NewsLocal News

Actions

Californians avoid holiday crowds as coronavirus cases surge

Posted at 1:49 PM, Jul 05, 2020
and last updated 2020-07-05 16:50:00-04

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Californians mostly heeded warnings to stay away from beaches and other public spaces during the long weekend.

State officials urged social distancing amid a spike in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations.

Many communities canceled July 4 fireworks shows and other annual festivities — changes that appeared to successfully keep crowds at bay. However big waves at Southern California beaches proved irresistible to some surfers.

California reported 6,500 additional confirmed cases of the virus on Saturday. The actual number of infections is thought to be far higher because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.