH EYEWITNESS TO A PANDEMIC (Episode 4)

It overwhelmed the health care industry, it put millions out of work, it drowned social services in an ocean of need and threatened the food supply Americans had long since taken for granted. At the apex of the crisis and for the weeks that followed, no part of life, or even what followed life, was spared.