Coronavirus Latest: Tidal Basin To Effectively Close On Monday To Keep Crowds Away

[mahatmakanejeeves]

MAR 16, 10:57 AM

Coronavirus Latest: Tidal Basin To Effectively Close On Monday To Keep Crowds Away

PART OF FULL COVERAGE OF CORONAVIRUS IN D.C.

March 22, 8:51 p.m.: Major streets and bridges around the National Mall will be closed on Monday to keep crowds away from the Tidal Basin and mitigate the spread of coronavirus.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser announced on Sunday night that there will be a “restricted access zone” put around the Tidal Basin indefinitely. Cars, bikes, and foot traffic will be restricted in a joint effort by the Metropolitan Police Department, National Park Service, and DC National Guard.

Despite an initial round of road closures and urging from government officials to stay home, many people took advantage of the weekend’s sunny weather to see the cherry blossoms during peak bloom. Word of the crowds led D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) to tweet a call to close the Tidal Basin to visitors. Celebrity chef and philanthropist Jose Andres encouraged residents to share photos of flowering trees visible from their neighborhoods with the hashtag #StayHomeCherryBlossomsChallenge.

The following streets will be closed from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.:

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–Mikaela Lefrak

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[IronLionZion]

1. Good. Way too many people out there on the bloomcam

I saw cherry blossoms in Stanton Park yesterday where I was the only one there. There are less crowded places to see them.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

2. I didn't go see them last year. I usually go. I don't know why. I can't stand the crowds.

I think the weather will keep the crowds down today.

Also, good morning.

[IronLionZion]

3. Good morning

I saw them again at the Japanese American memorial and Senate park last night. I was the only one there.

For locals who want to see them, the best option might be these neighborhoods that have them on the street.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2020/03/21/cherry-blossoms-away-from-tidal-basin/