GALVESTON, Texas – If there was ever a fear of the novel coronavirus and spread of COVID-19, that was not made clear last weekend in Galveston, as the island was flooded with bumper-to-bumper traffic on the first day the beaches were reopened.

Images shared on social media appeared to show the beaches and seawall were reminiscent of the old “beach party” or holiday weekends as thousands flocked to Galveston on May 1.

Health officials recommend that the guidelines for social distancing – not gathering in groups of more than 10 and remaining six feet between individuals – be adhered to, but that was clearly not practiced.

The fear is that the lack of caution will place the general population in harm’s way.

“The risk, of course, is that we could see a resurgence of COVID-19 in a big way.