Alabama’s beaches – closed due to coronavirus – may soon reopen.
An emergency task charged with reopening Alabama’s economy is recommending the state’s beaches reopen for recreational use on May 1. Recreational use includes walking, running, swimming, fishing or other activities. Congregating on the beach would be prohibited, however and social distancing guidelines would be in place.
If the social distancing can be maintained, beach regulations would be relaxed starting May 15. The committee led by Alabama Gov. Will Ainsworth said that normal activities could resume as long as beachgoers keep a distance of at least 6 feet between groups and that groups of no more than 10 people congregate. Those groups, according to the plan, must live together or be staying in the same dwelling.
The recommendations – which still must be approved by Gov. Kay Ivey and State Health Officer Scott Harris – will likely be good news for vacation home owners, Airbnb operators, rental companies and businesses along the Gulf Coast, all of which were hit when the beaches were closed in March in the battle against coronavirus.
Ivey on Friday said she does not plan to take any immediate action on the recommendations.
Police from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, as well as the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Department, have agreed to deploy additional law enforcement officers and life guard to enforce the social distancing guidelines.
Alabama’s plan is similar to that of some Florida beaches were reopening for “essential activities,” such as walking, biking, fishing, swimming, running or taking care of pets. Some cities are also limiting the hours people can be on the beach.
Here are some related stories on Friday’s recommendations:
Alabama doctors offices open up in May, plan recommends
As Alabama looks to reopen, state health official says people need to stay home
Masks and temperature checks? Rules vary by business in Alabama’s plan to reopen
‘Is it safe?’ Uncertainty looms despite proposal to reopen Alabama salons, tattoo shops