The weather is heating up in Fresno. But don’t take a trip to the beach during coronavirus

By Wednesday the high temperature in Fresno is to exceed 90 degrees. And Friday will be May 1. Summer’s scorching heat, as any San Joaquin Valley resident knows, is on the way.

But the tradition of heading to the coast for cooling weekends is this year running straight into the era of COVID-19 and sheltering in place.

Does that mean Fresno-area residents who have second homes in Pismo Beach and Morro Bay cannot get away for the summer weekend break? In a word, yes, at least for now.

Currently, the risks are too high with COVID-19 still being a formidable foe. Health experts say that until the population gains what is known as “herd immunity,” in which the majority of people have either gotten over the disease or had a vaccine against it, the virus will still be easily spread.

Having people group together — even outdoors — increases the risks.

So far SLO County has had 169 people test positive for the virus. There has been one fatality from the disease.

Case in point

Social grouping was on display this past weekend in Pismo Beach. According to The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, hundreds of people went to Pismo Beach and other coastal spots to cool off on a hot day.

While no census was taken, it is safe to assume many of those on the sands were Valley residents.

“In downtown Pismo Beach, long lines extended from both sides of local favorite Splash Cafe, with patrons just barely keeping a 6-foot distance,” Tribune photojournalist Laura Dickinson reported. “A small crowd waiting for take-out also gathered closely in front of Cool Cat Cafe. Very few people were wearing masks.”

Pismo officials were understanding, with Police Chief Jake Miller saying officers were taking “a compassionate approach” to remind visitors of 6-foot social distancing separation that had to be honored.

Pismo Mayor Ed Waage said it was not surprising that crowds streamed to the beach. “We knew this time of year was going to be a challenge. We’re trying to do best practices as a city to keep people safe.”

For now, the beaches remain open for activities like walking, jogging, swimming and surfing. That is more lenient than in Los Angeles, where beaches are closed to all activity.

Among those disappointed at how many beachgoers there were over the weekend at Pismo and in Southern California was Gov. Gavin Newsom. On Monday he said ignoring restrictions could prolong the spread of the coronavirus, and might leave him no choice but increase statewide enforcement of the stay-at-home order.

Shelter in place

Public health experts urge all Californians to stay home and do the relaxing there. Might that mean a change in plans? For sure.

But unnecessary travel means unnecessary risks. A person who heads from Fresno to Pismo runs the danger of either taking the virus to the coast — which is unfair and unkind to our neighbors —or getting COVID-19 there and bringing it back home.

Either way, the lifespan of the pandemic is lengthened, and California cannot get past it as quickly as by just staying at home.

Hundreds of Valley residents own property along the SLO County coast. It is completely understandable they would want to enjoy that scenic area, especially when the Valley summer heat settles in.

But traveling entails social contacts that just cannot happen quite yet. Let’s end this pandemic the most effective way by staying home.