Po this extended Memorial Day weekend, which marks the opening of the US summer season, the beaches have reopened in New York and New Jersey, neighboring states that have been most affected by the epidemic: between them , they identified 40% of the nearly 100,000 deaths in the United States.
“It’s just great to hear the sound of the waves. It’s a great form of meditation, to be able to look at the ocean, to go in the water, ”says Brittany Neiss, 25, as she walks barefoot with her friend on Jones Beach, Long Island.
The authorities made “the right choice” by reopening this beach and many others, she said. “We need to feel… human, instead of being stuck at home”.
Less than an hour east of New York City, this 10 km-long beach has reopened for swimming with a 50% reduced capacity, and ubiquitous barriers and warnings to enforce social distancing.
Far from complaining about these measures, many visitors welcomed them, fearing a comeback of the epidemic. Like Gloria Warren, 60, who came with her sister, a friend and a tape measure to measure the distances between their folding chairs.
“It’s the only way, otherwise we will have another pandemic,” said this woman employed in the administration of a hospital on Long Island.
“As long as people keep their distance, I’m comfortable,” also emphasizes Janina Laucella, 38, who came with her two little boys busy playing in the sand.
“It gives the opportunity to exercise and give the children an impression of normalcy. And to me too. We don’t talk enough about mental health, ”she says.
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