Ocean City Surpassed 100 Active Coronavirus Cases For 1st Time

OCEAN CITY— For the first time since the pandemic began, the Cape May County Health Department reported more than 100 active coronavirus cases in Ocean City this week. Officials reported 85 active community cases and 36 cases in longterm-care facilities as of Sunday morning.

The Ocean City Ecumenical Community Thanksgiving Service has been canceled. The city will also hold several upcoming meetings virtually, including Dec. 5's town-hall meeting about plans for island-wide flooding issues.

"I want to urge everybody to continue to take personal responsibility for following all public health recommendations," Mayor Jay Gillian said Friday in his weekly address. "I know the holidays are a difficult time to limit family and social gatherings, but at this time we all have to remain very cautious."

Ocean City surpassed 100 coronavirus cases in the county health department's Thursday totals. The count included 101 active coronavirus cases, with 71 resident active cases and 30 long-term active cases.

The increase in reported cases follows a local coronavirus outbreak at United Methodist Communities at the Shores. Nineteen residents and 17 staff of the nursing home tested positive for the coronavirus as of Monday. Read more: 36 Test Positive For Coronavirus At Ocean City Nursing Home

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The cases were confined to skilled nursing, and no assisted-living patients have tested positive, according to a spokesperson for the home.

Ocean City previously canceled several major holiday events, such as the Christmas Parade and First Night celebration, because of coronavirus concerns. Read more: Ocean City Cancels Major Events, Reaches 40 Active COVID Cases

Coronavirus cases are rising across New Jersey. Earlier this week, Gov. Phil Murphy expanded New Jersey's quarantine travel advisory list to its biggest ever and reduced limits on outdoor gatherings from 500 people to 150 and indoor gatherings from 25 people to 10.

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