h. nazan ışık—

24 June 2020—

“Due to the coronavirus pandemic, New York City’s beaches are closed for swimming until further notice.
Walking, running, exercising, and access to the sand and boardwalk are still permitted during regular park hours. Restrooms are open during regular hours,” this was on the Official Website of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation.

Well, that further notice was announced today, on Wednesday, 24 June by Mayor Bill de Blasio that swimming will be allowed at the city’s eight public beaches starting on July 1.

That is good news. But there is one question, which bothers me a lot.  I am not worried, not thinking about the crowd on the beach, the six-foot social distancing, nor wearing, or not wearing a mask. My concern is the importance of the toilet lids of containing of the spread of Coronavirus.

I went to Coney Island on Saturday, 20 June to see how it was before beaches were open to swim, and restaurants were allowed to reopen on 22 June, with outdoor settings. It was a sunny, beautiful day; I arrived there at about 6:00 pm.

At 6:15 pm, there were a lot of people on the beach. (photo: h. nazan ışık /NKENdiKEN)

Some people were swimming. (photo: h. nazan ışık/ NKENdiKEN)

An on duty Parks and Recreation staff was standing on the beach.

“Is swimming allowed?” I asked.

“No, but they don’t listen. At about noon time, more than forty people were in the water.” 

I didn’t ask more questions, and continued walking to Brighton Beach.

Brighton Beach restaurants, famous with their outdoor tables, were open only for pick- up orders and deliveries. (photo: h. nazan ışık /NKENdiKEN)

On duty two police officers were standing on the boardwalk.

 “Is swimming allowed?” I asked.

“ No, but they don’t listen!” I got the same answer.

“New Yorkers have worked hard to fight back this virus and to put us back on the path to a safe reopening,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio during the announcement. “This summer is still unlike any in our history, but now, we will all have the opportunity to cool off and swim at our cherished beaches.” 

“Our beaches have long been a key component of a traditional New York City summer.  While the past few months have been incredibly challenging, we are excited to bring our beaches back for the season,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. “We want all New Yorkers to enjoy the surf and sand, but more than ever we want everyone to keep safety first.

At about 8:00 pm boardwalk was still crowded. And people were not ‘wearing a mask’. (photo: h. nazan ışık/NKENdiKEN)

Governor Cuomo also today during a briefing said, “ Let me give you a couple of…facts as we are here on day 116. The number of hospitalizations is 1,071, that’s the lowest level of hospitalizations we have seen since (March 19) this nightmare began.

Within New York City…. the number of deaths is 17 today. This is right about where the lowest numbers have ever been. Again, that’s more great, great news. And again we don’t want to see these numbers reverse,” Governor Cuomo said.

Many health experts say, “Closing the lid when flushing is a key to contain the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

During my visit to Coney Island I checked two public restrooms on boardwalk.  They did not have lids.

I believe it is time (for Mayor de Blasio, and Parks Commissioner Silver, and even Governor Cuomo) to pay more attention to “Toilet Lids” as well, before beaches get more crowded, and New York City becomes “NEW” normal. 

Photos; © h. nazan ışık /NKENdiKEN

© h. nazan ışık