Beachgoers seen carrying virus more than sand or surf

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Maureen Osborne is torn by the state's decision to close the sweeping, scenic beach just a 10-minute walk from her home.

She hasn't gone there much since the coronavirus outbreak because the neighborhood has become crowded with visitors who park their cars to walk down to the shore — but wishes she could.

“It is what it is,” said the 62-year-old, who now carries a mask with her as a precaution when she goes out. “If people are sensible and do what they’re supposed to with the social distancing — but not everybody is.”

California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced his decision Thursday to close beaches in Orange County after seeing photos of thousands of beachgoers clustered on the sands during a heat wave last weekend.

The move was backed by those concerned about the virus's spread and reviled by others. It spurred questions for many living in beach communities who rely on the shoreline for exercise and open space.

Scientists said beaches could contribute to the transmission of the virus because they draw people to congregate in large numbers at a time when virtually all other large group activities — ranging from school to concerts to sporting events — have been shut down.

“The main reason for not going to the beach is just simply you don’t want to go to places where people are congregating. It's hard to go to the beach and not congregate,” said Ali Nouri, president of the Federation of American Scientists.

“You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you are exposing yourself, for minutes or hours, to people who may potentially be breathing out — even if they're not coughing or sneezing — but people who might be breathing out virus.”

The virus can be transmitted through large and also small...