To align with statewide restrictions — and to protect people from those not following social distancing and gathering guidelines — Corpus Christi may well close its parks and beaches April 8. The city has banned short-term rentals through April 30, effective immediately.
“We are concerned with people coming in for Easter weekend exposing people in Corpus Christi to the virus,” said Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb at the daily joint city/county briefing April 7 on news relating to COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).
McComb and other mayors met by teleconference with Governor Greg Abbott on April 7 to discuss how the pandemic has affected their communities. Abbott explained why he felt he had to close all state parks, a restriction that went into effect at 5 p.m. the day of the phone conference. The parks won’t reopen until the governor gives the go-ahead.
“Social distancing is our best tool to curb the spread of COVID-19 and save lives,” Abbott said. “The temporary closure of our state parks and historic sites will help us achieve this goal by preventing the gathering of large groups of people. I urge all Texans to continue to stay at home except for essential services as we respond to COVID-19.”
Nueces County and the city of Corpus Christi might well follow suit by closing beaches and parks. Padre Island National Seashore will be part of the discussion and could join by closing its beaches as well. An official announcement is expected Wednesday, April 8.
“Of course, this is painful, particularly because we are coming up on a holiday weekend,” said Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, referring to Easter Sunday, April 12. “This is no joking matter. These orders are real, there is real enforcement, there are teeth to these orders. It is important that we do everything we can to keep people safe.”
Current restrictions limit social gatherings to immediate family members living in a single household. Social distancing recommends people stay 6 feet away from each other to prevent the spread of the disease.
On top of state, county, and city restrictions, all of which are in effect until April 30, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended everyone wear masks when outside their homes. Canales recommended homemade cloth masks, saving surgical masks for use by medical workers.
“Here is something we can all do to help,” said Canales, pulling a white, homemade mask on over her face. “This is a wonderful, voluntary public measure.”
She outlined a few safety tips, including not putting masks on anyone 2 years of age or younger or anyone who has breathing problems or can’t remove a mask on their own.
Find out how to make your own masks by watching these videos on YouTube.com: sew-your-own mask or no-sew masks.
For more tips on how to keep yourself, your workspace, and your home safe, visit the COVID-19 resources webpage at CCBizNews.com/covid-19. You’ll also find information on the latest news, closures, cancellations, and public orders along with informational links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
If you think you have the coronavirus, please contact the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District at 361-826-7200, and a representative will give you instructions. Check the city’s webpage for more information.