Cape May County Recommends Campgrounds Delay Opening

As part of the precautionary measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus in Cape May County, Health Officer Kevin Thomas is recommending that local campground owners and operators delay the opening of countywide campgrounds until May 11. "In the best interest of the patrons and residents, we are recommending campground owners and operators hold off opening local campgrounds until May 11, as a way to reduce and discourage the number of visitors to the county during this outbreak,” Thomas said in a press release. He continued, “I'm asking them to also advise out-of-state visitors to adhere to the Governor's executive order and not travel to the shore at this time. Now is the time to remain vigilant by following the recommendations for social distancing and isolation.” The Cape May County Department of Health is working jointly with the Office of Emergency Management and all local partners along with the New Jersey Department of Health to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep residents safe. "I want to assure everyone that we are all working diligently to prevent the spread and flatten the curve to protect our residents. With 25 percent of our year-round residents over 65, we are talking about more than 23,000 people that fit within the 'most vulnerable' category,” said Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson, liaison to the County Health and Human Services Departments. He added, “It is imperative at this time that we make every effort to especially protect our aging population. We all must follow the CDC guidelines and practice social distancing and stay indoors. This is our individual obligation to stem the spread of this virus.” Due to the seasonal nature of the county's tourism industry, most of the lodging sector does not open until closer to the middle of May. Businesses that remain open are urged to follow CDC recommendations for sanitizing common areas as well as limit the number of people gathering to 10. "The recommendations that are being made are difficult and will temporarily impact many of us, we ask for your understanding and cooperation for the good of all of our citizens," Pierson said. Updated information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic can be found on the county webpage at www.capemaycountynj.gov.