'Stay Home:' Ocean City Police Chief On Coronavirus

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City's police chief has a serious message as the novel coronavirus spreads in New Jersey: stay home.

"I have been in law enforcement for over 25 years, and have been serving as Chief of Police for the past 2 years," Chief Jay Prettyman wrote to the public. "I have never experienced anything of this magnitude."

Five people in Cape May County have tested positive for the coronavirus as of Tuesday morning. Officials haven't released a town-by-town count. Read more: 5 In Cape May County Now Positive For Coronavirus

New Jersey had 935 new cases on Monday and seven additional deaths, Governor Phil Murphy announced. The state now has 2,844 cases and 27 deaths. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: 1K New Cases, 7 More Deaths; Enforcement Underway

Murphy issued a stay-at-home order Saturday. Prettyman says it's important to follow this order — not only to slow the spread but to keep first responders healthy.

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"I am asking for everyone to heed this mandate to protect our families, friends, and community," Prettyman said. "Most importantly, to protect our first responders who have to leave their families each day to keep us safe!"

Read Prettyman's full message below:

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