New Yorkers head for Coney Island on Memorial Day

Police in New York kept a watchful eye over beachgoers Monday who ventured out to relax on the Memorial Day holiday.

Large groups of people were seen on the Coney Island promenade enjoying the good weather, but most people appeared to be wearing masks and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Officials feared that vacationers from New York City would come out in droves because of beach closures within the city limits.

The coronavirus causes only mild symptoms in many, but it can cause serious illness or death for some, particularly older adults and those with certain health conditions.

The U.S. ranks first in the world in the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus.

Worldwide, the outbreak has infected more than 5.4 million people and killed over 344,000, according to Johns Hopkins University.