If closing the beach is going to remind folks to stay home, it should be done. We need to be socially distancing to slow down the transmission of the disease and “flatten the curve.”

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, “Flattening the curve refers to using protective practices to slow the rate of COVID-19 infection so hospitals have room, supplies and doctors for all of the patients who need care.” The slower the coronavirus spreads, the more manageable it will be for our healthcare workers.

Last weekend the break in the rain brought many people out to the beaches to enjoy beautiful sunny weather. People were flocking to the coastline to get some vitamin D but weren’t practicing social distancing. They were still gathering in large groups ignoring the stay at home order.

With the warmer weather coming next week, people are going to want to go out and enjoy the sunshine again. In order to slow down the number of coronavirus cases in the U.S., we need to be avoiding public places except for necessities. We need to take it upon ourselves to do what’s right so that we as a community can enjoy the beach in the summer.

It is especially important to practice social distancing because according to the CDC, some spread of the coronavirus may occur before people become symptomatic. If you carry the virus to your friends while you’re gathering, you all can unknowingly spread it to your older or immunocompromised friends or family. Nobody is really invincible during this pandemic.

I do feel for the outdoor lovers who simply want to get a breath of fresh air and take a walk on their own, but if beaches aren’t closed people will continue to congregate and the coronavirus will continue being passed along.

Doing your part by staying home can make a great impact on your own health and the health of others. I think that the sooner we as a community take responsibility and stay home if we’re able to, the sooner we will be able to recover from this.

Featured image by Adel Bautista