Palm Beach County officials have announced that several recreational venues will be reopening on Wednesday, April 29, after being closed for more than a month due to COVID-19.
That includes boating and marine activities, golf courses, parks, tennis courts and community pools.
Officials say that as the COVID-19 number in the county begin declining, they feel that they can now take steps to slowly reopen the county.
However, people must continue to adhere to CDC guidelines which include social distancing, wear face masks, and stay six feet apart to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
“This does not mean we’re back to normal in any shape, way or form. As a matter of fact, I would say that social distancing now is more important than ever,” said Dr. Alina Alonso of the Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County.
WATCH THE PALM BEACH COUNTY COVID-19 PRESS CONFERENCE
PUBLIC PARKS
On Wednesday, public parks in the county will reopen from sunrise to sunset for walking, running, strolling, biking, and equestrian riding. In addition, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, water skiing, wake boarding, and bicycle rentals will be permitted as long as physical distancing can be practiced.
All park playgrounds, picnic pavilions, campgrounds, dog parks, skate parks, field sports, organized sports, recreational buildings, gymnasiums, and concession stands will remain closed.
Basketball courts in county parks will be open for individual practice only. Only three players per half court are allowed, and competitive team games are prohibited.
Tennis and pickle ball courts will be open open for singles play only, and racquetball courts will be open for individual practice only.
GOLF COURSES
Public and private golf courses will be allowed to reopen on Wednesday. Play will be set up for walking, single-rider golf carts, or shared carts for families living in the same household.
Practice facilities, clubhouses, locker rooms, and pro shops will remain closed.
All league, clinic, camp, youth, and other organized activities will remain suspended
BOATING
Marinas, boat docks, boat ramps, and any other venues used for launching any vessels will reopen on Wednesday.
Boats must remain 50 feet apart at all times, boats cannot link to one another, and no gatherings of more than 10 people will be allowed.
Beaching, landings, anchoring, or mooring on sandbars, islands, and open shorelines will be prohibited.
The sheriff says his deputies will strictly enforce social distancing requirements. Violators could be charged with violating a county order, a misdemeanor which carries a possible $500 fine and 60 days in jail.
Although some areas in Palm Beach County will reopen for recreational activities on Wednesday, that does not include beaches. Mayor Kerner says it’s too early to open reopen beaches, but would not say when the beaches might reopen.
In the meantime, Palm Beach County has extended the Declaration of Continuing State of Emergency until May 1st.
