In time for Mother's Day: Ocean City, Maryland, starts phased reopening of beach, boardwalk

Matthew Prensky, Salisbury Daily Times
·2 min read

The town of Ocean City, Maryland, has officially issued a new declaration that will reopen the beach and boardwalk in Ocean City beginning Saturday, in time for Mother's Day.

The declaration was issued Tuesday morning by Mayor Rick Meehan stating, "Effective Saturday, May 9, 2020, the provisions of the April 28, 2020, declaration which closed the beach and all access points, the boardwalk and the inlet parking lot are repealed." This was reported by the Salisbury Daily Times, which is a part of the USA TODAY Network.

Social distancing will still be enforced, according to the declaration, while the beach, Boardwalk and Inlet parking lot will reopen to the public beginning May 9. Groups of more than 10 are still not allowed to gather at any location within the town; this is a statewide executive order by Gov. Larry Hogan.

This declaration is a way to "give individuals more opportunities to get outside, exercise and enjoy fresh air, while still adhering to physical distancing guidelines and gathering limits," a press release accompanying the declaration by town officials said.

Police tape blocks the entrance to 91st street in Ocean City on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.
Police tape blocks the entrance to 91st street in Ocean City on Wednesday, April 1, 2020.

"This does not supersede any executive order made by the governor, including the closure of nonessential businesses. Maryland’s stay-at-home order remains in effect," according to the press release.

Meehan's newest declaration modified one he issued a week ago that extended the town's beach, boardwalk and Inlet parking lot closure until May 15.

At the time, town officials said the April 28 declaration would stay in place until May 15 or until Hogan lifted Maryland's stay-at-home order.

One item Meehan didn't amend in the April 28 order was the continued restrictions on who hotels and rental properties can rent to, a restriction that he extended until May 22 or sooner if Hogan lifts the stay-at-home order.

As part of Ocean City's March 31 declaration hotels, motels and rental properties were banned from renting their rooms to anyone but essential lodgers.

Elsewhere: N.J. governor says public beaches on Jersey Shore must reopen to everyone, not just residents

And further away: Beaches along Florida's Treasure Coast reopen; check beach cams to see if they're crowded

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Coronavirus: Ocean City, Maryland to open beach ahead of Mother's Day