Medical waste forces closures of beaches at Ocean City, Assateague, Chincoteague – MASHAHER

UPDATE: Chincoteague beaches are now closed too due to the medical waste problem.

Maryland beaches all around the coast were closed Sunday due to a “significant amount of medical waste” washing up onshore.

A late afternoon update from Assateague Island National Seashore added Chincoteague beaches to the closure list.

Here’s what we know so far.

Word first arrived from Maryland State Parks on Sunday morning

Maryland State Parks posted to X about the closure of the beaches on the Maryland side of Assateague State Park at 11:42 a.m.

That was followed shortly after with announcements from the town of Ocean City and Assateague Island Seashore about “immediate” beach closures all around the Maryland coast.

Town of Ocean City closes beaches for swimming due to medical waste

Here’s what the town of Ocean City said about its call for swimmers to avoid the beaches in the resort:

“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.”

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All Assateague beaches also closed due to the medical waste

Assateague Island National Seashore announced the closure of its Maryland beaches due to the medical waste.

On Facebook, it announced the following “immediate” beach closures:

“Immediate Closures!

• 1) The North End is closed to all visitation.

• 2) All Beaches in the Maryland District are closed to swimming and wading.

• 3) Visitors on the Beach are encouraged to keep their shoes on.

Assateague Island State Park also has a Beach Closure in effect.

Chincoteague beach added to list of closures to medical waste

The Assateague Island National Seashore added the Chincoteague Public Beach in the Virginia unit to a revised closure list on Facebook later Sunday afternoon. All Ocean Facing Beaches at Assateague Island National Seashore are now closed to swimming or wading due to medical waste coming ashore.

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Answers to FAQs about medical waste on beaches

In its late afternoon update, Assateague Island National Seashore added the following answers to questions asked by commenters:

• 1) The debris is trash with a large component of medical waste, which includes syringes and needles.

• 2) We believe it started to come ashore this morning, so those who were in the water on earlier days should have nothing to worry about.

• 3) We currently have no idea where it came from and will not be speculating about a source. Health authorities will be investigating.

• 4) We do not know how long the closures will be in effect. We do not know how much more material is out there, when it will stop coming ashore, and how long it will take for cleanup.

• 5) For those offering to help, Thank You-at this point we do not know what help would be necessary, but will keep the public advised.

• 6) This is part of a larger area problem-with closure from Fenwick Island to Chincoteague.

Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island also closed due to medical waste

Dewey Beach and Fenwick Island officials also announced Sunday afternoon on social media and in email blasts that their beaches were also closed, Delaware online reported.

When asked for information, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control spokesman Michael Globetti said his agency is investigating and “advising beachgoers to leave the beach and refrain from swimming in the ocean.”

Delaware Online reporter Shannon McNaught contributed to this story.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Ocean City, Assateague, Chincoteague beaches close due to medical waste