Wildwoods React to Coronavirus

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WILDWOOD – The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic continued March 11, with major businesses, colleges, schools and governments across the globe making cancellations, restrictions and taking precautionary measures they hope will stop the spread of Novel Coronavirus.
With Memorial Day a little more than two months away, no confirmed cases were present in Cape May County, so the Wildwoods wait to see how large an economic impact the virus will have.
Cancellations
The Special Olympics has canceled all activities for the next two weeks, including their 2020 Spring Games at the Wildwoods Convention Center scheduled for March 28 and 29. The event draws about 1,000 people to Wildwood, according to John Lynch, director of sales and entertainment for the convention center.
“Our first, I don’t want to say ‘casualty’ of the virus – but it is affecting us on that weekend,” Lynch said at a Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce event March 11.
Lynch said two other organizations with events planned in Wildwood called him with concerns, as of mid-day March 11.
“The coronavirus is something that we all need to be concerned about,” said Diane Wieland, the county’s tourism and public information director.
Later, President Donald Trump announced a 30-day ban on travel to the United States from Europe, leaving some to wonder if domestic restrictions could be next, especially for those in areas where the virus becomes most prevalent.
Amusement Piers and International Workers 
Maggie Warner, a Morey’s Piers spokeswoman, said there were no plans to push back the opening of Mariner’s Pier April 11. She said Morey’s would continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance of government agencies.
Concerns over the large contingent of international workers Morey’s employs and how they would be screened were raised at a Wildwood public meeting March 11.
Co-owner Jack Morey said that a third-party handles recruitment of their international workforce and that there would be some countries where recruiting would not take place.
“There are more questions than answers right now,” Morey said, adding a more detailed statement would be forthcoming.
Local Officials React
In West Wildwood, Mayor Christopher Fox announced that the March 11 public meeting would be limited to one hour, citing concerns over the coronavirus and public safety.
“I know everyone came from different areas of the state and maybe Pennsylvania as well, they say within an hour it can fill a room,” Fox said.
Wildwood Commissioner Steve Mikulski, in charge of public safety, wrote in a text message: “I can assure you we will be closely monitoring the situation with the safety of our travelers in mind,” adding they would review local travel recommendations. 
North Wildwood Mayor Patrick Rosenello said they are following the warnings of state, county, and federal agencies. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade and other events were initially not canceled; however, that eventually changed.
Meanwhile, in Wildwood Crest, Deputy Mayor Joyce Gould is traveling around with a 32 oz. bottle of hand sanitizer. “It’s business as usual,” she said, adding the borough is monitoring developments closely.
To contact Shay Roddy, email sroddy@cmcherald.com.