A test begins on the beaches

This is a critical opportunity to demonstrate that the governor’s trust is well placed

Gov. Ralph Northam made the welcome announcement on Monday that he would ease restrictions on beach use in the city of Virginia Beach, effective today. That was the right call — so long as beachgoers act responsibly by respecting the dos and don’ts still in place to keep everyone safe. The governor reminded Virginia that he could reimpose restrictions if those guidelines are ignored.

The Memorial Day weekend is pivotal for Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. The regional economy leans heavily on tourism, and the influx of visitors that accompanies the traditional start of summer is essential to the sustainability of so many area businesses.

According to the most recent full-year figures reported by the Virginia Tourism Corporation, visitors spent $25.8 billion on travel in Virginia in 2018. That includes $5.1 billion of spending in Hampton Roads, and $1.6 billion in Virginia Beach.

That spending supported more than 45,000 jobs in Hampton Roads that year, boasting a total payroll of about $1 billion.

In Virginia Beach, nearly 14,000 tourism and travel-related jobs, with a total payroll of about $301 million, are supported by visitors to the area.

Restrictions imposed to slow the spread of coronavirus have hammered that sector of the regional and state economy and threaten the future of numerous businesses at the Beach. The resort area is deeply fearful of a summer with sluggish travel numbers, for obvious reasons.

Decisions about beach access are not left to the cities, however. When the crisis began, local officials were helpless to close the beaches and halt large gatherings at several popular destinations, giving rise to fears the virus would run rampant through Hampton Roads as a result.

That contributed to the governor’s decision to issue his stay-at-home order and close the beaches. And it left the decision in Northam’s hands as to when the beaches would formally reopen.

After the beaches were bustling over the weekend as people took advantage of the beautiful weather, there were concerns that Northam would resist calls from local officials, business owners and tourism advocates to reopen.

Prudence and planning carried the day. The governor’s office worked with city leaders to craft a thoughtful safety plan to encourage social distancing measures while allowing beach access. After some back and forth, per Northam at his Monday press conference, Virginia Beach got the green light.

Not that this was strictly an economic decision, though that was clearly a factor. Recreation, exercise and fresh air all contribute to better overall health, which is why it was so important to keep parks, trails and other public spaces open.

That includes the beaches, which have been available only for exercise and fishing since March. Residents and visitors alike can attest to the restorative power of time spent by the Atlantic Ocean or Chesapeake Bay, and it has been difficult to have access to them restricted.

Research suggests that transmitting the virus is less likely outdoors than in enclosed spaces. It is further discouraged through social distancing measures. By adhering to those practices, beachgoers should be able to enjoy their time by the water without dramatically increasing their risk.

But there’s the rub: People planning to hit the beach this weekend must do so smartly and safely. They should keep their distance from others, not gather in large crowds and respect the rules in place so that the beaches can remain open.

That means no team sports on the beach, no music with speakers, no alcohol and no groups of umbrellas. Those at an elevated risk — seniors and those with existing health issues — should continue to stay home.

Officials want to limit crowds by holding parking access to 50% of capacity and Virginia Beach will deploy a team of 100 ambassadors to encourage adherence with the guidelines. But responsibility ultimately rests on the shoulders of the public.

This is a critical opportunity to demonstrate that the governor’s trust is well placed. Surely Virginia Beach and its visitors will rise to the occasion.