Ocean City mayor asks visitors to stay home to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

If you were planning on heading out to the beach to ride out the coronavirus, the mayor of Ocean City has a request: stay home. In a statement released on March 19, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan is asking visitors and residents of the seaside resort area to stay home. His announcement follows new directives and orders today by Larry Hogan for residents not to gather in groups of 10 or larger and to avoid using public transportation unless you are considered an essential worker.

The mayor wants to protect residents of his town and help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the state of Maryland.

“While we look forward to the time when we can welcome you again, now is not the time to visit Ocean City,” Mayor Meehan cautioned. “We are urging citizens to stay home, be responsible and avoid large crowds, including on our beach and Boardwalk. We will continue to monitor this changing situation and will not hesitate to take additional actions necessary to protect our community.”

Courtesy Christa Emmer

March is typically not a busy time of the year for the tourist destination, and many of the restaurants and businesses are still closed. Due to restrictions on stores and restaurants, visitors would probably have a difficult time getting food and the supplies they would need and are better off staying home anyway. The city has canceled events and is asking its residents to stay home and do its part to flatten the curve.

Work on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge project will continue so travelers can still expect delays amid the coronavirus crisis. The right lane on the westbound span of the bridge is currently closed 24 hours a day, and additional overnight closures will be in effect as work continues, weather permitting. All tolling plazas in Maryland are switching to cashless electronic tolling until further notice.