Maryland officials closed the island’s beaches last Sunday when about 50 used needles, feminine hygiene products and other debris rolled in with the tide.

Swimming is still off limits in Ocean City as medical waste, including hypodermic needles, continue to wash ashore. Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald said in a statement Monday evening the amount of debris has “significantly decreased,

Two popular beach destinations along the coasts of Maryland and Virginia — Ocean City and Assateague Island — reopened to swimmers after closing for nearly a week following reports of medical waste washing ashore.

Ocean City is back open for swimmers and surfers, according to a post on the town of Ocean City's website. The water had been closed since Sunday after medical waste was observed washing ashore, according to the Maryland Park Service.

After five days of cleaning washed up medical waste, Ocean City officials say they're confident swimming is safe.

Ocean City is back open for swimmers and surfers, according to a post on the Town of Ocean City's website. The water had been closed since Sunday after medical waste was observed washing ashore, according to the Maryland Park Service.

"As of this (Monday) morning, the waste and medical debris on the (Ocean City) beach is considerably less than yesterday.," according to the town.

Ocean City, MD – The Ocean City Emergency Services has affirmed that the ocean is now safe for swimming and surfing following thorough clean-up operations.

Ocean City officials have announced the reopening of the Town’s coastal waters to swimming following days of closure due to medical waste being found ashore.