The following press release was issued by the County of Cape May.

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE, NJ — Amid the increase in residents being tested for the COVID-19 virus, the number of positive cases are also growing in Cape May County and the region.  Self distancing has been effective in flattening the curve and has reduced the impact of the virus. Cape May County and local officials have taken bold measures to limit person to person contact, by closing public buildings and attractions including some beaches and boardwalks.  The biggest concern remains the influx of out of state visitors to Cape May County.

While County government has no legal authority to close private businesses or stop people from visiting their second home, Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton has taken a strong stand to discourage visitors from coming to the county to vacation and  in some cases self-quarantining.  He has been persistent in his message that this is not the time to come to the shore for a vacation.

Local businesses are closed and compliant with the Governor’s orders, yet reports continue rise daily from each of the 16 municipalities with regard to more people coming to stay at second homes or rentals.  The consensus is they are ignoring the guidelines set forth by Governors throughout the country and disregarding the ‘stay home’ orders during this critical time.

“I have researched every option we have at our disposal to stop visitors from coming to Cape May County.  Only the Governor has the power to close the borders, the County cannot supersede his authority.  I came out on March 16, three days after the President announced the Declaration of National Emergency, and strongly recommended that visitors stay home.  This action was taken when we  saw the increase of out of state vehicles in the County.  I sent out the message through regional and national media outlets imploring visitors, including second home owners, to stay home.  This was a difficult decision but one that had to be made for the health and safety of our residents, we simply cannot support an influx of people in the county during this time.  We have seen a disappointing indifference to this request, ” Thornton said.

Tourism attractions in the County are closed until further notice. Campgrounds and golf courses were recently closed until further notice.  Countywide hotels have voluntarily closed  although they are considered essential.  Due to the seasonal nature of the tourism industry, many motels and hotels are not yet open for the season and planning to open at a later date. Restaurants, non-essential stores and attractions are closed as part of the Governor’s Executive Order.

“Our Administrative team is in contact with the Governor’s Office, State Department of Health,  the State Office of Emergency Management and State Police daily.  County Administrator Elizabeth Bozzelli has been holding conference calls with the Coronavirus Task Force, headed by Health Officer Thomas, the Office of Emergency Management,  headed by Martin Pagliughi and Sheriff Bob Nolan and his staff as well as Prosecutor Jeff Southernland and is staff.  She is  in regular communication with the Board of Chosen Freeholders and local Elected Officials, to ensure Cape May County is following the guidelines to curtail the spread of this virus.  She is also tasked with making sure that County government and essential services continue to be offered to the residents, holding conference call meetings with County Department Heads and staff”.  The entire Board of Chosen Freeholders remains on top of the issues facing Cape May County and are working together to deal with the impacts this has created”, reported Thornton.  

“We count on our local police departments to enforce the Governor’s executive orders and everyone of our Mayors, Elected Officials and Police have stepped up at their own risk to ensure the safety of the residents and support the County initiatives.  We need out of state visitors to respect and comply with our demands, ” Thornton added.

Freeholder Jeffrey Pierson, Liaison to the County Health and Human Services has been closely following the Governor and State Health Department mandates and advocates the need to remain vigilant and continue practicing social distancing.  He cites the decision to close the Crest Haven Nursing Home to the Public on March 14. This has prevented cases of COVID-19 spreading to the residents.

“The President’s extension can only help to slow down the spread of this highly contagious virus.  We all must remain socially and morally responsible for our actions and those of our children.  With schools closed, parents must not only home school their children but also remind them of the importance of frequently washing their hands and practicing self distancing.  We understand the need for children to go outside for fresh air and exercise, but for their protection we cannot have them gathering with their friends in large groups and not maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet apart from one another,” Pierson said.

The issue of second home owners and renters coming into the County via online booking engines has been of concern for many.  The frustration over the influx of out of state visitors has angered residents and elected officials who would like to see the county shut down, but understand that can only be done by order of the Governor. Resort towns are taking measures to close beaches, boardwalks and open attractions. The Governor’s Executive Order has deemed hotels and other lodging options essential and can remain open.  This is especially troubling and a serious concern at all levels throughout the county.

“The intent of leaving hotels open is to provide housing for medical personnel and those who are in quarantine.  This is not a loophole for out of state travelers to vacation in Cape May County, nor is it time for rental property owners to make money.  We have a responsibility to protect our citizens and expect compliance from everyone. The County is doing everything within its powers and control to protect our residents, we have to rely on individuals to comply with the guidelines and sadly some are not and putting others in jeopardy.  We ask our second homeowners to wait to return when this crisis has past.  We welcome our visitors and rely on them to support our businesses but this is not the time, “Pierson added.

“We cannot support more people in Cape May County and we insist those who are here to return to their permanent residence.  This is not the time for a family vacation.  We are appealing to everyone who has come to Cape May County to quarantine at their second home or rental, as well as those properties owners who are renting to out of county families, to take this matter seriously and don’t be reckless and irresponsible.  For everyone’s safety and well-being return to your home until this crisis is over and for those who are renting their property, please stop now, your actions can extend the impact of this virus”, Thornton concluded.