Masks drying. AP photo
We mentioned on Blogfinger the discrepancy where OG’s coronavirus stats (cases and deaths) have been buried in Neptune’s results. Grovers might have expected a low incidence of virus cases compared to the rest of the Township, but we never got a chance to find out.
After all, although we are part of Neptune, we are like a separate town in terms of pubic health variables, and we and Shark River Hills are considered “census designated” places.
Why didn’t the Township look at our numbers separately? They sure don’t mind treating us special if taxes are the topic.
Pres. Badger of the CMA said he was following the boardwalk situation “on an hourly basis. ” But he didn’t seem to be interested in the safety of the Grove compared to Neptune proper. Only the OG section of Neptune is at risk from large crowds of tourists.
So let’s consider yesterday’s numbers: (May 8, 2020). source: NJ.com re: Monmouth County.
Monmouth County has 6,815 cases with 417 dead.
Neptune has had 386 cases of the corona virus out of a population of 28,000, so their incidence of virus infections compared to population is .7%—- a fairly respectable number among the rest of Monmouth County. But their total cases are 5th highest out of 53 towns in the county. We don’t have the death numbers.
But what happens to those Neptune case and death numbers if they divide the township into 3 sections: Ocean Grove, Shark River Hills and the rest of town?
If such a breakdown shows Ocean Grove to be safer than the other parts of Neptune, then can you imagine what people would predict regarding our risk if the floodgates for tourism were opened even wider letting throngs in from all over the place—-maybe making our beach-town’s safe numbers worse.
We the people should receive the numbers for our town. Why were we deprived of that breakdown? Who is covering up the facts?
KEVIN KLINE:
Paul Goldfinger, Blogfinger.net, Ocean Grove,NJ
I took a stroll through Tent Village this weekend and noticed that the tents are starting to be erected, oddly in the back locations away from sight. The CMA will be renting the tents this season, and this will eventually become a front page story that will reveal the CMA’s indifference to the greater area.
Tight social gatherings create greater risk for the spread of COVID, and Tent Village is a very tight gathering correct?
So, it’s reasonable to conclude that opening tent city will increase the risk of infection and death.
The CMA does not live in bubble. The coronavirus is a highly communicable disease, so what they do in terms of bringing crowds of tourists into town could jeopardize those who live here.
The CMA frequently doesn’t “listen” to the residents of the Grove, but as part of the community, they should pay attention. Their credibility is at stake.
The summer tent residents are supporters of the OGCMA that have leases that permit them to legally return for the summer. If the OGCMA is going to support anyone, it will be the very people that supports its programs and it’s mission and not the residents who do not support it or its mission.
Just because you live here doesn’t mean the OGCMA should listen to you, and just because the OGCMA doesn’t listen to you, it doesn’t mean they are putting you or anyone’s life in jeopardy. They certainly aren’t jeopardizing my life.
Hi Paul, I had checked Ocean Grove a couple of times and no statistics. Maybe if they put them out no one would come?