Ocean City May Be Among Worst Hit By Recession Amid Coronavirus

OCEAN CITY, NJ — The nation's economy and workforce have taken significant hits during the novel-coronavirus outbreak. But the "COVID-19 recession" will likely hit Ocean City harder than almost anywhere in the United States, according to one analysis.

The Brookings Institution determined industries most highly exposed at this time: mining/oil and gas, transportation, employment services, travel arrangements, and leisure and hospitality. Then researchers mapped out cities and areas with the greatest percentage of jobs in those industries.

Ocean City places seventh on the list of places the recession would most likely hit hardest. The metro area of Atlantic City to Hammonton ranks third.

According to the study, 29.7 percent of Ocean City's jobs in 2019 fell into the aforementioned industries. Nationally, the Brookings Institution determined that 16.5 percent of jobs fall into those industries.

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Oil-and-gas towns were among the most affected areas because of a sharp decline in travel and a price war between Saudi Arabia and Russia. But many areas built around tourism also ranked toward the top of the list.

"The numbers also underscore the massive size of the nation’s reeling leisure and hospitality sector," the study said. "Kahului, Hawaii, Atlantic City, N.J., and Las Vegas all fall into the top five most recession-vulnerable metro areas, each with more than a third of their workforce in industries threatened by coronavirus-related uncertainties."

Ways to Help

Nobody knows when things will return to normal, but Ocean City has anticipated a major economic toll. Read more: How Coronavirus Could Impact Summer Business In Ocean City

Although the economy and employment will likely take a hit, officials have said that slowing the spread of the virus is the top priority. Mayor Jay Gillian urged everyone to limit travel to, from and within Ocean City.

"In order for this request to have any meaningful effect, it must apply to all unnecessary travel — not just to out-of-state visitors," Gillian said. "It saddens me to see the divisiveness spawned by recent statements irresponsibly singling out this population."

But there are some ways to help. Nonprofit OCNJ CARE relaunched to assist those affected by the coronavirus and the related closings, quarantines and restrictions. The organization originally launched after Superstorm Sandy to help displaced families.

OCNJ CARE will help in the following ways:

• assisting at-risk populations — including older adults — in shopping, picking up medications or having somebody travel to locations that they have been advised to avoid.
• cooking and delivering meals to anybody in need, including schoolchildren and older adults.
• providing relief for families that cannot meet basic needs.

Anybody who needs assistance, can volunteer to help or can make a donation can visit www.ocnj.us/ocnjcare, call 609-399-6111 or email ocnjcare2020@gmail.com.

The Ocean City NJ Facebook page has also compiled restaurants open for takeout and delivery. See the most recent list below.

The Cape May County Chamber also created a list of local businesses still operating, including restaurants offering takeout, remote services and stores encouraging online shopping. Click here to see the list and to find out how to add your business.

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