State and federal officials hope to be able to reopen beaches up and down the Delmarva peninsula to swimming by this weekend, but are still puzzled over the source of medical waste that led to the closures beginning Sunday.

State and local officials at oceanfront beaches from Delaware to Virginia that closed due to medical waste washing ashore are hopeful that they could reopen to the public “in the next few days.”

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.

There has been a decrease in the amount of debris washing ashore atAssateague State Park, according to Maryland State Parks.The debris still washing ashore is

Chincoteague Public Beach and all ocean-facing beaches at Assateague Island National Seashore are closed due to medical waste coming on shore.

Water access was restricted Sunday afternoon at Ocean City and surrounding beaches after officials say a “significant” amount of medical waste had washed 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.

The beaches are back open in Ocean City to swimmers and surfers. After what appeared to be medical waste washing up on the beaches of Ocean City over the weekend, with things like tampon applicators,