ASBURY PARK - The city has taken another lockdown measure toward enforcing social distancing guidelines, now issuing a moratorium on short-term rentals, including services like Airbnb.

The city said it will revisit the suspension at the end of the month and is hopeful rentals can be restored by summer season.

"We are doing everything in our power to protect our community and this is not a decision we take lightly,” Asbury Park Mayor John Moor said in news release. “Suspending short-term rentals is necessary given the circumstances. We can promise our real estate and business community we are working closely with county and state officials to monitor the situation and will resume business as usual as soon as possible.”

This story is being provided free for our readers to stay informed about the coronavirus pandemic. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Asbury Park Press at APP.com/subscribe.

Asbury Park shut down its boardwalk last week after city officials said visitors were skirting social distancing regulations issued by Gov. Phil Murphy. The beach is still open. The city also has suspended paid parking, its e-scooter program and bike share program. Multiple other towns joined in closing boardwalks this week, including Belmar, Bradey Beach and Long Branch.

More:Coronavirus in NJ: Full list of Monmouth, Ocean beach and boardwalk closures

More:Coronavirus: Asbury Park suspends metered parking, e-scooters and bike share program

The short-term rental market has been a hot market in Asbury Park, with visitors paying thousands — sometimes tens of thousands of dollars — per week to rent Shore properties.

More:Asbury Park: Affordable housing could be required of 20% of new homes outside waterfront

“There are concerns about the influx of new visitors to Asbury Park during the current public health crisis.” said Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn. “To minimize the risk to the Asbury Park community, we need to enforce social distancing guidelines and limit non-essential travel to Asbury Park, per CDC recommended guidelines.”

Austin Bogues spotlights the changing development scene in Asbury Park and Neptune Township. He can be reached at abogues@app.com.