"Significant amount" of medical waste restricts ocean access at Maryland beaches, officials say

BALTIMORE-- Ocean access has been restricted at Assateague State Park, Ocean City, and other Maryland beaches, after a "significant amount" of medical waste washed ashore, according to the Maryland State Parks.

WBOC, the CBS affiliate in Salisbury, Maryland, reports that Fenwick Island officials in Delaware confirmed the waste includes needles.  

"Assateague State Park, along with other beaches along the Maryland coast, is experiencing a significant amount of medical waste washing onshore," Maryland State Parks said. "Access to the ocean will be restricted at this time."   

Access restrictions include: 

• swimming 
• wading
• surfing 
• any other activities in the ocean

The Town of Ocean City Government post expressed Emergency Service personnel are taking this matter seriously.

"We will work closely with the Worchester County Health Department and other public health authorities to investigate the source of the medical waste," Emergency Services Director Joe Theobold said in a statement. "Until we are confident that the issue is under control, we recommend wearing shoes on the beach and avoiding the ocean entirely."

Ocean City officials shared they will be monitoring the beach and removing debris, "Your cooperation is crucial in helping us keep our beaches safe."