One week ago, South Padre Island beaches reopened after Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño Jr. uplifted certain restrictions. The emergency management order was signed on April 24, allowing beachgoers to return to the shore and enjoy the Sun.
However, there are some restrictions when visiting the South Texas beaches. According to the City of South Padre Island Convention and Visitors Bureau’s website:
- Facial coverings are recommended, unless you are in the water
- No groups larger than five
- Shade Structures must be 10 feet apart.
- Any activity that requires balls or objects are prohibited.
Nallani Nuñez-Herrera, sign language junior, says she visited the beach last week and noticed a lot of surveillance.
There were a lot of police and game wardens all around there, always going back and forth to check up on people. Even if you are parked, even if you are already settled, they will pull over and talk to you. Other than that it was a pretty fun day, you do get to do the same stuff, just with a little more precautions.
Treviño’s order states that beachgoers that “fail to comply … may subject the person to citation to arrest.”
The order was placed into effect after Texas Governor Gregg Abbott announced the efforts to reopen Texas’ economy.
On April 25, Cameron County reported 12 new cases of the coronavirus, totaling at 366 cases. One week after, on May 1, nine cases were reported bringing the number to a total of 421 cases. According to the numbers announced by Cameron County, there is no dramatic increase in cases after reopening the beaches.
Reporter Samantha Garza
