Cape May Freeholder Urges Visitors To Stay Home Amid Coronavirus

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — Cape May County's freeholder director urged visitors and second-property owners to stay home for the next two weeks. As the novel coronavirus spreads in New Jersey, many have still visited to use their second home or stay with family at the Jersey Shore, officials said.

The county has no confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus as of Tuesday afternoon. Governor Phil Murphy reported 89 new cases Tuesday in New Jersey, increasing the state total to 267. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Malls Closing Due To Coronavirus, 89 New Cases

Officials warned that additional visitors put a strain on local supermarkets and could eventually burden the medical system.

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“We love all of our visitors from Pennsylvania, North Jersey, New York, and further away,” said Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton. “But this is not the time to be visiting the shore as we try to focus resources needed during this pandemic to our residents.”

Ocean City has closed most of its public buildings and canceled all special events through April, including the Doo Dah Parade and the Great Egg Hunt. Read more: Ocean City Cancels March, April Events Amid NJ Coronavirus Spread

Murphy also ordered the closure of restaurants — besides takeout — and other "non-essential" businesses until further notice.

“We are hoping that people act responsibly now so we can minimize the health impacts in as short of a period of time as possible,” Thornton said. “It would be best if people could stay in their full-time residence for now as we address this current outbreak.”

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