The County of Santa Cruz is urging travelers to stay home and avoid crowding Santa Cruz County
beaches during the COVID-19 pandemic.
With shelter-in-place orders in place throughout California, non-essential workers are staying home,
schools and universities are switching to online classes and some students are entering their customary
spring breaks. While outdoor exercise is encouraged in keeping with safe distancing guidelines, large
gatherings are a violation of local and state orders meant to protect the health and safety of all
Californians.
“Santa Cruz County is a popular destination for college students during this time of year,” Sheriff Jim Hart
said. “However, the County is asking everyone to adjust their routines in order to protect everyone’s health
including their own, as well as the operations of our critical health care infrastructure.”
Despite warnings, many college students have congregated on beaches throughout the U.S., including
Florida. Five University of Tampa students are now recovering after testing positive for COVID-19.
Violations of health officer’s order are a misdemeanor subject to citation and even arrest. However, the
County is seeking voluntary compliance in order to protect public safety resources.
With more State Parks than any other county and 32 miles of beaches, Santa Cruz County offers plenty of
outdoor opportunities to maintain health and well-being in compliance with social distancing guidelines.
With an economy heavily supported by tourism, many local services workers are being severely
impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak. Community Foundation Santa Cruz County has established a
community fund to support public health and vulnerable people. Donate at
https://www.cfscc.org/donate/COVID.
For local information on COVID-19, go to www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus, call 211 or text
“COVID19” to 211211. Residents may also call (831) 454-4242 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.,
Monday-Friday.
2020-03-29