Public beaches, parks, trails and parking lots are closed and it is no longer permissible for people to be on boardwalks or in the ocean and bay – including surfers. SDPD is currently issuing warnings and repeated violators may receive citations.
The Port of San Diego has also closed public parks around San Diego Bay, which includes beaches, parking lots, piers, and boat launches. “Lifeguards are making announcements and reminding folks that there is no swimming, surfing or boating and no one can be on the sand, boardwalk or grass areas,” said Mónica Muñoz, City media services manager. “Public parks and trails are closed. OB Pier is closed.”
Added Munoz: “We did social media posts and a video on our three social platforms. There are signs posted and barricades up everywhere. We are getting compliance from people. But if lifeguards don’t get compliance, they notify SDPD.”
“We hope that the public has been watching the news, reading the newspaper and looking at us on social media to know not to go to the beaches and boardwalk, bays, parks, trails, and lakes in the City of San Diego,” said San Diego Police Department spokesperson Shawn Takeuchi. “We will have police officers monitoring these locations and if community members show up, we will educate them about the closure. If community members fail to adhere to the educational effort, SDPD officers will be issuing citations.”
On March 23, Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer, San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit, Fire-Rescue Chief Colin Stowell and Lifeguard Division Chief James Gartland announced the closure of City-run parks, beaches, trails, boardwalks, and bays to further limit public gatherings and slow the spread of COVID-19.
 “These are not actions we are taking lightly, but gatherings can spread this dangerous virus. The actions of a few can cost the lives of many,” said Faulconer. “People can still go outdoors, but please go outdoors close to home. This is about protecting each other.”
“I am asking all San Diegans to take this virus seriously,” said Nisleit. “Stay home and do not go out unless it is for essential goods. We must all do our part to limit its spread so that we can get through this difficult time.”
San Diegans are reminded that gatherings of any size are prohibited. People must continue to maintain a six-foot distance to limit the spread of the virus in the community.
“I am very proud of our personnel. We are fully staffed in all positions and ready to help San Diegans who need us but we need your help as well by staying home as much as possible,” said Stowell. “If you call us, tell the dispatcher about anyone who has flu-like symptoms or is quarantined. Those details are important to our first responders and will help us to take the necessary precautions.” “Our lifeguard stations are fully staffed and we are ready to help any member of the public who needs our assistance,” said Gartland. “Everyone has an important part to play in flattening the curve of this virus. Please stay home and if you go out for groceries or other essentials, follow social distancing guidelines. You can count on us; we want to count on you as well.”
The state order requires Californians to stay at home except in limited circumstances, including caregiving, getting necessary health care, and working to support a critical industry. Exceptions also include visiting grocery stores, food banks, restaurants that offer take-out, pharmacies, laundry services, banks and gas stations. For information regarding COVID-19 cases and directives from County of San Diego public health officials, visit coronavirus-sd.com.
For the latest information about the COVID-19 virus, updates on City services and steps the public can take to help reduce the spread of the disease, visit sandiego.gov/coronavirus.