Seaside Heights Closes Beaches Amid Coronavirus Outbreak

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — There will be no Spring Break-like issues on the beaches in Seaside Heights; the borough has closed its beaches until further notice amid the outbreak of the new coronavirus.

"In support of Governor Phil Murphy’s 'stay home' executive orders and to further protect our public employees and residents I have instructed the borough administrator to lock the beach crossover gates until further notice," Mayor Anthony Vaz said Monday.

"I anticipate that as the weather improves at the end of this week and beyond, and we start experiencing more moderate and warm temperatures people will be tempted to get in their cars and cross the bridge onto the barrier island," Vaz said. "Closing the beaches is intended to serve as a disincentive for people to violate the Governor’s executive orders and his very strong public comments that directs all of us to stay home."

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"If you are from out of town please walk and exercise in your own neighborhoods," Vaz said. "If you have a summer home in Seaside Heights, please stay at your primary home wherever that may be."

Murphy issued the stay-at-home order on Saturday to expand efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus, which has killed 27 people in New Jersey as of figures released Monday afternoon. There were 2,844 positive tests for COVID-19 in the state as of that time.

COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that's a close cousin to the SARS and MERS viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past. Read more: NJ Coronavirus Updates: Here's What You Need To Know

There have been 149 positive tests in Ocean County as of Monday afternoon, according to the Ocean County Health Department. Seaside Heights has not had any positive tests yet, but neighboring Seaside Park has one, and Toms River is second on the county list with 21 cases, as of Monday's health department report.

Seaside Heights Emergency Management Coordinator Erik Hershey said the beach closure will protect the borough's first responders from unnecessary exposure and risk.

"Like most communities we are here to serve you, but our resources are limited. Our police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and front office employees are not immune from coronavirus," Hershey said. "Therefore, it is necessary that we to take appropriate steps to minimize contact with the public so that our front line personnel are not in harm’s way."

"So, please stay clear of the beach. The amusements and non-essential businesses on the boardwalk are closed," Hershey said.

Year-round residents of the borough and nearby neighboring barrier island communities were urged to stay at home as well.

"If you ... decide to pick up food, please do what you have to do as quickly as possible and return home," Hershey said. "That is the unfortunate but necessary statement we are making today, at this critical point in time during the country’s efforts to flatten the curve."

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