Photos of packed beaches, bikeways, and hiking trails show how people are ignoring coronavirus social distancing mandates around the world
Locals and spring breakers flock to Clearwater Beach in Florida. While some counties like Miami-Dade and Broward have closed down beaches to curb the spread of the coronavirus, others remain open. Florida has not yet issued a state-wide stay-at-home order.
Partiers gathered for boat raft-ups in Boca Raton, Florida this past weekend, prompting Palm Beach County to shut down boat ramps, marinas, and all recreational boating on March 22 until further notice.
Source: City of Boca Raton
While Lake Boca Raton has always served as a social gathering spot for many boaters, and will again, now is not the time for parties and tie ups on the water. Please be patient, and do your part, so we can all get through this together.
1/4 pic.twitter.com/ubvgDn4UTl
Despite California's stay-at-home order, residents flocked to Huntington Beach in Los Angeles to enjoy sunny weather on March 21.
Source: Los Angeles Times
On March 22, Los Angeles closed city parks and parking at city beaches. "This weekend we saw too many people packing beaches, trails and parks," LA Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted.
Source: Mayor Eric Garcetti
New York City residents gathered in Central Park the day that New York's stay-at-home order went into effect. On March 22, Governor Andrew Cuomo gave the city a 24-hour deadline to figure out how to lessen crowding in parks.
Source: New York Post
An influx of visitors to Marin, California, known for its early spring wildflowers, prompted the county to close down 18,000 acres of parks effective March 22.
Source: Marin County; Marin Convention & Visitors Bureau
We understand the communities’ frustration with the LARGE amount of people traveling to the Coast today and NOT adhering to the Shelter Order.
The influx of people is putting our vulnerable residents at risk.
Please stay at home!
#stayhomeandsavealife pic.twitter.com/9LLDAgwc8b
Phoenix residents headed outside in droves this past weekend, crowding trailheads. Arizona has not yet issued a stay-at-home order but has closed down bars and limited restaurants to takeout and delivery, among other measures.
Source: Arizona Department of Health Services; Arizona Central
Others like Papago Park are packed to the brim. I saw numerous people help others up the rock, hug, etc. pic.twitter.com/q2xYYtBqlH
— Patrick Breen 📸🌵 (@pjbreenphoto) March 22, 2020Thousands of cherry blossom sightseers walked around the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. on March 21. On March 22, DC closed down streets and traffic circles near the basin in an effort to limit the number of visitors.
Source: Time
Crowds enjoyed cherry blossoms in Tokyo, Japan, on March 22 despite the government's recommendation that residents avoid traditional picnic-style viewing parties this year.
Source: Channel News Asia
Locals in Thessaloniki, Greece, flocked to a seaside promenade on March 16, ignoring social distancing directives. On March 22, the country imposed a nationwide lockdown, restricting all non-essential travel and gatherings.
Source: Reuters
Hundreds of Australians gathered at popular Bondi Beach in Sydney on March 20 despite the country's ban outdoor gatherings of 500 people or more. On March 21, police closed the beach after Australia's Health Minister called the crowds "unacceptable."
Source: CNBC
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