MediaWize

Cape May County’s multipronged approach to the COVID-19 pandemic has shown positive results. The overall COVID-19 numbers have been very low in recent weeks, the county announced in a press release Tuesday. Over the past seven days, there have only been 19 new reported cases of COVID-19 among Cape May County residents. To put that in perspective, on May 8 the county reported 24 new cases in a single day alone, when there were multiple outbreaks at Long-Term Care facilities, the press release said. The last death in Cape May County was reported on July 31.

The New Jersey Department of Health unveiled an online dashboard highlighting New Jersey’s contact tracing efforts throughout the state. The state, working with the Rutgers School of Public Health and Public Consulting Group, is continuing to build a strong, quality contact tracing program. CommCare, the state’s uniform data reporting system, was introduced and launched statewide in early July, according to a Cape May County press release.

Mayor Jay Gillian announced Friday the cancellation of all special events through October in response to the coronavirus pandemic. They include Ocean City's Baby Parade, the September air shows, the Corvette Show on the Boardwalk, the OCNJ Half Marathon and the Fall Block Party.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch in effect for Ocean City through 1 p.m. Friday. Multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms producing locally heavy rain will develop through Friday morning. The ground remains saturated in the region due to the recent heavy rains associated with Tropical Storm Isaias, and this will make it easier than usual for flooding to occur in areas that receive heavy rainfall over a short duration.

Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to lash the Jersey Shore with drenching rain, strong winds and flash flooding, according to the latest forecast by the National Weather Service. Heavy rain leading to flash flooding is possible from Monday night through Tuesday night in Ocean City and is currently the primary concern with the storm, forecasters say.

Mayor Jay Gillian is urging everyone to pay attention to the weather forecast as Hurricane Isaias is expected to move up the coast in the next few days. "It’s still too early to tell exactly what effects Ocean City could see from Isaias. But we will have a full-moon tide on Monday (Aug. 3) at about 9 p.m. If wind and rain from the storm coincide with that tide, street flooding is likely," Gillian said Friday in his weekly statement to the public. His entire statement follows.

The Cape May County COVID Recovery Task Force announced Thursday that the “Safely Together” public health campaign will enter its second phase with the addition of a pledge component, as well as other aspects. Businesses are asked to join the commitment to staying open by “Making the Pledge” to diligently follow best practices and health protocols with respect to limiting the spread of COVID-19. People also are asked to acknowledge that they will both follow health protocols and frequent local businesses that have “Made the Pledge.”

Cape May County has released the locations for COVID-19 testing sites. Details follow.

Cape May County government is taking steps to reduce its expenditures during the coronavirus pandemic, the county announced Tuesday. Changes include a 10 percent reduction through the end of this budget year for operating expenses and capital budget items. All new bonding for capital projects has been tabled. There has also been a general moratorium on hiring.

Freeholder Jeff Pierson announced Monday that the Cape May County Department of Health and CompleteCare Health Network (CCHN) are partnering to open drive-thru COVID-19 testing clinics. The first drive-thru will be held on Thursday, July 30, by appointment only at the Cape May County Fire Academy, 171 Crest Haven Rd, Cape May Court House, starting at 8 a.m. Other testing dates will be scheduled based on community need. Details follow for scheduling a test appointment.