ASBURY PARK - The city is monitoring visitors to the boardwalk and beach, saying if residents don't adhere to social distancing orders from the state in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, they will close them off.

"We’re petrified of a 70-degree day," said Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn. "I have never in my life prayed for rainy cold weather," she said. On Tuesday, Quinn said she and several other city officials were "assessing" the situation.

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In a Nixle alert sent to Asbury residents, city officials made the message clear: if they don't see people adhering to social distancing guidelines, they'll shut down the beach and boardwalk.

"We’re going to keep looking and see if people are being respectful," Quinn said.

To the south, Seaside Heights has already closed it beach to visitors, and Mayor Anthony Vaz warned that could extend to the boardwalk if people start gathering there.

According to the city, running and walking on the boardwalk is permitted. Bicycles are not permitted between 10 a.m. and midnight. Groups of two or more are not allowed and congregation on the Asbury Park Boardwalk is prohibited.

In other city news, Wednesday night's City Council meeting will be held by audio, as city facilities are closed. Click here to learn about you can dial-in.

Austin Bogues spotlights the changing development scene in Asbury Park and Neptune Township. Contact him at abogues@app.com.