Malibu Pier to close following crowds of visitors last weekend amidst pandemic

Malibu pier with large surf. Surf rarely breaks next to or under the pier. Malibu Surfrider beach experiencing some high surf from hurricane Marie off the Baja Mexico coast. Today's waves reached up to 10 feet for most of the day. The wave size is de

The Malibu Pier, including its shops and restaurants, is closing to the public starting Wednesday to prevent crowding during the coronavirus, the city announced on Tuesday.  

The pier is considered a state park, and Malibu City Manager Reva Feldman coordinated with California State Parks to close it, according to Matt Myerhoff, Malibu's media information officer.  

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The closure comes after the pier was crowded with visitors last weekend, Myerhoff said.  

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"Crowding on beaches and trails or anywhere right now is not acceptable, it does not help us to slow the spread of coronavirus and it puts seniors and vulnerable groups at risk," Malibu Mayor Karen Farrer said.  

"I know how difficult it is to have to stay home, and getting outdoors, getting exercise and enjoying nature is an important part of physical and mental wellness. But we all must come together and practice social distancing at all times to overcome this challenge."