UPDATE: Cove Road beach still closed from high bacteria levels

A popular local river beach, that has been closed since June 19 because of high bacteria levels, remains closed.

On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Health Department said samples taken at Cove Road beach the day before, still showed high levels. Officials say that although the tests showed that the bacteria levels have decreased significantly but still exceed to limits of the Maryland Department of the Environment.

The levels reportedly increase after heavy rainfall. The waters will apparently be tested again on Wednesday.

According to the report, those with weakened immune systems, along with children, the elderly, and pregnant women could get sickened from swimming in the contaminated water, and risk becoming seriously ill from exposure to waterborne illnesses. Health Officials say contaminated water can cause a wide range of symptoms and diseases including, ear, nose, and eye infections to diarrhea, vomiting, hepatitis, encephalitis, skin rashes, and respiratory illnesses.

The Health Department provided the following tips to stay safe·
· Pay attention to contamination and advisory warnings and stay out of polluted water.
· Avoid swimming at beaches after heavy rainfall.
· Stay out of murky or foul-smelling water.
· Avoid beach water if you have an open wound or infection.
· Swim without putting your head under water.
Those looking to still stay cool on the river, can still visit Roaring Point Beach, which reportedly does not have elevated bacteria levels, and has been approved for swimming.

Questions should be directed to the Department of Environmental Health at (410) 546-4446 or visit the Wicomico County Health Department’s website.