Dear Friends,
The number of positive tests for coronavirus in Ocean City remains relatively small but is on the rise.
Reporting and contact tracing are administered through the Cape May County Department of Health, and the county does not provide detail to the public on the identities, locations or nature of the active cases.
But with kids back in school, college students coming and going, the weather starting to force people back inside, and tests more readily available, we may see these numbers continue to increase.
Fortunately, our local hospital officials reported this week that as of Wednesday, Shore Medical Center had only three COVID patients and Cape Regional just two.
Those hospital numbers could be lagging behind the active cases numbers, or it could be that many of the active cases are asymptomatic or minor.
I certainly want to encourage everybody to remain vigilant, wear masks, wash hands, steer clear of indoor crowds, and follow all other guidelines. I do think we all can minimize the next wave if we take common-sense precautions.
The following are reliable sources on trends and everything you need to know about the coronavirus and COVID-19:
I want to let you know about two town hall meetings planned for this fall. All safety protocols will be observed for both meetings. The city will present information on preliminary plans for a new public safety building at 10 a.m. Oct. 24 at the Ocean City Tabernacle (550 Wesley Avenue).
A separate meeting to share updated information on bayside dredging plans and road, drainage and flood mitigation improvements will be held at 10 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Tabernacle.
We will provide more information as these events get closer, and the presentations and meeting video will be made available to all who cannot attend.
Information regarding a town hall meeting to discuss plans for open space at the former car dealership property will be forthcoming when the acquisition of the property has been concluded.
On Tuesday, the city conducted a $50,700,000 bond sale that resulted in a net interest cost of 1.52 percent. Ocean City was able to hit the market at one of the most opportune times in history for selling municipal debt, and the sale will represent a significant savings to taxpayers for years to come.
The bond sale funds capital improvements that range from flood-mitigation projects to land acquisition to affordable housing.
Cape May County’s wastewater main replacement project on Bay Avenue is in full progress, and work will require a detour on Bay Avenue. Starting Monday and continuing for about two weeks, Bay Avenue will be closed to all but local traffic between 24th Street and 34th Street.
The Ocean City Municipal Airport, Golf Course and local businesses will remain open and accessible.
See more detail.
Boardwalk and downtown merchants will be holding outdoor table sales this weekend. I hope you all get a chance to stop by and check out everything our local stores have to offer.
Warm regards,
Mayor Jay A. Gillian
