We understand that there is much anxiety in Sea Isle City – and throughout our nation – regarding the coronavirus. In times like this, it’s critical that we remain patient and calm, and use common sense.
This situation is continually evolving, and one of our challenges is the continuation of necessary public services in the face of circumstances that are constantly changing.
Please know that the City of Sea Isle City is working to ensure the proper delivery of local government services, while at the same time ensuring the health and safety of our workforce and the public.
Therefore, we have effectively closed all municipal facilities to the public, with the exception of City Hall, which has very limited access; and we have protocols in place to ensure social distancing.
We will continue to follow directives from the state and take guidance from the County Health Department. Again, the situation continues to change, and therefore our actions in response to the situation may also change.
As a brief summary, as of this date, March 18, the following directives are in place according to Governor Murphy’s Executive Order:
- All gatherings of persons in the State of New Jersey shall be limited to 50 persons or fewer, with limited exceptions. While this order limits gatherings to 50 or fewer persons, it has been recommended that gatherings actually be limited to 10 people or less. Given this, our City Council meeting on March 24 will be held without audience members present in Council Chambers. However, we are arranging a system that will allow the public to participate in that meeting electronically, and we will let everyone know more about that option within the next several days;
- All public, private, and parochial preschool programs, and elementary and secondary schools, including charter and renaissance schools, are closed and remain closed as long as the Order remains in effect;
- All casinos, concert venues, nightclubs/bars, racetracks, gyms, fitness centers and fitness classes, movie theaters, and performing arts centers are closed to the public and remain closed as long as this Order remains in effect;
- All non-essential retail, recreational, and entertainment businesses must cease daily operations from 8:00 p.m. until 5:00 a.m.; and
- All restaurant establishments, with or without a liquor or limited brewery license, are limited to offering delivery and/or take out-services only.
The governor has also asked that the public refrain from non-essential travel between the hours of 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. Additionally, anyone who can work remotely is encouraged to do so, and any business that can offer on-line or telephonic services is also encouraged to do so.
We understand there may be different procedures in place within different municipalities; however, we are working to communicate and coordinate with other agencies in order to ensure we have the most up to date information and implement best practices.
At this point, we believe our procedures in Sea Isle City are appropriate in our mission to deliver needed public services, as well as protect our workforce and the public.
Again, as the situation changes, we will adapt and communicate as quickly as possible with the public.
Once again, please be assured that the City of Sea Isle City is working to safeguard the proper delivery of local government services, while at the same time ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of the local workforce, our residents, and all property owners.
Sincerely,
Mayor Leonard C. Desiderio
