In light of the continuing spread of Coronavirus in Brick Township and Ocean County and at the urging of Mayor John G. Ducey, Brick Township Police Chief James Riccio is amending his Proclamation of Local Disaster Emergency from March 20, 2020 to include the complete closure of all Brick Township parks and beaches and prohibiting all short-term rentals within the township until further notice.
All parks and beaches within the township are closed effective immediately. “We are currently in a major public health crisis. While we originally intended to leave parks open to give residents the opportunity to get fresh air, it became evident that people were not observing the necessary social distancing guidelines,” said Chief Riccio. “Effective immediately, all of our parks are closed and will be monitored. Any person seen entering our parks will be made to leave. This is being done to protect our citizens, our officers and our community.”
The first case of Coronavirus in Ocean County was reported on March 13. As of March 29, there were 835. The first case in Brick Township was reported on March 19; there were 81 positive cases as of March 29.
“The rapid growth of the virus in Ocean County is beyond concerning,” said Mayor Ducey. “It is only going to get worse if people do not take this seriously. The proof is in the numbers. If we want the spread of this disease, every one of us has to do our part and stay home as much as we can.”
The proclamation also prohibits all short-term rentals within the township until further notice. A short-term rental is any home/residential dwelling that is available to rent for 30 days or less. No rental periods will be permitted to begin until these restrictions are lifted.
Mayor Ducey says the measures that he and Chief Riccio have put in place are necessary. “One of the most important things right now is making sure people do not gather in public places and spread the virus. Closing our parks and beaches is a necessary step as people have been gathering at them.”
Mayor Ducey urges residents to continue social distancing and staying at home unless absolutely necessary to leave the house. He also reminds residents to follow these guidelines:
- No social gatherings
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often
- Do not touch your face
- If you have to sneeze, use a tissue or sneeze into your sleeve/elbow
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces often
- If you have to go out, go alone if possible
- Stay 6 feet away from others when out
Mayor Ducey also reminds people that in his Executive Order, Governor Murphy requests that all residents stay in their primary homes and not visit their secondary/vacation homes. Doing so could endanger residents by placing extra demands on our emergency responders and health care facilities.
“This is a difficult time for everyone and by all indications, we still have several weeks ahead of us at a minimum,” said Mayor Ducey. “The more people follow these guidelines and stay home, the better chance we have at reducing the time frame for this crisis.”