Our neighbor OC opens its' Beaches this weekend (Delmar: hotels, neighborhood)

[nuts2uiam]

Well, there was a war between the OC City Council and Gov Hogan and it looks like the little guy has won, as least so far. There has been an ongoing dispute between OC and the Gov on opening this up and apparently they are going ahead. No masks required either. Stupidity for certain, but then this is JMO.

Ocean City To Reopen Beaches on May 9 - WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 -

[lyndyb]

We saw that this morning on the news and were a bit surprised. I had thought all the area beaches - to include OC MD - were going to move in conjunction or coordination with one another, but so much for that. It'll be very interesting to see how Governor Hogan responds. Apparently OC found a loophole.

I guess the reality is that nobody is forcing anyone to go. I grew up and lived in MD up till last year and love the OC beaches and boardwalk, so as much as we'd love to go, we'll be waiting. I wonder if they're actually allowing the boardwalk businesses to open or just allowing people to walk on the beaches and boardwalk? It'll be really interesting to see what develops.

[nuts2uiam]

I do have a little "inside" info on this. Apparently the city council and the gov. were going at it over jurisdiction and it had been going on for a few weeks. We were all supposed to move together, but OC is concerned about their bottom line and all the reservations that are now cancelled and are being cancelled. They wanted to test the waters now so that maybe they can open by Memorial Day for good.

I am hopeful that Rehoboth is not going to follow suit and go rogue from the Governor. I really don't think they will, but who knows these days. As far as the no masks go. that is simply insane stupidity.

[emmmcubed]

From one article I've read, OC officials were framing this as mostly a benefit to local residents -- to give them more outdoor space to walk around in (with social distancing still in place.) The hotels and restaurants are still largely closed, along with the most of the Boardwalk businesses (maybe some takeout stuff), so, as they stated, it's not as if anyone could realistically go for more than a day trip, anyway.

[elizabeth224]

Marylander's were surprised as well, The death count today went from 44 to 74.

It's a nice thought that it will "be for locals" and I hope that works but it isn't usually the case. One thought it's supposed to be cold and windy on Friday and Saturday so it should help limit people.

Until these numbers improve we are following the rules in Central MD.

[Nefret]

I saw online pictures of a beach somewhere----didn't catch where it was---that had orange cone markers to create spacing between different groups.

Perhaps that would work if the beaches were patrolled and proper spacing strongly enforced.

[nuts2uiam]

Originally Posted by Nefret

I saw online pictures of a beach somewhere----didn't catch where it was---that had orange cone markers to create spacing between different groups.

Perhaps that would work if the beaches were patrolled and proper spacing strongly enforced.

Rehoboth has curtailed the number of seasonal employees including the beach patrol. So that option won't work for here.

[lyndyb]

Here's an article from the Baltimore Sun. Maybe I'm interpreting it incorrectly, but they seem to contradict themselves in terms of responding to questions whether this is in violation of Governor Hogan's Stay-At-Home other than for essential travel directives. https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronav...5ny-story.html

I would think that Mayor Meehan of OC may be finding himself at odds with the Mayors of our DE beaches, which are acting in a far more cautious and measured fashion, at least to date. Maybe I'm seeing something that doesn't exist, but I found the comment that they wouldn't be monitoring for out-of-state tags almost an invitation for visitors - and maybe a little bit of a dig at DE, who has been pulling over cars with out-of-state plates?? It'll be interesting to see how this "test" goes.

[DelawareLiz]

OC is right down the highway for us and spend a lot of time there. We love walking the boards, eating Thrasher's, walking around the inlet, and just hanging out there all day. However, we won't be going as much as we would like to get back to our routine. I've gone close to two months without traveling outside of my area; I'm sure I can last awhile longer. I enjoy being healthy and not spreading a virus.

[emmmcubed]

Yeah, I definitely think the OC government is playing a little fast and loose, saying all the right things but with a nudge and a wink to those who are irritated with the stay-at-home order. But as long as the restaurants and facilities remain closed, it is probably true that people from more than an hour away or so aren't likely to be showing up at the Boardwalk in droves.

I myself will continue to abide by Gov. Hogan's order. I have gone nowhere but the grocery store, and for walks in my small, somewhat-cut-off neighborhood (in which it is extremely easy to "socially distance" while out for a walk.)