Giant spring flea market 2013. Paul Goldfinger photo.

By Paul Goldfinger, MD.  Editor  Blogfinger.net

The Ocean Grove “Giant Spring Flea Market” sponsored by the Chamber will be held on Saturday, June 5, 2021.

They will, thankfully, have no events in July and August, but they will have a “Giant Fall Flea Market” on September 11.

There will be two car shows  (May and September) and an arts and crafts show in May.  In October they will have a harvest festival and then a holiday festival in December.

The CDC says, “Avoid large events and gatherings, when possible”

CDC:  “Consider the level of risk when deciding to host an event”   (Why don’t the Chamber and the Township tell us about their considerations?)

CDC:   ” COVID-19 Cases are Extremely High. Avoid Events and Gatherings.”

“COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths  are extremely high across the US. To decrease your chance of getting and spreading COVID-19, CDC recommends that you do not visit with people who do not live with you. at this time.”

CDC:    “Attending events and gatherings increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. Stay home to protect yourself and others  from COVID-19.”

CDC continues to recommend that large gatherings be avoided, particularly those in which physical (social)  distancing cannot be maintained between people who live in different households. This guidance is intended for those who are planning a large event, such as sporting events, concerts, festivals, conferences, parades, or weddings. CDC also has resources for those attending large events and visiting with family and friends.”

NOTE: The CDC is announcing special guidelines for those who have been vaccinated, but unless the Chamber of Covid Risk can arrange that only vaccinated customers will come to their giant events, those events should be canceled.  And even if only vaccinated visitors came, there would still be a risk.

The smaller events announced by the CC would be less risky than the “giant” ones, but milling around downtown for car and craft gatherings also poses some risks.  How badly do you want to see an old MG?

As a physician, I say, as my Uncle Ben used to say, “Who needs it?”  It might be safer to walk on the beach, the boards  and around town after the crowds of germ-ridden  interlopers go home.  Or go to Spring Lake or Bradley Beach on those dates.

But, even better, Neptune should cancel the two giant spreaders.

WAYLON JENNINGS AND WILLY:   “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Go To Giant Flea Markets”