Reopen News: Boardwalk and beach overcrowding prompts new restrictions in Long Beach

WABC logo
Thursday, July 23, 2020
Changes coming in Long Beach to combat lapses in social distancing
Derick Waller reports on overcrowding conditions in Long Beach and the steps being taken

LONG ISLAND (WABC) -- In Nassau County, Long Beach will begin shutting down its beach starting at 8 p.m. Thursday and barricade the boardwalk at 9 p.m., in response to last weekend's large crowds and dozens of water rescues.

Police and lifeguards will begin closing entrances to the beach between Neptune Boulevard and New York Avenue, the main boardwalk stretch, and delivering warnings at 7:45 p.m.

Police, seasonal officers and bike patrols will then start closing the boardwalk at Edwards Boulevard, moving east and west. A smart car will follow people off the boardwalk.

"It's necessary," said Acting Police Commissioner Phil Ragona. "It's really important. And if we don't do this now, I really believe there could be dire consequences down the road. Some people think it's drastic. I don't. I think it's necessary."

"It is absolutely a work in progress," he added.

RELATED: Jersey shore borough passes new rules to curb bad beach behavior

The city traditionally keeps the beach open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., with swimming ending at 6 p.m. when lifeguards go off duty.

But large crowds, including more than 800 caught on camera Saturday night drinking and fighting, prompted city leaders to restrict beach and boardwalk access.

Now the beaches will be gated off at 8 p.m. and reopen at 5 a.m.

Traveling nurses recall "It was like a medical war zone"

Dan Krauth reports on the nurses who came to NYC during the height of the pandemic

MORE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19 COVERAGE

abc7NY Phase Tracker:

COVID-19 Help, Information. Stimulus and Business Updates

UPDATES

New York City

New Jersey

Long Island

Westchester and Hudson Valley

Connecticut

7 On Your Side Investigates: Up to 4,000 coronavirus cases prevented by NYC contact tracers

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio along with local health experts have repeatedly called contact tracing a key element in preventing another spike of coronavirus in the city.

REOPENING INFORMATION

What's Open, What's Closed

Reopening New York State

Reopening New Jersey

Reopening Connecticut

Total count of NYC, Long Island COVID-19 cases based on patient address