Ocean City Closes Playgrounds, More Amid Coronavirus

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City closed all recreational facilities Wednesday as a precaution for the novel coronavirus. That includes playgrounds, the skate park, the street hockey rinks, municipal golf course, tennis, Pickleball and basketball courts.

Cape May County first confirmed a case of the virus Wednesday. The patient is a 30-year-old man visiting from New York City, but officials didn't specify which town(s) he visited. Read more: Visitor Has Cape May County's 1st Positive Coronavirus Case

Governor Phil Murphy reported 162 new cases Wednesday, raising the total to 427 in New Jersey, including five deaths. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: Cases Soar By 162, Death Toll Rises To 5

Ocean City closed recreational facilities on the public-health recommendation to avoid gatherings of 10 or more people.

"The city has no authority and there is no emergency declaration that would allow us to prevent people from accessing their own homes or to close roads," Mayor Jay Gillian said in a statement. "We will follow any directive to implement a “shelter in place” order, if and when that is ever necessary. In the meantime, we ask that everybody – year-round residents, second homeowners and visitors – use the same common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of the virus."

Officials also closed City Hall to the public. Citizens should visit www.ocnj.us to see what services are provided online and call 609-399-6111 to make arrangements for any services that cannot be completed online. Check this guide on the most requested services.

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