Brick Closes Beaches, Parks, Halts Short-Term Rentals

BRICK, NJ — Brick Township has closed its beaches and parks, and banned all short-term rentals in the township as part of continuing efforts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus.

The closures were announced Monday as Police Chief James Riccio amended the township's local disaster emergency proclamation.

"We are currently in a major public health crisis," Riccio said. "While we originally intended to leave parks open to give residents the opportunity to get fresh air, it became evident that people were not observing the necessary social distancing guidelines."

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The parks and beaches are closed and are being monitored.

"Any person seen entering our parks will be made to leave," he said. "This is being done to protect our citizens, our officers and our community."

The first case of coronavirus in Ocean County was reported on March 13. As of Monday, there have been 954 positive tests in Ocean County so far, and 94 in Brick, according to the Ocean County Health Department. The first case in Brick Township was reported March 19. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

"The rapid growth of the virus in Ocean County is beyond concerning," Mayor John Ducey said. "It is only going to get worse if people do not take this seriously. The proof is in the numbers. If we want to slow the spread of this disease, every one of us has to do our part and stay home as much as we can."

The proclamation also prohibits all short-term rentals within the township until further notice. A short-term rental is any home/residential dwelling that is available to rent for 30 days or less. No rental periods will be permitted to begin until these restrictions are lifted.

"One of the most important things right now is making sure people do not gather in public places and spread the virus," Ducey said. "Closing our parks and beaches is a necessary step as people have been gathering at them."

Residents are urged to continue social distancing and staying at home unless absolutely necessary to leave the house. He also reminds residents to follow these guidelines:

• No social gatherings
• Wash your hands thoroughly and often
• Do not touch your face
• If you have to sneeze, use a tissue or sneeze into your sleeve/elbow
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces often
• If you have to go out, go alone if possible
• Stay 6 feet away from others when out

Ducey also referred to the executive order by Gov. Phil Murphy telling people to stay in their primary homes and not go their secondary or vacation homes because of the concern about extra demands on emergency responders and health care facilities.

"This is a difficult time for everyone and by all indications, we still have several weeks ahead of us at a minimum," Ducey said. "The more people follow these guidelines and stay home, the better chance we have at reducing the time frame for this crisis."

A copy of Chief Riccio’s declaration of an emergency can be found on the Brick Township website at www.bricktownship.net.

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