Large crowds seen flocking to Crystal Beach amid outbreak

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Sunday, April 26, 2020
Large crowds gather in Crystal Beach in Galveston County amidst social distancing guidelines being urged during COVID-19 pandemic
A video shows people standing together under umbrellas and walking along the beach.

GALVESTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Large crowds flocked to Crystal Beach on Saturday despite the lockdown that's in effect for the majority of beaches in the area.

An ABC13 viewer sent in video showing hundreds of cars parked near the beach in Galveston County where people were seen gathering closely together under umbrellas or walking by the water.

Meanwhile, beaches in the nearby city of Galveston are set to partially reopen on Monday from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. for pedestrian exercise, said the city council.

READ MORE: What you need to know before visiting Galveston beaches when they reopen Monday

Residents in Galveston County are also not required to wear face coverings, according to Judge Mark Henry. Meanwhile, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo's mandatory order for residents to wear face masks when out in public goes into effect on Monday.

SEE ALSO: Galveston County Judge says mask order is 'unconstitutional'

ABC13 has reached out to local authorities for comment but has not received a response.

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