LBI Officials Urge Out-Of-Towners To Stay Away Amid Coronavirus

LONG BEACH ISLAND, NJ — Long Beach Island officials endorsed a message for everyone to stay at their primary homes and not relocate to the Jersey Shore. The message comes as New Jersey takes measures to handle the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Long Beach Township Commissioner Dr. Joseph Lattanzi shared the message, which was endorsed by the township's commissioners.

"Many individuals are taking this opportunity to spend this time in the Long Beach Island area," Lattanzi wrote. "We are strongly recommending that you remain in your primary service area and DO NOT relocate to the shore area."

Lattanzi is the former president of Southern Ocean Medical Center. Read his message below:

Long Beach Township has reported two cases of the virus as of Monday morning. Ship Bottom and Surf City have also listed one each.

The Ocean County Health Department has reported 108 cases. Governor Phil Murphy announced 590 new cases Sunday in New Jersey, along with four deaths. New Jersey's case total increased to 1,914, and 20 people have died. Read more: NJ Coronavirus: 590 New Cases, 4 More Deaths Reported On Sunday

"Be mindful if you do travel you will not have access to your local health care providers with a better appreciation of your medical history," Lattanzi said. "Furthermore, the local health care and other emergency services are not equipped to handle a mass influx of demand which will likely overwhelm the system."

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New Jersey issued a "stay-at-home" order Saturday, closing all non-essential businesses. Murphy also urged those who have homes at the Jersey Shore to not go to them at this time. Read more: Gov. Murphy Urges Part-Time Residents Not To Visit Jersey Shore

Ship Bottom Mayor William Huelsenbeck also urged people not to relocate to LBI.

"What may seem like a flight to safety could put you and your loved ones in a dangerous situation where your primary health care providers are many miles away," he said.

At least one Jersey Shore visitor has tested positive for the coronavirus. Cape May County officials revealed their person Wednesday to test positive: a 30-year-old man visiting from New York City. Read more: Visitor Has Cape May County's 1st Positive Coronavirus Case

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