Obviously, this is a summer unlike any of us have experienced. The coronavirus has resulted in great sadness, epic changes, and vast disruptions on many levels – most importantly being the loss of lives and livelihoods.
But, perhaps one of the most confusing aspects of this pandemic has been the ongoing changes to the restrictions that were put in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
One day our beaches were closed and you couldn’t shop inside non-essential businesses, and then many public areas began to reopen and we were once again shopping in some of our favorite stores.
At times, it can be difficult to stay informed of the current restrictions and what we should and shouldn’t do to keep ourselves and others safe.
Because we still have a long way to go to beat COVID-19, it is important to stay aware of all the latest safety directives from our local and state officials. Here are some important facts to keep in mind, as of July 16:
First and foremost, wearing face masks and practicing social distancing are critically important to stopping the spread of the Coronavirus – indoors and outdoors. Please remember this simple rule of thumb: If you can’t keep six-feet of distance between yourself and non-household members, you should wear a face mask whenever possible no matter where you are.
With regards to the sizes of crowds that are allowed to gather, 500 people are currently permitted at outdoor events; and 100 people are permitted to gather indoors (or 25 percent capacity of the indoor space, whichever is less).
Additionally, Governor Murphy has instituted travel guidelines for people coming to New Jersey from 22 other states – specifically, he is directing them to self-quarantine for 14 days after arriving in the Garden State. Arizona, California, Florida, New Mexico, Ohio and Texas are among the states requiring self-quarantine. To learn more about the governor’s directives, please visit www.nj.gov.
To some people, these restrictions seem unnecessary, but following these guidelines is our best chance at slowing the spread of COVID-19 and continuing down the path to recovery, reopening all of our businesses, and jump-starting the economy. So, please do your part!
Each year, we do our best to complete the bulk of our municipal construction projects prior to the start of the summer season. However, as you know, the Army Corps of Engineers began a Beach Replenishment Project along our shoreline several weeks ago, which requires closing some beaches during our busiest season.
The good news is the process of adding sand to our beaches is going very well – even though it has been an inconvenience.
We anticipate that the beaches in the middle of town will be completed in the days ahead, and that the contractor will soon relocate to Sea Isle’s south-end, where sand will be added to the beaches from 74th Street to Townsends Inlet.
Once again, I want to express my thanks for everyone’s patience as we strengthen our beaches and add much needed sand to our shoreline.
Another project we hoped would be completed prior to the summer season is the construction of our future Fishing Pier and Kayak Launch at Dealy Field.
Unfortunately, this project did not begin as early as we had anticipated, but it is finally getting underway.
After years of discussion and planning, earlier this week the contractor arrived on site with heavy equipment and fencing to cordon off the area and keep everyone safe while work takes place.
You can follow the progress of this and all other municipal construction efforts by reading the “Project Updates” section in this newsletter and on our municipal website.
In addition to confusion, delays and other negative aspects, the pandemic has also resulted in the cancellation of many events and activities.
One of the latest events to be canceled is the Sea Isle City Beach Patrol’s Captain Bill Gallagher 10-Mile Island Run, which was scheduled for August 8.
Because this event attracts over 1,000 runners and countless spectators, there was simply no way it could take place safely.
Nonetheless, we are looking forward to this huge race returning in 2021 – which means the athletes who plan to participate have one full year to prepare for the most exciting competition in Cape May County.
Before I close, I would like to once again extend my sympathies to the family and friends of Jim Iannone, who passed away earlier this week.
Commissioner Iannone was a long-time community servant who continually displayed integrity and kindness for others throughout his life, and Sea Isle City is a better place because of his efforts. I ask everyone to please keep Jim’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
This week’s “Shout Out” goes to Reverend Joseph Perreault, who retired this week after serving the people of the Camden Diocese for 45 years – including 12 years locally at Saint Joseph Church, where he led the effort to build a much-needed new house of worship and accomplished many other positive goals.
My best wishes go to Father Perreault, and I hope he enjoys his retirement!
Sincerely,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
