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Two state beaches in Rhode Island are set to open on Monday


Two state beaches in Rhode Island are set to open on Monday. NBC 10's Connor Cyrus has the story. (WJAR)
Two state beaches in Rhode Island are set to open on Monday. NBC 10's Connor Cyrus has the story. (WJAR)
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Two state beaches in Rhode Island, East Matunuck and Scarborough are set to open on Monday, helping to kick off the unofficial start to summer.

“I don’t think it’s been this empty for a very long time. We’ve been down here for hurricanes,” said Abbey Santoro from Cumberland at an empty beach on Sunday.

The empty beach will be open on Monday, but on Sunday it is just another reminder of how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted life in Rhode Island.

Santoro is surprised there aren’t more people on the beach walking around. She explains normally when things close down, there are still people out but that’s not the case.

“Usually even like over here if there are cars this is blocked off, so it’s a big shock to see it empty,” said Santoro.

According to Governor Gina Raimondo when the two beaches open up on Monday, parking will be reduced. Bathrooms, changing rooms, and concession stands will be closed.

The Governor also said there will be no fees and no lifeguards on duty. But that most likely won’t stop people from enjoying some newfound freedom.

“Being able to come whenever on a beautiful day out after work you wanna, I want to hit the beach and you can just go and do it,” said beachgoer Kia Hoague.

That freedom has been missed for the past two months and they say they are excited to be able to experience the beach again like they used to.

“I just love going in the water, I love feeling the waves crash into me, it feels amazing,” said Thomas Machado.

Raimondo also said she hopes to reopen all beaches across the state during phase two.


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