As we approach the month of May, I want to offer some hope in the midst of the sad and somber news we’ve become accustomed to since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past two weeks, I’ve worked with our City Council, all the Mayors of Cape May County, the Freeholders, leaders in the business community, along with leaders in neighboring Atlantic County and the Governor’s office to develop a plan for reopening our economy.
Following up on the Governor’s comments yesterday – while he didn’t give a firm date for reopening – he did say we were weeks away, not months. Also following up on the governor’s comments, I want everyone to know that I agree with his statement that in order to restore economic health, we must first promote public health. As a business owner, I fully appreciate the importance of getting our economy moving and I understand the devastating impact on business of the current stay-at-home orders; but I will not take chances when it comes to our citizens’ health and safety.
What we need to be is prepared – prepared for when we will reopen.
In line with this, we’re working with all sectors of the economy to make sure we’re ready when the restrictions get lifted. We are working to make sure procedures are in place for rentals, restaurants, bars, retail stores, shops, and all businesses of every kind.
I understand many of us want to know when will we be able to enjoy the beach; when will we be able to go to our favorite restaurants; when will we be able to go shopping for something other than groceries; when will we be able to get back to something approaching normal? Unfortunately, I can’t give an exact date, but I CAN offer hope that we are nearly there … and when we do reopen, we will be ready.
I’ll end by repeating what I’ve said before and will keep saying – stay safe, stay well, remain optimistic, and remember: We are all one Sea Isle City and together we will be stronger than ever.
Sincerely,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
