Gov. Carney Makes Modifications to the State of Emergency Order

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Due to public health and safety concerns from the growing spread of COVID-19, Gov. Carney is modifying the existing State of Emergency order. Please see below for an overview of the modifications as well as messaging to provide travelers and consumers.

For the industries most significantly impacted by these changes, increased financial support is being provided through DE Relief Grants. Qualifying businesses, including restaurants and taprooms, will receive double their original grant allocation. For information, please go to delbiz.com/relief. The deadline to apply is December 4, 2020.

Below are modifications that take effect at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 23. The restrictions will be formally issued in a revision to the Governor’s omnibus emergency order later this week.

  • Restaurants and Bars
    • Restaurants must operate at no more than 30 percent of fire capacity indoors, with allowances for additional outdoor seating.
    • Patrons should wear a face covering when not eating or drinking, whenever staff approaches the table, and whenever they get up from the table. Restaurants must have signage at the table that outlines these requirements
  • Gatherings
    • Indoor gatherings outside of homes must be limited to 30 percent of the venue’s stated fire capacity, up to a limit of 50 people. This includes all events, such as weddings, funerals, services in houses of worship, performances, political gatherings, and events in public spaces including fire halls
    • Outdoor public gatherings are limited to 50 people. Up to 250 may be allowed with a plan approved by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). For approval, please email a plan to [email protected].
    • Indoor gatherings in homes must be capped at no more than 10 people
  • Exercise facilities
    • Face covering required at all times
  • Sports
    • The order will prohibit Delaware youth sports organizations, teams, and venues from hosting or participating in tournaments with out-of-state teams, effective at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 1. The order includes a provision prohibiting Delaware teams from traveling across states lines for tournaments.

To keep the Delaware Tourism Office up to date on your business operations, please complete this form for any changes in the offerings at your location https://www.visitdelaware.com/industry/covid-19-in-delaware/industry-update-form. For any upcoming event adjustments, postponement or cancellations, please e-mail [email protected].

Sample messaging to travelers and consumers when introducing the modifications that are applicable to your business/organization:
As we all do our part to slow the spread of COVID-19, the State of Delaware has implemented additional modifications to ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Please remember to wear a face covering, maintain social distancing, travel with those within your immediate family unit, wash or sanitize your hands frequently and if you’re sick, stay home.

Find all the materials for Explore Safely and Know before you go below:
Explore Safely signage, flyers, online media graphics at https://www.visitdelaware.com/industry/covid-19-in-delaware/explore-safely/

Know Before You Go and Go-to guide PDFs and online media graphics at https://www.visitdelaware.com/industry/covid-19-in-delaware/know-before-you-go-messaging