Beaches will reopen August 1 — maybe. Nueces County closed beach access to vehicles through that date with a caveat: COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths would have to be way down to merit reopening the area to tourists. Also, a curfew closing the beaches to any activity was instated. No one is allowed on the beaches from 8:30 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The expected announcement came from Corpus Christi City Mayor Joe McComb at the joint city/county daily news briefing Wednesday, July 15.
“This decision is based on what I think is in the best interests of the public safety and health of our citizens,” McComb said. “The next two weeks are going be extremely important for us to get the curve to start going down.”
Cases soared to 605 on July 14 and 500 on July 15. The weekly seven-day average is 374. If those numbers do not decrease, the county will ask the General Land Office for an extension to the beach closures.
On Gulf beaches, people can gather in groups of 10 or fewer, lie on the beach, and set up chairs or tents, all of which must be removed by sundown when beaches are closed to all human activity.
Bay beaches, however, are restricted to exercise only.
“As long as you are moving, fishing, swimming, those activities are permitted on the bay beaches,” City Manager Peter Zanoni said. “There’s no sitting, no tents, no laying. You have to be active to be on these two beaches.”
The city is also closing access to its eight regional parks and all pools and splash pads.
Port Aransas is closing its Mustang Island beaches, and the Padre Island National Seashore has been asked to comply. PINS is waiting for approval from the federal government.
City Park Closures
Bill Witt Park
West Guth Park 
Manuel Q. Salinas Park
The Water’s Edge
Cole Park
Labonte Park
Lakeview Park 
Parker Park
City Pool Closures
Collier
Corpus Christi Natatorium
Greenwood
H-E-B
Oso
West Guth Park
City Splash Pads Closures
Bill Witt Park
Lindale Park
Salinas Park
Sunrise Beach RV Park at Lake Corpus Christi Closure
Picnic, waterfront areas, and campsite reservations are closed for the same period.
Corpus Christi Marina
No personal watercraft rentals

To follow the latest news on COVID-19 in Corpus Christi, check the Corpus Christi Business News' COVID-19 Resource Page.