Wareham Closed Beaches

April 5, 2020

COVID-19 Update

Good afternoon,

On Thursday, April 2nd, Governor Baker closed state beach parking lots in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19. Other communities have followed the Governor’s lead by closing their own parking areas. Some local communities have also made the decision to close their beaches. These decisions could drive people to our beaches resulting in potential contagion points.

Therefore, due to the COVID-19 pandemic all public beaches and beach parking areas are closed until further notice. Sale of beach stickers are suspended until further notice.

Beach closures:

Onset Beach
Riverside Beach
Little Harbor
Swift Beach and Swift Neck
Shell Point
We are taking these proactive measures after careful consideration and understanding that this remains a crucial time in infection control. We are all aware that there is a significantly increased risk to the health and safety of others when large groups gather. The Town has no means of controlling the social distancing behaviors of beach patrons once they arrive.
Closing Wareham’s public beaches is a difficult decision but our top priority is to maintain public health which means maintaining social distancing, limiting exposure to others and closing public gathering areas.
As of today we are keeping the Town’s parks and walking trails open. The beach closures may put pressure on these locations and visitors need to use common sense when using these locations. Please avoid these areas if they appear to be crowded and maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other visitors at all time. We will continue to monitor these locations and determine if they necessitate closing due to abuse.

Stopping the spread of COVID-19 is the only way to get us back to our normal lives. PLEASE TAKE THIS HEALTH PANDEMIC SERIOUSLY

Wareham’s confirmed number of COVID-19 cases now stands at thirteen (13). More people are being tested and the cases will rise. This should be a strong reminder that COVID-19 is here and we need to continue practicing social distancing, especially staying home as much as possible, and practicing good hygiene.
Here are some ways to help stop the spread of COVID-19:
• Stay home; this includes your home and property.
• Have groceries delivered to your doorstep.
• Avoid contact with others by keeping a distance of at least six (6) feet between you at all times.
• Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds, with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub
• Do not touch your face
• Monitor yourself for fever, cough or shortness of breath, which are some of the main symptoms of COVID-19. If you develop any of these symptoms, please call your doctor’s office. If you do not have a primary care physician, please call the Southcoast Health 24/7 COVID-19 Nursing Triage Hotline at 508-973-1919

We know that social distancing can be difficult for seniors. If you have elderly family, friends or neighbors please take this time to call them and see how they are doing.

Please think twice before leaving your home. Physical distancing is absolutely paramount in stopping the spread of COVID-19. The choices you make will either help save lives or put them at risk.