Galveston Beaches to Close July 4th Weekend After COVID-19 Surge

If you were planning to head over to Galveston, Texas this holiday weekend, you won't be able to enjoy the beaches there.

As a result of the recent surge in coronavirus cases in Texas and the Houston region, officials in Galveston have decided to close down the beaches there this Independence Day holiday weekend and possibly the remainder of the summer.

Beach access will be restricted beginning at 5:00 am on Friday and run through midnight on Monday. Access points and beach parks will be closed and parking along Seawall Boulevard will be restricted with the exception of pedestrians.

Other restrictions could go into place after this weekend. Galveston Mayor Jim Yarbrough told the Houston Chronicle that another order may be issued next week that would limit certain beach access points and close off other island areas for the rest of the summer.

This decision comes with the guidance of medical professionals and after Texas Medical Center hospitals entered into Phase 2 surge plans for ICU capacity in neighboring Harris Country.

The Galveston Police Department will have additional police officers on duty this weekend to respond to calls and assist with traffic safety.

Additionally, the city has already canceled its annual July 4th parade and all public fireworks displays because of concerns regarding COVID-19 and social distancing.