Familiar COVID-19 restrictions and closures are back in effect, as the authorities seek to arrest the growing number of cases in the country.

Last Saturday Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Roshan Parasram confirmed community spread.

With these increasing numbers, Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley then announced the suspension of some activities and closure of places.

Hundreds of people flooded the beaches and rivers yesterday, wanting to take a dip before the closures.

Maracas was a population location and so too the Valencia River.

At Maracas Bay the head of the lifeguards station there, Captain Kirk Morton told Newscenter 5 yesterday there were thousands of persons rushing for their last soak in the salt.

He said there were even longer lines of packed vehicles waiting to get in.

Captain Morton said persons were not wearing masks.

Last Saturday Prime Minister Dr. Rowley said the wearing of masks would become law.

And an elderly man drowned at Clifton Hill Beach.

Police have confirmed that Dharaj Ramnarine drowned yesterday afternoon at a round 2 o’clock.

His body was removed to the San Fernando Mortuary.

Police say they are investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr. Ramnarine’s death.