The three beaches at the Channel Islands Harbor – Silver Strand, Hollywood, and Kiddie Beach – will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, April 11 and 12, the Ventura County Harbor Department announced today.

With the closure of the three Harbor beaches, all beaches in Oxnard will be closed this weekend. The City of Oxnard announced earlier this week all parks and beaches it manages will be closed for Easter weekend. Oxnard and Harbor beaches are expected to reopen after Easter weekend.

Harbor Department Director Mark Sandoval said the move is necessary to minimize the public’s exposure to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

“Last week the County closed the beach parking lots to dissuade residents and visitors from congregating on Silver Strand, Hollywood and Kiddie Beaches, but left the beaches open for the public to responsibly walk, exercise and get fresh air while practicing social distancing,” Sandoval said. “Easter weekend is normally a busy beach weekend, and as a result a decision was made to close the beaches.”

To limit the public’s exposure to COVID-19, the Harbor Department has also closed the Harbor’s public launch ramp and parks.

Editor’s Note: this story was published April 9, 2020.