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Virus Concerns Grow - As Do Crowds Flocking to Jersey Shore

Associated Press

   BELMAR, N.J. - As coronavirus-related restrictions are eased and
   temperatures climb, people are flocking back to the Jersey Shore.
   And with the July Fourth holiday weekend upon us, that's making some
   people nervous, particularly given the large crowds that have surfaced
   at some popular shore spots recently and poor compliance with mandated
   measures to help slow the spread of the virus.
   "I am really concerned," said Paul Kanitra, mayor of Point Pleasant
   Beach, a popular shore town that was unexpectedly overrun by thousands
   of tourists who swarmed the beach and boardwalk a few weeks ago at a
   "pop-up party," paying little heed to social distancing or masks.
   "We're seeing spikes across the country in states that opened up weeks
   ago, and while we're doing a good job in New Jersey, there are a lot of
   people that are way too cavalier about social distancing," he said.
   "There's inherent risk in all of this."
   Large crowds are expected at the shore for the holiday weekend: New
   Jersey's casinos have reopened, along with amusement rides and water
   parks. Beaches are open, though at reduced occupancy levels.
   Restaurants can offer limited outdoor dining, and stores and shopping
   malls have reopened.
   But not everyone is following rules designed to prevent the spread of
   the virus, including wearing masks and keeping 6 feet (2 meters) apart.
   In late June, large crowds swarmed D'Jais, a popular oceanfront
   nightclub in Belmar in scenes reminiscent of pre-pandemic days. Few
   patrons wore face coverings, and fewer still kept their distance from
   others on a packed dance floor.
   Gov. Phil Murphy saw videos of the packed club and warned the state
   will not hesitate to reimpose harsher restrictions if people don't
   behave.
   "We cannot let up on our social distancing or our responsibility just
   because the sun is out," the governor said. "We can't be lulled into
   complacency and think it's OK to crowd around a bar. That is how
   flare-ups happen."
   Skyler Walker, a woman from Scotch Plains in her early 20s, was on the
   Belmar beach last week on a sunny day with temperatures brushing 90
   degrees.
   "I definitely think people people are starting to care less about" the
   virus, she said. But the face mask she wore on the boardwalk while
   waiting in line to buy beach badges indicated she does not share that
   view. "They act like it's over now."
   She was at the beach with a friend who is a nurse in a Jersey Shore
   hospital filled with coronavirus patients. The friend, who would not
   give her name, was adamant that the virus is not over, based on what
   she sees at work every day. She is scheduled to work at the hospital on
   July Fourth.
   Michael Scott, another 20-something on the Belmar beach, said he and
   his friends have modified their behavior this summer, including at
   nightclubs.
   "I try to just hang out with my people," he said. "I'm not all about
   looking to meet new people. We have a close group of friends that all
   kind of quarantined together."
   Ocean City Mayor Jay Gillian pleaded with residents and visitors to
   wear masks during the long holiday, including on the boardwalk, noting,
   "Ocean City is already very crowded."
   Although New Jersey's hospitalization rate is down drastically from a
   peak a few months ago, officials fear hospitalizations for the virus
   will rise again if people become lax about taking precautions.
   "We are especially concerned after the gatherings we saw at the Jersey
   Shore," added the state's health commissioner, Judith Persichilli.
   "Individuals were packed together, which raises the risk of spreading
   the virus."
   A big test is happening this weekend with the reopening of eight of
   Atlantic City's nine casinos. The Borgata is remaining closed due to
   smoking, drinking and indoor eating bans Murphy imposed on the gambling
   halls.
   Most casinos scan guests temperatures upon entering, hand sanitizer
   dispensers are placed throughout the premises, and everyone inside must
   wear a mask.
   The first day of operations, on Thursday, appeared to go well, with
   widespread compliance with virus precautions. In 2 1/2 hours on the
   gambling floor of the Hard Rock casino, an Associated Press reporter
   did not see a single person without a mask.