Ventura County beaches closed to prevent crowding during Fourth of July weekend

Ventura Beaches closed July 4 weekend

To prevent crowding and the spread of the coronavirus, Ventura County beaches will close Independence Day weekend.

VENTURA, Calif. - Officials announced Ventura County beaches will be closed over the Fourth of July holiday weekend to “prevent crowding that results in the spread of COVID-19.”

The beaches will be off-limits from 5 a.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday due to a recent spike of COVID-19 cases across The Golden State. Beach restrooms and parking lots will also be closed.

Firework shows have also been canceled in the Southern California county.

"Visiting family and friends still presents a risk of spreading COVID-19. We know people are eager to go out, but we need to remind you on the importance of being safe and protecting yourself and others. Please only gather with the people that you live with. Your actions can help save lives," Ventura County Public Health Director Rigo Vargas said.

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Health officials are asking residents to continue making the following precautions:

• Continue to social distance by staying 6 feet away from others, especially if you are at high risk for serious illness from COVID-19 (over age 65 or any age with underlying medical conditions).
• Continue to wear cloth face coverings in public.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Stay home if you are sick.

Local officials have also announced beach closures in Los Angeles County and Laguna Beach.