Point Pleasant Beach Closes Boardwalk Due To Coronavirus Crisis

POINT PLEASANT BEACH – Point Pleasant Beach is closing the boardwalk and the town is placing a moratorium on vacation rentals in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Mayor Paul Kanitra told the public on Tuesday that the borough needs to take additional proactive steps in the ongoing battle against the coronavirus pandemic.

For now, access to the beach remains open, "but if we see instances of social distancing not taking place, we will be forced to close those points as well," the mayor said.

The announcement came before Point Pleasant Beach confirmed its first positive test of the coronavirus. Read more: 1st Point Pleasant Beach Resident Tests Positive For Coronavirus

Kanitra said the town saw an unacceptable amount of people on the boardwalk on Friday, "putting themselves and our residents at risk while they walked within close proximity to each other."

"As a result, we have decided to close that area until further notice and will be placing physical barriers in place," the mayor said. "Additionally, we are taking proactive steps to place a moratorium on all vacation rentals to prevent any strain on vital town resources."

He said the measures "are vital to maintaining public health and safety in our community."

Kanitra said physical barriers will soon be placed on the boardwalk and inlet parking lot to make it impossible for the public to congregate there.

"It is simply too narrow an area for people to keep a proper six-foot radius around themselves at all times," Kanitra said.

He said the step has been taken with the cooperation of Jenkinsons and Martells and "we thank them for their assistance."

Additionally, a resolution is being drafted to place an immediate moratorium on the renting of all vacation homes and properties. This will include all online, private and realtor driven transactions.

"Resources in tour area are limited in the off-season and we do not currently have the capacity to handle an influx of guests. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to town when this situation has passed and we are fully open for business once more," he said.