Social distancing not enforceable at packed Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri sheriff says

A Missouri sheriff says social distancing guidelines are not enforceable as crowds flock to the Lake of the Ozarks during the coronavirus pandemic.

Camden County Sheriff Tony Helms issued the statement on Memorial Day after videos of crowded pool parties caused outrage over the weekend as many Americans worry about new outbreaks starting during the holiday weekend.

“Social distancing is not a crime and therefore the sheriff’s office has no authority to enforce actions in that regard,” Helms said in a news release. “We expect residents and visitors alike to exhibit personal responsibility when at the lake. We also respect the right of citizens to move freely around the lake and take responsibility to protect themselves from an expected dangers related to COVID-19.”

The health department in Camden County, which encompasses much of the popular tourist area, issued guidelines recommending seats, tables and people should remain six feet apart, whether they are waiting in line, in pools or on docks.

Helms said it’s been “a record weekend” at the Lake of the Ozarks, which has kept the sheriff’s office busy enforcing “laws that we have to duly enforce.”

On Sunday, a local mayor said there’s no way to control or prevent large crowds from gathering at the Lake of the Ozarks, The Kansas City Star reported.

“My concern is for our workers and whether some of the folks that have come down might be creating a health problem for the community, absolutely,” Osage Beach John Olivarri said. “But the only other thing that you could do would be shut it down. I don’t know how you would shut down Lake of the Ozarks. There’s no way to control that.”

Here’s is the full statement from the Camden County sheriff.

State and federal public health experts cautioned residents to engage in social distancing and wear masks when possible during the holiday weekend.

A Camden County sheriff’s office official said Lake of the Ozarks has been even busier than normal, according to The Associated Press.

“Our normal holiday weekend without all this COVID is ridiculously crazy,” Capt. Chris Twitchell told the AP. “So add COVID to it and all the people influxing down here to get away from everywhere else, (and) it just adds more to it. It’s a perfect storm.”

This story was originally published May 25, 2020 at 2:21 PM with the headline "Social distancing not enforceable at packed Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri sheriff says."