What is a gathering?

As defined in the COVID-19 order, a gathering means a planned or spontaneous event, indoors or outdoors, with a small number of people participating or a large number of people in attendance. Examples: a community event or gathering, concert, festival, conference, parade, wedding, or sporting event. Here are some questions to help determine if you’re holding a gathering:

• Is the event or activity advertised to the public or offered by invitation?
• Does the event or activity occur at a specific, date, time, and location?
• Does the event or activity have a specific beginning or ending time?
• Does the event or activity intend to draw people together for a common or particular purpose?
• Is the event or activity designed to promote or ensure that performers, speakers, or attendees share a common experience, purpose, or goal?

According to the CDC, “Indoor events, especially in places with poor ventilation, pose more risk than outdoor events.”

Delaware Outdoor and Indoor Gathering Limits

• Outdoor gatherings in spaces with no fire occupancy restrictions are limited to 150 people, or higher with a plan approved by the Division of Public Health (DPH). This includes, but is not limited to, outdoor weddings, parties, funerals, concerts, parades, festivals, conventions, fundraisers, sporting events and fairs. Gathering restrictions apply in outdoor spaces that do not have a stated fire capacity, including outdoor space of private residences.
• Outdoor venues with fire occupancy restrictions and with more than 100,000 square feet of public space must limit occupancy to 50 percent of stated fire capacity. Any outdoor venue hosting more than 150 people must still have a plan approved by DPH to mitigate spread of COVID-19.
• Outdoor venues with fire occupancy restrictions and with less than 100,000 square feet of public space must limit occupancy to 75 percent of stated fire capacity. Any outdoor venue hosting more than 150 people must still have a plan approved by DPH to mitigate spread of COVID-19.
• Indoor gatherings or events at any business or indoor space open to the public are limited to fifty percent of stated fire occupancy or twenty-five people, whichever is less.

Examples of outdoor events and gatherings: social, community, recreational, and leisure events, such as weddings, funerals, concerts, parades, festivals, conventions, fundraisers, sporting events and fairs.

Examples of indoor events and gatherings: social, community, recreational, and leisure events, such as weddings and receptions, graduations, birthday parties, funeral receptions, etc.

Read the full COVID-19 order at de.gov/27soe.

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