The Los Angeles County Dept. of Public Health is ordering L.A. County beaches closed from July 3 through July 6 at 5 a.m. to prevent dangerous crowding that results in the spread of deadly COVID-19.

For that same reason, the department is also prohibiting fireworks displays in the County this July. 4th holiday weekend.

A modified Health Officer Order will be issued today, June 29.

During the holiday weekend, beaches will be totally closed to all recreational activities. Beach parking lots will be closed, as well.

Key metrics continue to show steep increases in community spread of COVID-19. Today, the department  announced more than 2,900 new cases of COVID-19, the single largest one-day case count since the pandemic began. Data show increases in people testing positive for the virus and increases in hospitalizations as a result. Projections by the Dept. of Health Services show a marked increase in hospitalizations in the coming weeks, which could cause a surge in our healthcare system.

“Closing the beaches and prohibiting fireworks displays during this important summer holiday weekend was an incredibly difficult decision to make, but it’s the responsible decision to protect public health and protect our residents from a deadly virus. The Fourth of July holiday weekend typically means large crowds and gatherings to celebrate, a recipe for increased transmission of COVID-19,” said Barbara Ferrer, PhD, MPH, MEd, director of Public Health. “We all need to take this virus more seriously and residents and business owners must do their part.  Physical distancing isn’t optional, wearing a face covering isn’t optional, spending time only with those you live with isn’t optional — these are requirements in the Health Officer Order and are the tools we have to protect each other, our families and those most vulnerable in our communities.”

All public beaches, piers, public beach parking lots, beach bike paths that traverse that sanded portion of the beach, and beach access points will be temporarily closed to the public as of 12:01 a.m. on July 3 until +5 a.m. on July 6. Long Beach has its own health department and this announcement does not apply to that city, at this time.