OCEAN CITY, Md.- Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan is opening the town's beaches, boardwalk, and inlet parking lot on Saturday, May 9, after being closed more than a month to protect against the spread of COVID-19.
Meehan's decision came out of Monday night's mayor and town council meeting. Even though Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan closed the state park beaches with his stay-at-home order, according to Ocean City Councilwoman Mary Knight, Hogan never did close the beach and boardwalk in the town.
She told WRDE that those areas are considered a thoroughfare and the town has the authority. For Knight, this reopening is a start.
"It will give people some fresh air and the ability to enjoy Ocean City," she said. "It will give us an idea of the first step to a statewide reopening and what is going to result from it."
But Mike Ricci, a spokesman for Gov. Larry Hogan, confirmed it would go against the governor’s stay-at-home order to drive into the city from outside the vicinity for a visit.
“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,” Ricci said in a joint statement with Ocean City's communications manager. “The governor’s stay-at-home order remains in effect.”
Visitors must adhere to social distancing guidelines, though masks will not be required, according to Knight. Some restaurants will be open for carry-out only, but hotels and most boardwalk shops will remain closed, she added.
The state reported Monday that there have been 26,408 confirmed cases of the coronavirus in Maryland, up 946 cases from the day before, and 1,216 confirmed deaths from the virus.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.