As we approach the opening of our schools, it is imperative to reduce the amount of COVID cases in the Rio Grande Valley. As of 7/21/20, the RGV has had a total of about 21,000 positive cases and over 300+ deaths. We, the citizens of the Rio Grande Valley, demand immediate temporary closure of all publicly accessible points of entry to South Padre Island beaches due to COVID-19 for the period of time the viral disease outbreak is deemed controlled by local county health officials.

Continuing to allow access and congregation of people on South Padre Island beaches are further attributing to community spread regardless of the measures local law enforcement are advised to take to ensure social distances. Maintaining open access to our beaches dangerously sets a county-approved precedent that directly contrasts the professional recommendations of the CDC and federal, state and local medical experts.

While we agree fresh air and sunshine are essential for maintaining a healthy mind, body, and spirit, we formally request that the county and local city officials recommend alternatives and drastically reduce the number of people allowed on beaches at any given time. If closing the beaches entirely is not amenable, we request an immediate reduction in the types of visitors allowed beach access and a drastic decrease in the amount of time that those approved visitors be permitted on the beach.