Yarmouth closed its beaches to the dismay of many residents
“Closing the beaches, while perhaps well-intentioned, is a completely irrational response to this situation.”
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The town of Yarmouth announced Monday that in light of the coronavirus pandemic it was closing all schools, town libraries, its senior center — and recreational activities like golf courses, pickle-ball courts, parks, playgrounds, and beaches would be off-limits, too.
“All town activities will be reassessed on April 7, 2020,” the notice from the town Board of Health and Health Department director said.
https://www.facebook.com/townofyarmouthma/posts/744428279418917
When town officials posted the notice on Facebook, residents took to the comments section expressing their frustrations over the restriction of beach access.
“Closing the beaches, while perhaps well-intentioned, is a completely irrational response to this situation,” one user, Jon May, said. “This is one place where people can go to enjoy themselves and not have to worry about catching the virus or giving it to someone else if they take basic precautions.”
May called on officials to reverse their decision.
“Regardless, I, for one, will be walking to the beach whenever the impulse strikes me,” he said.
Another user, Maureen Bracken Dunn, echoed May’s sentiment.
“This is crazy, being outside and walking, breathing fresh air, getting sun is helping to keep us healthy,” she wrote. “Considering you can go into stores and certain offices this does not make sense.”
Emily Shimansky also chimed in, saying the beaches don’t seem any different than the sidewalks.
“Taking my dog for a walk on the beach is like the one thing left that we can do to get outside and get some exercise and not go stir crazy,” she said. “What’s the difference if I go for a walk in my neighborhood with him?”
Others offered alternatives, questioning why officials haven’t closed the malls instead.
In an updated post, Yarmouth officials said they’ll keep residents notified as the pandemic evolves.
“We have received and understand the concerns of the public regarding these closures,” officials wrote in their post. “The Town is evaluating how services can be reintroduced to the public and when facilities can be reopened. We will provide guidance on alternative services in the interim while facilities are closed.”
As of Thursday, the beaches remained closed.
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