Latest Ocean City Coronavirus Updates

OCEAN CITY, NJ — There's a lot of news to keep up with right now — locally, nationally and worldwide. Here's a recap of coronavirus updates in Ocean City and Cape May County.

Cases

The Cape May County Health Department has reported 10 active cases in Ocean City as of Sunday afternoon. Thirteen people in Ocean City have been cleared off quarantine, and no coronavirus deaths have been reported.

The County has reported 172 active cases, 23 deaths and 155 people cleared off quarantine as of Sunday afternoon. Seventeen deaths stem from longterm-care facilities.

Here is the breakdown by municipality as of Sunday afternoon:

Although it is not reflected in the county statistics, state officials have reported four cases at The Shore at Wesley Manor in Ocean City as of Friday. No deaths have been reported at this facility, and it is unclear how many are active cases.

Testing

Cape May County drive-thru testing continues Wednesday. Testing is available for CompleteCare patients and county residents who are sick with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath and meet a certain criteria.

Symptomatic first responders who are residents of the county will also be given priority testing. In order to receive testing, individuals can go to CompleteCareNJ.org/COVID19 or call 609-465-0258 and request to be screened. Web registration is best, according to officials.
If you are not a CompleteCare patient, obtain a script from your doctor. Once you have the script do the following:

1. Go to completecarenj.org.
2. Read the statement and click "I understand."
3. Click request an appointment on right of screen.
4. Complete requested information.
5. Await call from CompleteCare staff to review symptoms.
6. CompleteCare will forward script to Health Department.
7. Health Department staff will call and schedule the appointment.

The test will be free of charge and no co-pay will be required for the screening. Translation services are available for those in need.

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Schools

• Gov. Phil Murphy, speaking during a Friday press conference, said he'll soon be ready to announce a decision on reopening schools amid the coronavirus outbreak. Murphy said on Saturday that he plans to hold a news conference at 12 noon on Monday, and will likely address the issue. Patch will cover it live. MORE.
• The Ocean City School District has a resource guide for remote learning and support.
• The district is preparing for both physical and virtual end-of-the-year events, according to Superintendent Kathleen Taylor. "When we learn from Governor Murphy about the status of opening schools, and if there are restrictions, we will enact our plans accordingly," Taylor wrote in a letter to the school community.

Restrictions and Updates

• Corson's Inlet State Park closed its beaches until further notice Saturday, less than a day after the park reopened. Cape May County also parks reopened Saturday. MORE.
• It's too soon to tell the state of Ocean City beaches by Memorial Day weekend, officials told Patch on Tuesday. MORE.
• The Ocean City Office of Emergency Management sent a message Saturday reiterating that the beaches and boardwalk remain closed. "Please do not place an unnecessary burden on our first responders by failing to comply with these very clear and simple guidelines," the message said.
• We all know someone who's making a difference in this difficult time. Let's give them some of the recognition they deserve. Nominate an Ocean City hero.
• Ocean City and Cape May County have focused on a plan for the future. But much of that depends on efforts to stop the virus, said Mayor Jay Gillian. MORE.
• Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday offered hope for some semblance of normality at the Jersey Shore this summer, beginning on Memorial Day. But he said that the "new normal" at the beach won't likely look anything like it did last summer. MORE.
• The coronavirus could affect every corner of life on the Jersey Shore this summer. Here's what the Jersey Shore has done so far and what could happen. MORE.
• Open or closed? Patch created a a simple Open-or-Closed Directory for local businesses. Here's how to get listed.
• Cape May County created a Business Recovery Task Force. MORE.
• The Cape May County Board of Freeholders voted April 7 to prohibit hotels, motels and other short-term rental businesses from lodging transient guests or seasonal tenants. MORE.
• Ocean City's May 12 election will be conducted by mail. Here's how to vote.
• Ocean City closed its beaches and boardwalk March 25 until further notice. MORE.
• Cape May County toll bridges went cashless as a coronavirus precaution. This includes several bridges linked to Ocean City. MORE.

Something to Smile About

Whenever a coronavirus patient gets discharged, Shore Medical Center plays "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang on the overhead sound system. Check out a video of two employees dancing. MORE.

Here's what else you should know:

• Murphy offered a broad reopening plan on Monday, April 27, providing a six-point outline to "restart New Jersey and put the state on the road to recovery." Read more: Gov. Murphy Issues 6-Point NJ Reopen Plan In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy issued a stay-at-home order on Saturday, March 21, closing all non-essential business. Read more: Gov. Murphy Announces NJ 'Stay-At-Home' Order Due To Coronavirus
• Murphy, speaking during a Thursday, April 16 press conference, said schools will remain closed through May 15. Read more: Gov. Murphy: NJ Schools Shut Through May 15 In Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy said on Wednesday, April 29 that he's reopening state and county parks and golf courses. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Reopen State, County Parks, Golf In NJ Coronavirus Crisis
• Murphy ordered stores across New Jersey on Wednesday, April 8 to require shoppers to wear face coverings or masks. Here's how you can get yours, and how the new rule will be enforced. Read more: NJ Shoppers Must Wear Masks: Where To Get Them, How It's Enforced
• Here are 10 resources for you and your family to utilize as you navigate through the outbreak: Unemployment, Tests, Food: 10 NJ Resources In Coronavirus Crisis
• New Jersey's courts suspended all new jury trials until further notice, Chief Justice Stuart Rabner said on Thursday, March 12. Read more: Coronavirus Throws Monkey Wrench Into New Jersey Court System
• Murphy said during a live press conference on Wednesday, March 25 that he's ordering many day care centers to shut amid the coronavirus outbreak. Read more: Gov. Murphy To Shut Many Day Care Centers Amid Coronavirus Crisis
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a travel advisory for New Jersey. Read more: CDC Travel Advisory For NJ: No Coronavirus Travel Ban From Trump

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