Mayor Bill de Blasio announced on Wednesday that New York City beaches will open for swimming on July 1.
Beachgoers will be able to take a dip in the city’s beaches with lifeguards on duty, Hizzoner announced, although they still must wear face coverings and socialize only with members of their household. Attendees must also maintain a safe social distance, staying at least six feet apart from each other while swimming or walking.
New Yorkers are discouraged from taking part in group beach activities and must towels, beach blankets or chairs at least 10 feet apart, de Blasio added.
Although the number of coronavirus cases remains low, the city saw an uptick in possible cases on June 21, when 75 New Yorkers were admitted to city public hospitals with COVID-19 symptoms.
The number of probable COVID-19 patients in public hospital ICUs dipped to 315 on Sunday, and the percentage of New Yorkers testing positive for the virus remains at 2 percent, according to the mayor’s office.
De Blasio said he would visit the beaches once they open in July, but wasn’t sure whether or not he would swim.
“Whether I’m going to take a dip, that’s going to be an important issue,” said de Blasio. “I love all of our beaches, particularly Coney Island as I’ve said. So I am certainly going to visit.”
This story first appeared on AMNY.com.
