Ocean City Cancels March, April Events Amid NJ Coronavirus Spread

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City officials took several significant measures to limit the risk of transmitting the novel coronavirus. The City has canceled all special events through the end of April and closed many public buildings.

Canceled events include the OC Con Comic and Memorabilia Show, Girls Weekend, the Great Egg Hunts on the beach and other Easter events, the Easter Sunrise Service, the Doo Dah Parade, the Mr. Mature America Pageant and the Sports Memorabilia Show.

The following will close Tuesday until further notice:

• The Ocean City Community Center, including the library, Aquatic and Fitness Center, Arts Center, Historical Museum and Senior Center.
• The Ocean City Sports and Civic Center
• other city facilities

The decisions were based on recommendations that one of the best ways to slow the spread of the virus is to avoid large, crowded gatherings.

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“As I mentioned in my update on Friday, there is no need to panic,” Gillian said in a statement. “If we all work together to follow these guidelines, we can help protect the community from the worst of this virus.”

City Hall and the Knight Building will remain open, but public access will be limited. Call ahead to make arrangements for any services that can't be completed online or by phone.

Mayor Jay Gillian will meet Monday with the business community to go over the latest recommendations from the county health department.

Public meetings of boards and commissions, excluding City Council, will be postponed until further notice. The Ocean City School District issued a directive closing schools as of March 17. Read more: Ocean City Schools To Close Tuesday Amid NJ Coronavirus Spread

City officials ask that everybody, including city team members, year-round residents, seasonal homeowners and guests, take common-sense precautions to limit the risk of transmission.

The Cape May County Department of Health has provided guidance on what steps can be taken. City team members are coordinating with county, state and federal agencies to keep up to date on the latest developments and will continue to communicate with the public.

There are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Cape May County as of Sunday afternoon. Governor Phil Murphy announced 31 new cases in the state Sunday, bringing New Jersey's total up to 98. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Update: Gov. Murphy Considers Curfew, 31 New Cases

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