Beaches and parks packed on Memorial Day as Trump demands reopening despite coronavirus cases soaring in 18 states

Americans ignore warnings and celebrate the holiday in large gatherings as second peaks arrive in the coronavirus pandemic nationwide

Crowds flocked to beaches and parks throughout the United States during the Memorial Day holiday, despite the number of new coronavirus cases continuing to rise in at least 18 states according to the latest data.

Photos showed packed public spaces amid the pandemic as President Donald Trump encouraged states to begin reopening and implored governors to ease restrictions on houses of worship on Friday, saying in remarks at the White House: “These are places that hold our society together and keep our people united.”

Many entryways at beaches and parks across the country featured signs displaying social distancing guidelines and instructions for patrons. Police officers were also stationed at public spaces to ensure local orders were followed.

A video shared across social media on Saturday showed party-goers at Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri gathered in large groups, the vast majority of them lacking face masks or any sort of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Throngs of people swam shoulder-to-shoulder at a swim up bar location seen in the video, which received more than 18 million views and received widespread criticism over the apparent lack of concern surrounding Covid-19.

Local officials in St Louis County issued a travel advisory as the Kansas City health director slammed the party-goers seen in the video and called on them to self-quarantine for their “reckless behaviour”.

“Recent news reports indicate that many people, including those from the St. Louis region, did not follow any protective practices over the holiday weekend. Large crowds at Lake of the Ozarks showed no efforts to follow social distancing practices essential to curbing the spread of the virus,” the local department of public health said in a statement. “As a result, many members of the public and employers have asked St Louis County how to best proceed in safely opening their businesses when social distancing practices are not being followed.”

Dr Sam Page, St Louis County executive, also said: “This reckless behaviour endangers countless people and risks setting us back substantially from the progress we have made in slowing the spread of Covid-19.”

With more than 1.6 million total coronavirus cases in the US since the outbreak began, nearly 100,000 people in the country have died and 18 states are suffering a rise in new cases, according to a tracking tally published by Johns Hopkins University.

Just 10 states were reportedly seeing a decline in new cases, as the figure was mostly holding steady in 22 states.

Gatherings like the one at the Lake of the Ozarks were responsible for clusters of infections reported in states like Arkansas.

The governor warned the state was experiencing a second peak in the coronavirus pandemic, with cases arising from a pool party last week.

Meanwhile, residents ignored warnings and gathered for large holiday parties during the weekend without taking proper precautions, according to reports.