Ocean City Cancels Major Events, Reaches 40 Active COVID Cases

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City canceled several major holiday events because of the coronavirus. Mayor Jay Gillian made the announcement Friday, as the city reached 40 active coronavirus cases.

Officials canceled the Miracle on Asbury Avenue Celebration on Black Friday, the Christmas Parade and First Night and First Day celebrations.

"I understand this is a disappointment, but the health and safety of our residents and guests will always be the top priority," Gillian said in his weekly address.

Ocean City has canceled many of its special events since the coronavirus outbreak hit New Jersey, including Night In Venice and Fourth of July fireworks.

The Cape May County Health Department announced 34 new coronavirus cases Friday in the county, including 11 in Ocean City. The city now has more active coronavirus cases than any Cape May County municipality.

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Officials have reported three coronavirus deaths and 114 people cleared off quarantine in Ocean City since the pandemic began. The county has reached 177 active cases, 1,363 people cleared off quarantine and 177 deaths. See more data here.

Local hospitals have not reported filling to capacity, but Shore Medical Center brought back a visitor ban Oct. 13 because of an uptick in cases in the hospital community and South Jersey. Read more: Shore Medical Center Reinstitutes Visitor Ban Due To Coronavirus

Governor Phil Murphy reported 2,089 new cases in New Jersey on Friday — the first time the Garden State has seen more than 2,000 daily cases since early May. He also reported seven new confirmed deaths.

"Everyone needs to take this seriously," Murphy said. "Wear a mask. Social distance. Wash your hands."

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