PORTER, Ind. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- As coronavirus restrictions are relaxed in Indiana, new restrictions have been put in place, because people aren’t practicing social distancing.
The Indiana Dunes National Park has temporarily closed Porter Beach, because of crowds, through the end of May.
“This closure includes both the national park beach and associated parking lots due--to unsafe health conditions related to overcrowding, unsafe sanitation practices and lack of social distancing pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic,” National Park Service spokesman Bruce Rowe said in a statement.
The park reminds visitors to please comply with the CDC's recommended safe practices and the Indiana Governor's orders associated with the pandemic when visiting the national park. Park rangers will be patrolling and anyone on the beach could later face criminal charges, Rowe said.
All park trails and most beaches of the national park remain open. Rowe said many of these areas are receiving heavy use during the pandemic.
"If a parking lot is full, please find another area of the park to visit so that social distancing and public health and safety can be maintained," Rowe said in a statement.
For the safety of the public and park staff, buildings, restrooms and the Dunewood Campground remain closed and trash cans are not being emptied. Officials said please use restrooms prior to visiting or leave the park if you need a restroom break; and pack all of your trash out of the park.
It is anticipated that the Porter Beach area, restrooms, and trashcans will be open later this month. Park staff are consulting with federal, state and local authorities to determine when it is safe to reopen all park facilities.