ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) -- Two popular destinations in Encinitas reopened to the public Friday, but city officials urged visitors to continue to follow all coronavirus safety guidelines.
The Coastal Rail Trail and the walking path on Highway 101 are open for visitors to enjoy after having been closed off last week.
City officials said those who use the paths must do the following:
-- practice proper social distancing (minimum of 6 feet from others)
-- wear facial coverings (strongly recommended)
-- keep moving to avoid congestion and congregating
-- travel on the right, pass on the left
-- do not gather
-- do not use trails if you are sick
Officials said: “Government Code Section 8665 provides that any person who violates any of the provisions of the California Emergency Services Act or who refuses or willfully neglects to obey any lawful order or regulation promulgated or issued as provided in the Act, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punishable by a fine of not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment for not to exceed six months or by both such fine and imprisonment.”
Todd Haskell, who walked on the trail Friday morning, told 10News, "It never should have been closed. The big deal is people around here have to be smart, and everything will stay open if people just do social distancing and wears their mask. Just do it, it’s not that big of a deal.”
Walker Don Kjartanson added, “If you want to come down to Encinitas, fine, but just walk, don’t sit there and watch the ocean.”
There have been 34 reported COVID-19 cases in Encinitas, but that number has not changed since April 11, city officials noted.
