OG beach can get crowded even when it’s not. Paul Goldfinger ©
A letter was left in my mailbox, and although it is unsigned, we will post an edited version because it expresses the fears of one of our neighbors:
“I live in Ocean Grove and I feel we should follow the lead of New York and close Ocean Grove beaches and those in surrounding towns to help prevent mass infection.
“Several long time residents of OG have died in the last couple of weeks of COVID-19. I am writing because in the summer, Ocean Grove is inundated by thousands of beach goers, plus the town is high density living.
“Coming out of your house has become more than difficult lately. Many houses are less than three feet from the sidewalk, and when large crowds start to appear to go to the beach and parade, down our sidewalks, it will become impossible to avoid face to face contact.
Similarly, close contact is also unavoidable on the beaches. Social distancing is not possible under these conditions. Closing the beach for the summer should be a priority.
“I most likely will be forced into ‘house arrest’ to avoid these large crowds. To insure safe living, the large crowds and events should be scrapped.
“It is paramount that the safety of OG residents, many of whom are senior citizens, be given top priority. Ocean Grove is only one square mile, tripling and quadrupling of the towns population will spell disaster.
“In conclusion, we cannot take an onslaught from visitors from every state and country crowding into our town.”
Paul Goldfinger, Editor@Blogfinger.net
SALISBURY CATHEDRAL CHOIR “The Lord is my Shephard.”
Kevin are you trying to be provocative or are you seriously ill-informed?
You should read some COVID-19 news reports so that you can stop humiliating yourself.
Fear is a normal reaction to the epidemic raging through our country. As a physician with a long interest in preventive medicine, I remind all of us that the only prevention approach currently available for this viral pandemic is the distancing process currently in widespread use all over the country. It can be modified depending on local factors, such as the Nebraska rancher living on 300 acres.
If you have been reading about the horrors that occur in every hospital every day, you will know that fear is appropriate because the treatments for this condition at its worst are often terribly inadequate.
And we have to think about those healthcare workers who are truly risking their lives and we can help them by helping each other do what is necessary.
Kevin does not have the option of turning his back on the rest of us. If he does, society will demand that he join the effort.
We must do the prevention approach. It’s the best and only plan at this time.
So you are seeing every arrow currently in the epidemiologist’s quiver. There are those like Kevin who don’t believe in some of these measures, but as Dr. No says, this is a public health matter which requires that we all cooperate. Yes, we must relinquish some freedoms temporarily and we must get our economy going now, but gradually, so that the invisible invader cannot regroup.
It’s not just a matter of whether a person like Chambers doesn’t fear virus contagion from visitors to Ocean Grove! His sense of social responsibility seems to be limited to “me, myself, and I.”
Social distancing is a matter of public health. Thank god the NJ “public” includes many people who strongly disagree with Mr. Chambers!
Furthermore, it’s the role of a civilized society to protect people who are vulnerable such as the elderly from the anti-social behaviors espoused by Chambers.
The densely packed tents and hotels and boarding houses should not open this summer. The beach should be restricted to residents who will observe social distancing guidelines imposed by the state. Perhaps a time-sharing arrangement with different households going at different times on different days would work.
Maybe this person should think about moving to a different community.
I have no fear of anyone that chooses to visit OG and I believe that our boardwalk and beaches should remain open.
Kevin Chambers
I agree with this letter. I’m “postponing” my annual trip to OG this summer because it will be impossible to maintain any kind of safe distance from anyone.
I see no reason why any resident of OG should have to be in fear because of the hordes of beach goers. I’m not sure closing the beach is right, but having to show “residency” would be a solution to that. AP, Bradley, Avon also. It’s a must!