Popular Restaurant By Ocean City Closes Due To Coronavirus Case

SOMERS POINT, NJ — A popular eatery just outside of Ocean City temporarily closed because of a coronavirus case. Officials alerted Josie Kelly's Public House on Wednesday that a guest at a private party tested positive for COVID-19.

No employees at the Somers Point restaurant have tested positive for the virus as of Wednesday night. They will continue daily screenings for all employees, mask wearing, hand washing every half hour and "strictly enforced social distancing."

"We will remain closed until we are completely satisfied that it is safe for our staff and our guests to return," the restaurant said on its Facebook page. "This step is a precautionary measure to ensure the ongoing safety of all."

The Atlantic County Division of Public Health alerted Josie Kelly's Public House of the case Wednesday evening. The party took place in a private room.

State officials reported 70 new cases Wednesday in Atlantic County, bringing the area to 5,524 cases, 255 confirmed deaths and 14 probable deaths since the pandemic began. Unlike Cape May County, Atlantic County doesn't publicly release the number of active cases county-wide or the total amount of cases by municipality.

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The Cape May County Health Department reported 34 active cases in Ocean City as of Thursday afternoon. Officials have counted 131 people cleared off quarantine and three deaths in Ocean City.

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