Based on the latest guidance from public health officials and out of an abundance of caution, the city will take the following actions to limit the risk of transmitting coronavirus (COVID-19).
As of Tuesday (March 17), the Ocean City Community Center (including the Ocean City Free Public Library, Aquatic and Fitness Center, Arts Center, Historical Museum and Senior Center) will be closed. The Ocean City Sports and Civic Center and other city facilities also will be closed, and all Recreation Department programs suspended until further notice.
All special events through the end of April will be canceled. This includes the OC Con Comic and Memorabilia Show, Girls Weekend, the Great Egg Hunts on the beach and other Easter events, the Easter Sunrise Service, the Doo Dah Parade, the Mr. Mature America Pageant and the Sports Memorabilia Show, among others.
These closings and cancellations are based on recommendations that one of the best ways to slow the spread of the virus is to avoid large, crowded gatherings.
Public meetings of boards and commissions, excluding City Council, will be postponed until further notice. The Ocean City School District issued this directive closing schools as of March 17.
City Hall and the Knight Building will remain open but access to the public will be limited. Please call ahead to make arrangements for any services that cannot be completed online or by phone. Mayor Jay Gillian looks forward to meeting with the business community Monday to go over the latest recommendations from the county Health Department.
City officials ask that everybody, including city team members, year-round residents, seasonal homeowners and guests, take common-sense precautions to limit the risk of transmission.
The Cape May County Department of Health has provided guidance on what steps can be taken. City team members are coordinating with county, state and federal agencies to keep up to date on the latest developments and will continue to communicate with the public.
“As I mentioned in my update on Friday, there is no need to panic,” Gillian said. “If we all work together to follow these guidelines, we can help protect the community from the worst of this virus.”
