LBI Lifeguard Gatherings Linked To 35 Coronavirus Cases

LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ — Officials have identified 35 coronavirus cases associated with lifeguards around Long Beach Island gathering outside of work. State officials called for everyone, especially young people, to take precautions not to spread the virus.

"We must take all precautions to limit the spread of this virus," said Department of Health Commissioner Judith M. Persichilli. "Although they don’t experience what we would call severe illness as often, young people can still transmit COVID-19 to those that they love. We need them to take this public-health threat seriously."

The LBI outbreak stems from social gatherings attended by lifeguards, Persichilli said. It wasn't immediately clear whether all 35 infected are lifeguards.

Officials reported Friday that about two-dozen lifeguards caught the coronavirus from "common social gatherings" outside of work on July 12 and 14. Read more: More Than 15 LBI Lifeguards Test Positive For Coronavirus

Murphy pleaded for parents and children to keep their gatherings outdoors and wear face masks.

"We don’t condone underage drinking or anything illegal, but my comments right now are not related to that," Murphy said at Monday's state coronavirus briefing. "Don’t congregate indoors. I know it’s hot, but the good news is that it’s hot. You can do this outside."

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State Police Superintendent Col. Patrick J. Callahan said he believes the ban on bars is driving people underground.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus, Reopen Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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