City of Monterey ready to close beaches if visitors do not follow rules

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) City officials in Monterey said they are ready to close beaches if rules are not followed.

At a briefing Thursday, they said that they have signs ready if they feel the need to close them starting Saturday.

Officials said police, state parks officials and lifeguards will be monitoring the beaches.

Monterey County is under a Shelter in Place order until at least May 3 due to concerns about the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents are discouraged from leaving their homes except for essential activities, but they are allowed to go outdoors to exercise if they practice social distancing.

On Tuesday, Santa Cruz County announced that it was closing all parks and beaches in an effort to prevent people from gathering.