2 Charged For Point Pleasant Beach Home Rental Amid Coronavirus

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – Two people were charged for having a home rental in Point Pleasant Beach this week that violated local restrictions amid the coronavirus crisis, police said.

The incident happened on Saturday when police responded to the 1600 block of Lake Avenue on a report of a "home rental" that violates town restrictions intended to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

Point Pleasant Beach officials have imposed a number of restrictions now that the town's coronavirus case total has risen to 13. Read more: Latest Point Pleasant Coronavirus Updates: What You Need To Know

Officers determined that the tenant, Crystal Tanfield of Staten Island, had an arrangement with the homeowner, John Galarza of Staten Island, to stay in the home from April 1 through May 15 with her husband and children, police said.

Police relayed the information to the Ocean County Prosecutor's Office, which determined that both parties were committing a disorderly persons offense under the Emergency Disaster Act.

Police say they gave them multiple opportunities to vacate the premises before a complaint was issued. After failing to comply, the department charged Tanfield and Galarza, police said.

Tanfield packed her belongings and vacated the property, police said.

"We are urging the community to do their part to help slow the spread by taking protective measures and following local mandates," police said. "Individuals traveling from their primary residence and attempting to temporarily relocate here causes public health concerns."

Gov. Phil Murphy has said the Jersey Shore's medical capacity is not equipped to handle an influx of visitors.