Calls To Avoid Cape May County Amid Coronavirus Spark Controversy

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Cape May County's first case of the novel coronavirus occurred under circumstances of which many locals were afraid. A man visiting from New York City tested positive for the virus, officials announced Wednesday.

Some animosity between year-round residents, second-home owners and visitors isn't uncommon on the Jersey Shore. But efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus have intensified those debates.

"We don't want any of you here now," Todd Alan said of second-home owners and visitors. "The first case of the virus in Cape May County is a man from NYC that came down to his shore home. And not to mention, our residents need food."

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But some homeowners have felt they should be able to quarantine at their second home on the shore because they pay taxes on their shore property.

"We also pay substantial property taxes, utilities and exorbitant water bills," wrote Kathleen McEvoy. "We support local businesses, nearby restaurants and department stores year round. My home has utilized local craftsman, architects, builders, and landscapers."

County Officials Plead to the Public

Cape May County Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton said Tuesday that visitors should avoid the county for at least two weeks.

"We love all of our visitors from Pennsylvania, North Jersey, New York, and further away," said Freeholder Director Gerald M. Thornton. "But this is not the time to be visiting the shore as we try to focus resources needed during this pandemic to our residents."

One day later, the county revealed its first positive coronavirus case came from a visitor. County officials reiterated that "out-of-state visitors" should stay home and avoid Cape May County. Read more: Visitor Has Cape May County's 1st Positive Coronavirus Case

Not everyone has agreed.

"Taxation without representation," wrote Frank Maloney. "He should be ashamed of himself. If I get sick, will leave Cape May County immediately and get treatment where I live, not in Cape May County. This politician should apologize for all the taxpayers of Cape May County."

What Should Ocean City Do?

Cape May County has confirmed two cases of the coronavirus as of Friday morning. Governor Phil Murphy announced 318 new cases of the coronavirus Thursday, raising the state total to 742. The virus has killed nine in New Jersey as of Thursday afternoon. Read more: Gov. Phil Murphy: 4 More NJ Coronavirus Deaths, 318 New Cases

But with testing not available to everyone, it's impossible to tell how much the virus has spread in Cape May County or New Jersey. Some people also carry the virus without showing symptoms, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Some have called for Ocean City to close itself off to all except residents.

"OC and all barrier islands need to be closed to all but local residents," user CMS wrote on Patch. "PA and NY plates are pouring in everyday."

Mayor Jay Gillian said the City has no authority to close roads unless they're directed to implement a "shelter-in-place" order. But he urged everyone Thursday — not just visitors — to stay home.

"In order for this request to have any meaningful effect, it must apply to all unnecessary travel — not just to out-of-state visitors," Gillian said. "It saddens me to see the divisiveness spawned by recent statements irresponsibly singling out this population."

Ocean City canceled all special events through April, including the Doo Dah Parade, the Great Egg Hunt and the Mr. Mature America Pageant. Read more: Ocean City Cancels March, April Events Amid NJ Coronavirus Spread

Gillian says that as the owner of Gillian's Wonderland Pier, he knows the business impact these restrictions will have. But now is the time to limit unnecessary travel to, from and within Ocean City, he says.

"Now is the time for all of us to work together," Gillian said. "The health of our community must be our first priority. So please stay at home, and please check on your neighbors — particularly the elderly — to make sure all of their needs are met."

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