Social circles grow on Father’s Day weekend as Monterey County releases guidelines

MONTEREY, Calif. (KION) Monterey county is allowing people to form groups of 12. These people can gather with each other, and only each other.

On Father's Day, many residents and tourists are out on the peninsula enjoying time with their families.

“We’re just hanging out with my three sons, my daughter, my two daughter-in-laws, and my four grandkids,” local resident Alfred Avion said.

Whether they're taking advantage of recently reopened restaurants or lounging on the beach, they're getting out in the open air.

“We have the fishing poles in the car, we’re going to go be on the pier, and test the waters,” tourist Tony Berry said.

And these activities align with Monterey County's "social circle guidance," which was released on Friday. It allows for people to expand their quarantine group, and for many, that includes extended family. Just in time for the holiday.

“You miss the people that you love—the most important people in your life. So it allows us to be with each other,” Avion said.

The county said people can gather in groups of up to 12, as long as they stay outdoors. They encourage people to stay six feet apart and wear a mask if they're 13 or older.

“I think—my own personal opinion is that it’s overdue already,” tourist Michael Gray said.

But not everyone knew about the guidelines. Some told KION they're not paying close attention to specific rule changes. Instead, they're just naturally expanding their social circles as businesses open back up.

“The social aspect is important as human beings,” tourist Joe Carsello said.

The social circle guidance isn't just meant for extended family and friends, but also for children's playmates. The idea is that, keeping kids in one group of 12 will help with socialization.