“Don’t Gather With Your Friends on the Beach Until the Covid-19 Epidemic has Passed.”
The non-profit Boston Harbor advocacy group Save the Harbor/Save the Bay issued a statement today in support of the Commonwealth’s decision to close beach parking lots in coastal communities and asked the more than 2 million people who live within a short ride or drive to the shore not to gather with their friends on the beach until the Covid-19 epidemic has passed.
“We understand and support the decision to close beach parking lots in coastal communities, and appreciate DCR’s efforts to open some facilities early to encourage social distancing. Last year Save the Harbor and our partners ran free Better Beaches events and programs that brought more than a million people to the metropolitan region’s public beaches,” said Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Executive Director Chris Mancini. “Today we have very different message. Follow the guidance, practice social distancing, take a walk or a run on the shore but please do not gather with your friends on the beach until the coronavirus crisis has passed.”
“While our region’s public beaches are open, at least for now, that could change unless people use common sense and good judgement” said Mancini. “Proper social distancing requires a 12 foot diameter circle, with you in the center, which is not possible on a crowded beach. As the weather warms, we understand how tempting it can be to head to the beach to meet up with your friends, but it simply isn’t safe to do it at this time.”
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“If you are thinking of getting in your car on taking the T to one of our region’s beaches to get fresh air and exercise with your friends, think again,” said State Representative RoseLee Vincent of Revere, who Co-Chairs the Metropolitan Beaches Commission. “Keep your neighbors, friends and family safe. Find an uncrowded place nearby to get fresh air and sunshine but please do not congregate on our public beaches.”
“The region’s urban beaches are important recreational assets especially for the residents of the region’s waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities,” said Metropolitan Beaches Commission Co-Chair Brendan Crighton of Lynn. “If we want them to remain open, we all have to exercise common sense to protect ourselves, our friends and families, and our communities”
“When this crisis has passed, each of us will ask ourselves “What did I do personally to flatten the curve and reduce the spread of the virus?” said Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s Director of Strategy & Communications Bruce Berman. “If you love your beach and care about your community, you simply can’t gather on our beaches or in our parks until the Covid-19 crisis has passed.”
For more information, contact Bruce Berman at 617-293-6243
or by email to berman@savetheharbor.org
