Cape Cod towns restrict beaches to only residents, close parking lots amid coronavirus – Boston Herald

Cape Cod towns that are trying to make sure their beaches are not too crowded this summer are keeping out nonresidents and implementing new parking rules amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In Truro, for instance, the Head of the Meadow beach parking lot is closed to vehicles until late August.

This will allow for safe physical distancing for visitors at both the seashore and town managed beaches, reads the alert from the National Seashore Massachusetts. Bicyclists and pedestrians may enter.

In Mashpee, only town residents can access the communitys beaches as a result of overcrowding at Johns Pond and other town beaches.

This beach access restriction is intended to advance the interests of the aforementioned Advisories and Guidances by preventing large gatherings at and overcrowding of the Town Beaches during the COVID-19 State of Emergency, states the Board of Selectmen order. All persons authorized to access said Beaches during this temporary restriction will be expected to comply with all recommended COVID-19 safety measures, including appropriate social-distancing and wearing of face masks when social-distancing is not possible, while on the Town Beaches.

Falmouth earlier this summer reduced capacity at its beach municipal lots to 50% because of the virus. However, town officials have decided to now expand parking at the Mill Road lot on a trial basis because the Surf Drive beach has not been overcrowded, said Town Manager Julian Suso.

Were going to continue to monitor the conditions at the different beaches in town, he said.

There has been no documented evidence of the coronavirus spreading at Falmouth beaches, Suso added. Eleven town lifeguards have tested positive for the virus, which was connected to a social gathering after work hours, he said.

In Barnstable, staff at beach gates have informed beachgoers about wearing masks and staying 12 feet apart from other groups.

We havent had many issues, said Recreation Director Patti Machado. The beaches are large enough, so people can spread out.

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Cape Cod towns restrict beaches to only residents, close parking lots amid coronavirus - Boston Herald

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