With Gov. Kate Brown’s order Monday “Stay Home, Save Lives” limiting access to many businesses and recreational areas, residents are wondering “What about the beach?”

“We’re working with the city of Seaside to close their upland accesses to the beach,” said Chris Havel of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department. “We have the power to close the beach itself, but we haven’t exercised it. We will revisit that decision if people don’t maintain social distance.”

The governor’s order came after some Oregonians failed to adhere to social distancing guidelines, resulting in crowds on the Oregon Coast and state parks around the state. “I find that immediate implementation of additional measures is necessary,” Brown said in the declaration.

Where not to walk

Beaches from the Gearhart side of the estuary to the Warrenton jetty are open to foot traffic only and closed to vehicle traffic except for emergency vehicles. The fine for vehicles in violation is $115. The Gearhart beaches will only close to pedestrians if OPRD makes that decision. Until then, walkers can pass the barricades.

Seaside beaches are closed to foot traffic from the Cove to the Seaside/Gearhart estuary boundary.

While the executive order doesn’t currently extend to the ocean shore, according to Oregon Parks and Recreation Department Director Lisa Sumption, it does close all state park-managed parking lots and beach accesses.

“Closed is closed,” Sumption said in her message. “We lock restrooms, stop trash service, and it’s not safe for you or us to go into a closed park. If we see you in a park, we’ll ask you to leave. If you refuse, we can issue you a citation.”

For now, Seaside is limiting public access to the beach, Public Works Director Dale McDowell said at Monday’s City Council meeting.

His department put signs up at beach entrances from the estuary to the Cove, he said, telling residents that the beaches are closed because of the state resolution.

Four restroom facilities remain open, at Seltzer Park, the Prom, the Seaside Civic and Convention Center parking lot and the Seaside Chamber of Commerce.

While the Prom is open to walking, jogging or biking, walking to the beach is prohibited, McDowell said, even if a person is alone or observing social distancing.

City Manager Jon Rahl said the beach closure is intended to send a message to visitors.

“We feel by closing the parks, the beaches, the streams, we can say, ‘Look we don’t have room or access for visitors at this point in time out of respect for the rest of our citizens so we can maintain our own health.’” Rahl said. “For now, it gives the police the authority to drive the beach and say: ‘You can’t be here.’ We didn’t have the authority. Now we have that.”

Rahl said Seaside has had discussions with Oregon State Parks ranger Justin Parker. “My understanding is that whatever we choose to do, they will support. I believe we have the support from Oregon State Parks.”

“We and the city will do everything we can to make it clear,” Havel said. “The beach may not be closed, but that could change if people don’t start listening to the message — stay home, save lives.”