Dozens flock to Huntington Beach as OC businesses reopen

OC businesses reopen

After the governor gave the okay, a lot of people jumped at the chance, but as Koco McAboy tells us-- not everyone was following the safety protocols.

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. - After Governor Newsom approved Orange County's request to reopen businesses, dozens of people flocked to Huntington Beach to patronize businesses and restaurants.

The majority of people were not wearing face masks or social distancing Sunday along Main Street in Huntington Beach, one day after county officials announced businesses could reopen with safety measures in place.

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"It's crazy. I think everybody was waiting to get out of the house this weekend. The streets packed, a lot of people are out enjoying the beach, the sunshine, the warm weather, but not as many face masks being worn as I'd like to see though," said Nick Fitzgerald, a sales associate at Salt Life.

Inside of Salt Life, social distancing and health guidelines are enforced.

"We do require the face masks to be worn and hand sanitizer to be applied when you come in here just to make sure everyone's staying safe," said Fitzgerald.

Twenty Five Degrees, a popular American food restaurant, is also enforcing health guidelines to ensure safety.

"We're checking temperatures at the door, lots of sanitizers, just trying to play it safe," said Chad Cranford, the owner.

The restaurant's dine-in seating is only open at half capacity.

"We've seen some other places that have chosen to go the other route. We kind of want to be responsible about it. I think there is a safe way for everybody to open up and get things moving forward," said Cranford.

Customers did not seem to mind waiting in long lines on Sunday.

"Oh my gosh, we're so thankful! We had social distancing, and it was fantastic. The food's amazing [at Twenty Five Degrees]. We're just so happy that finally somebody's open and we're enjoying ourselves," said Tammy Wangberg, a local hairstylist dining at Twenty Five Degrees Sunday.

The threat of COVID-19 still lingers, but people in Huntington Beach are eager to get back to what life was like pre-COVID.

"It's just really important to support local businesses. Everyone is struggling right now and they need to come out of this and it's going to be a difficult transition," said Baylie Sutton.

"It's so important to get back to our normal lives and not think of quarantine as normal life," said Haylee Eastman.

Twenty Five Degrees is planning to adjust their hours to 11-midnight, and Salt Life is open from 11-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11-5 on Sunday.