'Polar Bear Plunge' continues in Chico, despite covid-19 concerns

'Polar Bear Plunge' continues in Chico, despite covid-19 concerns

Many community members in Chico still came together for the annual 'Polar Bear Plunge' event despite warnings from public health leaders.

15- percent threshold.

### a warning from butte county health officials did not bring a halt to the annual polar bear plunge in chicos lower bidwell park... reporter kristian lopez was there this afternoon and has a look at this year's turnout and why people showed up.

### nats jumping in.

The coronvairus pandemic did not stop the community from continuing an annual new years tradition.

Nats swimming you can see just how many people still showed up for the event.

These are not the crowds we're used to seeing but people said it was important for them to keep the tradition going.

Jeremy miller/took the plunge:we do it every year, its great to get back to some sort of normal.

You can also see that a lot of community members came out to see what the turnout would be and cheer people on.

Kristian lopez: and i asked people why they still decided to participate despite the warning from health officials who said this could be a super spreader event.

Giselle eastman/took the plunge going: "i went a half an hour before because i was concerned about my family and i made sure to have my mask on before other people came around.

I do have some concerns about that but it was nice to see people coming together.

Jeremy miller: i have concerns, i have concerns, but we have to live our lives, its great to come out here, swim in the water and enjoy the city.

Nats swimming.

Kristian : the reason the event was still able to take place is because it wasnt organized by any person or group and didnt require any permit so it couldnt officially be cancelled...repo rting from bidwell park kristian lopez action news now coverage you can count on.

A few other people came out before*an* after the event to take the plunge on