Info On Ocean City Beach Access Could Come 'Very Soon:' Mayor

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Mayor Jay Gillian may be able to share information on beach access for exercising "very soon," he said Friday. Reopening the beach for exercise would be one of many steps toward loosening coronavirus restrictions in Ocean City.

"We will take a measured approach to reopening different parts of the city," Gillian wrote in his weekly address. "As your mayor, my first priority is your health and welfare, and I am particularly concerned for our senior population. We all need to understand that our behavior could affect their safety more than our own."

The mayor said it's important to start thinking about letting people get into outdoor spaces for physical and mental health. But Gillian cautioned that filling the beaches, boardwalk and downtown with dense crowds "could quickly and easily undo all our efforts."

Even when restrictions are lifted, people should stay at least 6 feet apart and where face coverings when social distancing isn't possible, he said.

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Cape May County submitted a plan for gradually reopening Tuesday to Governor Phil Murphy. If approved, all beaches could reopen for all activities June 1, while boardwalks could reopen Monday for active recreation. Read more: Cape May Co. Submits Plan For Reopening Beaches, Boardwalks, More

The Cape May County Health Department has reported eight active coronavirus cases and 20 people cleared off quarantine in Ocean City as of Friday afternoon. Officials have not reported any deaths from the virus in Ocean City.

County-wide, there are 215 active cases, 196 people cleared off quarantine and 32 deaths as of Friday. Longterm-care facilities account for 115 active cases and 23 deaths.

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