Memorial Day typically starts off the busy summer tourist season at the Jersey Shore. When asked on April 23rd about whether we can expect that to happen this year, Governor Murphy said that it is “still too early to tell” at this point. Even if he felt we were able to start reopening businesses and the beach by then, he expects that social distancing will continue to “the new normal” for quite a while to come. To keep up with the latest information about COVID-19 and its effect on the Jersey Shore, visit the governor’s website here.
One month ago, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy issued a “Stay at Home” order in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, the amount of reported 1327 confirmed cases numbered 1327, with 16 deaths. As of yesterday (April 19th), the total cases shot up to 85,301, with 4202 deaths confirmed. Last week, President Trump stated that he’d like to see at least some parts of the country begin to open up on May 1st. But, in higher impacted areas (such as New Jersey), governors suggest a more cautious approach. In this COVID-19 news update, we wonder when we might expect New Jersey businesses to open back up. Governor Murphy wants to see a few very important healthcare goals met first.
COVID-19 News: NJ Open for Business Soon?
While some areas of the country may begin bringing some of their businesses back up slowly on May 1st, Governor Murphy believes June 1st might be a more realistic approach for New Jersey. Of course, that target date depends on a few goals being met first. He wants New Jersey (and the rest of the country) to have “broken the back of the virus first”. What does that mean? Increased availability for broad-scale testing and infrastructure in place to conduct contact tracing. When we can identify who has the virus and who they’ve exposed the virus to, we can get a better handle on identifying, isolating, and restricting the spread of the virus.
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that his state and the surrounding states formed a regional partnership to help determine when and how to safely re-open businesses. These states include New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachussetts, Delaware, and Connecticut. Since we all work so closely together, it makes sense to cooperate with each other in order to make as positive a transition as possible without causing harm to each other. But they also need the help of the federal government to ensure the safety of their citizens.
While Governor Murphy expressed his gratefulness for what the Trump administration has assisted them with so far, he also stated that he and his fellow governors have also stated their concerns about what else is needed from the federal government to stay afloat during these trying times. With so many people out of work right now, city, county and state coffers have quickly become depleted. Less money in means more money necessary from the federal government to continue necessary services. And even when things return to “normal”, it will be a “new normal” for quite a while in order to reduce the chances of a resurgence of the virus again.
COVID-19 News at the Jersey Shore
As of April 11th, Margate Mayor Michael Becker restricted beach access to foot traffic only. You still must follow the six-foot social distancing guidelines while on the beach. Ventnor Mayor Beth Holtzman closed the Boardwalk and their local beaches on April 3rd. Meanwhile, Longport Mayor Nick Russo allows beaches to remain open as long as people follow social distancing guidelines. And Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Sr. continues to oppose the closure of the Boardwalk or beaches. Both continue to remain open at this time.
Safer Practices During COVID-19
What can you do to stay safe during this global pandemic? Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds at a time. Disinfect areas of high usage often (countertops, doorknobs, faucet handles, refrigerator handles, etc.). Limit travel only to essential errands (grocery store, pharmacy). Designate just one person to perform these errands. Wear a face mask in public and stay at least six feet apart from others. If you use gloves while out in public, dispose of them in the trash can…not on the ground. Do not touch your eyes, mouth or nose. If you don’t feel well, please stay at home and isolate yourself as much as possible from others living in your household. To keep your mental health in check, consider signing up for some of these volunteer opportunities at the Jersey Shore.
Together, we can get through this pandemic. But we must stay apart to do so. Thank you.
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate