As the sun rose over the Tidal Basin for the first morning of peak bloom of cherry blossoms, the crowds gathered. Photographers set up tripods, selfies with flowers were snapped, and couples wrapped their arms around one another as they took in the beautiful scene. Traffic grew more and more congested during what is normally rush hour. Any other year, this is all to be expected on the first morning of peak bloom.

But this is not any other year. The world is in the grip of a global pandemic and “social distancing” is being ordered by both federal and local governments. While being outside is considered okay, it comes with the caveat that everyone must stay six feet apart from each other.

But by the Tidal Basin Friday, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom, it was pretty clear those directives didn’t stand much of a chance against the siren call of delicate pink flowers. And this has been the case pretty much the entire week.

This, along with the upcoming spring weekend, has government officials continuing to preach public health in hopes that thoughts of “flattening the curve” will not be pushed aside. And that those who do go outside, stay vigilant as they stay several feet from passing strangers.

“I understand as a long-time area resident the beauty of cherry blossoms,” says Dr. George Askew, Prince George’s County’s Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Health, Human Services and Education, “But there will be crowds and they should be avoided.”

Askew says if you have to absolutely see the blossoms at the Tidal Basin, be an early bird and go before sunrise, when crowds are likely to be lighter.

National Park Service spokesperson Mike Litterst tells DCist that the National Park Service is aware many people are going to visit the Tidal Basin this weekend and into next week, but strongly encourages the most vulnerable to COVID-19 to stay home. “The Tidal Basin is not closed but we are encouraging people to make smart decisions,” Litterst says.

At her Friday press conference, D.C. Mayor Murial Bowser reiterated these sentiments by advising people to stay indoors. “Stay home,” Bower said, “Don’t treat this like a normal weekend, there will be more nice days.”

Meanwhile, Metro has closed the Smithsonian and Arlington Cemetery stations in the hopes of lessening crowds.

Askew says what true social distancing means is staying home except for essential needs. But he knows that the temptation of a spring Sunday outside after a week cooped up may be more than most can bear.

“Being realistic, we all need to get out,” Askew says. “There are quite a few outdoor activities you can do while keeping social distance like walking and bike riding.”

He strongly recommends against playgrounds for kids and golfing for grown-ups. Askew also says it’s very important to do these activities with your core family or those you are in close contact with on a regular basis. Bower also cautioned that activities should only be done with immediate family members.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country and in our region, it’s important to do all that we can to keep ourselves, loved ones, and other people safe and healthy.

“[We] want people to really take social distancing to heart,” Askew says. “[It’s] the only medicine we have. It’s effective and proven. It will be tough, but it’s what has to be done.”