SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- Beaches in San Diego are expected to be packed for the Fourth of July weekend as other nearby counties shut down their beaches over coronavirus concerns.
Local law enforcement agencies are prepared for the influx in beachgoers, but many are hoping and wondering if people will follow San Diego County’s facial covering and social distancing requirements.
On Friday, ABC 10News crews observed visitors at Mission Beach keeping their distance from each other and most of them wearing facial coverings.
Many visitors came to the beach early to secure spots for what will likely be a busy weekend.
The Cotus family, visiting San Diego from Arizona, heard about Gov. Gavin Newsom closing beaches where coronavirus numbers are rising. But the family took the chance that San Diego beaches would stay open.
“We figured this morning we got the kids up. OK, let’s take a chance; either we can get to the beach or we can’t. If not, there’s a pool at the hotel,” Edward Cotus said.
Law enforcement agencies said they will be out this weekend reminding people about the rules. However, they say it will be up to the public to follow them.
The Cotus family said they understand why people don’t like wearing the face coverings, but they believe it’s everyone’s responsibility to do their part in controlling the spread of this virus.
“We all have to be responsible and just try to really implement social distancing on our own. It seems like a lot of the public doesn’t understand; you just have to do that on your own,” Cotus said.