OCEAN CITY, Del. - As Maryland prepares for a gradual reopening, Ocean City is taking a big step further. The beach, boardwalk and inlet parking lot will reopen on Saturday. The decision came out of Monday night's mayor and town council meeting.
Mayor Rick Meehan says he has seen most people in town practicing social distancing. He says it's important to start the gradual reopening while the crowds are still slim. Social distancing guidelines will be required, but wearing face coverings will not.
"Our police officers will be on the boardwalk in vehicles, on bikes, on horseback," Meehan says.
Meehan says ten miles of big, wide beaches put Ocean City in a good position to reopen for people to get outside, exercise or just enjoy the fresh salt air.
Governor Larry Hogan's office says, "This is a local decision, and it will be addressed by local officials."
"The boardwalk shops aren't going to be open, the boardwalk trams aren't going to be running," says Meehan. "There really isn't going to be a lot for people to do other than enjoy being outside."
Richard Belote is one of many employees in Ocean City impacted by COVID-19 shutdowns. He says his family has been restless in the house, but that it's more important the town reopen these attractions for the sake of the economy.
"It gives a boost up," says Belote. "I can start rebuilding on a lot of things I deplenished."
Michelle Webster of Ocean City is excited but nervous. She worries what will happen if social distancing isn't practiced.
"I'm nervous about getting bombarded by all the out of state people," says Webster. "I'm worried our numbers will go up and we'll be a real big hotspot."
One woman who did not wish to go on camera for an interview told WRDE that she thinks it's a bad idea to reopen the beach and boardwalk. She worries about the older population.
Meehan says people should still be following government stay at home orders and that this reopening does not overrule any executive order issued by Governor Hogan. With lodging restrictions in place until May 22nd, most nonessential travelers won't have a place to stay. With most beachfront businesses still shut, Meehan says there won't be a lot to do on the boardwalk.