By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
Downbeach residents and visitors heard the good news today that Gov. Phil Murphy will allow Jersey Shore beaches to open with limitations Friday, May 22, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend.
“The jersey shore after all is where memories are made. The last thing any of us wanted was for a summertime down at the shore to be a memory,” he said.
The Jersey Shore will be open for Memorial Day Weekend, with social distancing guidelines in place. The decision was made in collaboration with leaders in shore towns.
The governor will allow shore towns to restrict the number of people allowed on the beach, possibly by limiting the number of beach badges available. He stressed towns would not be allowed to discriminate against any group or make public beaches private.
“Every beach will be required to establishing capacity limitations but we will leave it to local leaders to determine the method best for their community,” he said Thursday in his daily COVID-19 video conference update.
Municipalities will also be required to enforce the 6-foot social distancing recommendation, except for household members.
Contact sports, games, group gatherings, summer camps, concerts, festivals and fireworks will not be permitted.
Restrooms will be open and municipalities will be required to ensure they are cleaned and sanitized regularly. Boardwalk restaurants can offer take-out and delivery, but arcades, games, amusement rides and waterparks will remain closed “for the time being,” he said.
“This is not a life-sentence here. We can have a dramatically different reality in a month from now,” he said.
The state will continue to monitor the pandemic and if the curve continues to flatten, the state will take additional steps to open additional amenities, he said.
Local municipalities will be required to conduct comprehensive public outreach campaigns to educate the public about what is allowed, including using traditional and online media and the iconic banner planes to ensure all visitors are aware of the restrictions and what is expected of them while visiting, he said.
Wearing face coverings is highly recommended, he said.
The governor said local towns will have eight days to implement the measures outlined.
“I know families can’t wait for a day at the shore,” he said, quoting The Boss, Bruce Springsteen, “cause down the shore everything is all right.”
Murphy said the state is in the process of developing protocols for public swimming pools and charter fishing boats.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
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