Little Silver Enforces Coronavirus Mask Rule, Allows Plastic Bags

LITTLE SILVER, NJ — Little Silver will require all customers and employees in essential businesses to wear cloth face masks because of the novel coronavirus. The Borough also suspended its single-use plastic bag ban to prevent the use of reusable bags that haven't been washed or sanitized.

Additionally, all tennis courts and basketball courts are closed because of periodic violations of Governor Phil Murphy's orders.

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Little Silver won't require N95 or surgical masks, which officials say must be preserved for health-care workers and first responders. The Borough will require simple cloth coverings. See details from the Center for Disease Control.

The mask requirement goes into effect at noon Wednesday. The decision is based on the CDC's recommendation to prevent transmission of the virus, even by those who don't show symptoms.

"The intention is not to further inconvenience and burden our residents and businesses during a very difficult time, but to require the safest possible practices in order to stop the spread at the earliest possible time," the Borough said in its announcement.

Twenty-four people in Little Silver and 30 in Oceanport have tested positive for the virus as of Wednesday morning. Officials have reported 2,800 positive cases in Monmouth County.

Governor Phil Murphy announced 3,361 new cases and 232 more deaths Tuesday in New Jersey. The State has reported 44,416 positive cases and 1,232 deaths from the virus.

Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

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