Gov. Phil Murphy has directed that New Jersey's beaches can be reopened in time for the Memorial Day weekend, with restrictions on gatherings and social distancing, but some Jersey Shore towns are ahead of the governor’s plan to reopen beaches next week, and are opening up today.

 

Seaside Heights began its first of a two-phased reopening plan at 10 a.m.  Five access points to the boardwalk and the beach will be open until 5 p.m. After that, everyone will be cleared out. No swimming, sitting, chairs or blankets, public restrooms, showers, and fountains. Beach activities are limited to walking, jogging, surf fishing, and surfing. There will be monitors on the beach, making sure everyone is following the rules, and not gathering in one spot. Face masks are recommended, but not required.

Mayor Tony Vaz talks about which of these restrictions will be lifted by next weekend.

"The restrictions that will be eased will permit people to have blankets chairs and have more mobility and that's basically the changes but our bathrooms will be open to the public sanitized and monitored within 15 minutes of each use," says Mayor Tony Vaz.

Rides and boardwalk games will remain closed for now, an order from the governor. 

Point Pleasant's Maryland Avenue Beach will also reopen today. Point Pleasant's boardwalk is still closed, as well as Jenkinson's. There's no reopening date for that right now either.

 

Gov. Murphy said Thursday beaches and lakefronts can reopen, but that gatherings, such as concerts and fireworks, will be prohibited. Each town must establish its own capacity limitations and enforce social distancing.

Beaches will be limiting the amount of people on the beach at one time, along with making sure beach-goers stay at least six feet apart from other groups. Areas such as shower pavilions and restrooms will be cleaned frequently. Amusement parks, playgrounds and arcades are staying closed.

"So, this Memorial Day, New Jerseyans can still have the words that ring in our ears thanks to Springsteen and Waits,” says Gov. Murphy. “Cause down the shore, everything's alright, and even in these challenging times, that is exactly as it should be."

Beach access has varied from town to town over the last several weeks, as some have clashed with the state by opening parts of their beaches or have tried to restrict access to local residents only.

The new order goes into effect next Friday. Boardwalk restaurants will continue to be open for take-out and delivery only.