Maryland State Parks shared on Sunday morning that Assateague State Park, along with other beaches along the Maryland coast, is experiencing a significant amount of medical waste washing onshore. Ocean City also released a statement on the issue (seen below).
According to Maryland State Parks, “Access to the ocean will be restricted at this time. No swimming, wading, surfing, or any activities in the ocean are permitted.”
From Ocean City: Ocean City Emergency Services is actively addressing the recent discovery of medical waste that has washed up on our beaches. To ensure the safety of all residents and visitors, Ocean City Beach Patrol has temporarily closed the ocean for swimming, and we urge everyone to adhere to this closure until further notice.
Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald stresses that this situation is serious, especially given the combination of rough seas and the current health concerns. “We will work closely with the Worcester County Health Department and other public health authorities to investigate the source of the medical waste,” Theobald stated. “Until we are confident that the situation is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean entirely.”
Ocean City officials will continue monitoring the beach, removing debris, and updating the public as we gather more information. Your cooperation is crucial in helping us keep our beaches safe. Please monitor the official Town of Ocean City Government social media channels for further updates.
