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Ocean City, Maryland set to reopen beaches, boardwalk
Ocean City, Maryland's most popular beach destination, is set to reopen its shore this weekend after being closed for more than a month to protect against the spread of the coronavirus.
OCEAN CITY, Md. (FOX 5 DC) - The beaches and the world-famous boardwalk of Maryland's most popular coastal resort town will reopen this Saturday, according to an Ocean City councilmember.
Councilmember Mary Knight tells FOX 5 that Ocean City's beaches, boardwalk, and inlet parking lot will officially reopen to the public on May 9.
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Ocean City preparing to reopen beach, boardwalk on Saturday
The beaches and the world-famous boardwalk of Maryland's most popular coastal resort town will reopen this Saturday, according to an Ocean City councilmember.
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A postal worker delivers mail to the shops at the boardwalk during the coronavirus pandemic on April 8, 2020 in Ocean City, Md. (Photo by Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Knight says six hotels are also open but they are only available to essential workers at this time. This will remain a policy until May 22 or when Maryland's stay-at-home order is lifted.
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Masks are not required at Ocean City, however, social distancing guidelines will be in effect.
Knight says she and the council want to “see the effects” of a gradual re-opening.
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The major of nearby Dewey Beach, Delaware, Dale H. Cook sent the following statement to FOX 5 on Ocean City's decision to reopen:
"Since I haven't actually seen or heard any information/details about Ocean City, Maryland deciding to open its beaches, I can only wish them good will. Every municipality needs to do what is best for there own situation - and likely in conjunction and cooperation with their neighboring jurisdictions. With safety and health most prominent, I personally hope to have our businesses and beaches open as soon as possible, so that we might all still be able to enjoy our valued summer season," said Cook.
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The Town of Ocean City and the Office of the Governor also released a statement on Monday:
“This is a way to give nearby residents more opportunities to get outside and enjoy fresh air, while still adhering to social distancing guidelines and gathering limits. The governor’s stay-at-home order remains in effect.”
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