Police restrict access to Kenwood cherry blossoms

Authorities cracked down on cherry blossom crowds violating social distancing rules both at the Tidal Basin and here in Kenwood Sunday. With access to the blossoms in the District already made difficult by two Metro station closures intended to limit access there, large numbers still managed to get there this weekend, and the size of the crowd made it nearly impossible to keep a six-foot distance between people. Police and the National Guard ultimately were called in to block the public from accessing the blossoms at the Tidal Basin.

Kenwood also found itself being overwhelmed Sunday. Montgomery County police eventually closed all vehicular access to the neighborhood, allowing residents only to drive into the community. This was a good call. Large crowds were already a safety and quality of life issue, but this year they can also present a deadly risk from coronavirus.