Governor Carney Releases Phase 1 Economic Reopening Guidance

Phase 1 of Delaware’s Recovery will begin June 1

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday released guidance for Phase 1 of Delaware’s rolling reopening. Delaware’s Phase 1 reopening plan provides general and sector-specific guidance for Delawareans and Delaware businesses.

Phase 1 of Delaware’s economic reopening will begin on June 1.

Delaware has been implementing a rolling reopening of the economy — permitting establishments to open, if they can do so safely in accordance with guidance from the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Click here for full Phase 1 guidance.

“We’re all ready to get our economy going again, and to spend more time with our friends and loved ones,” said Governor Carney. “Since Day 1 of this crisis, Delaware’s response to COVID-19 has been driven by the science. We can’t have a healthy, functioning economy again until our communities are healthy. There is good news. Delawareans have worked together, stayed home, and saved lives. Your actions have driven down cases and hospitalizations statewide. That will help us reopen Delaware’s economy safely in the coming weeks – while protecting the most vulnerable Delawareans.

“As we move through this rolling reopening, we have to stay vigilant,” said Governor Carney. “We have to keep our distance from one another. Wash our hands frequently. Wear face coverings in public places. This is an unusual time, for sure. But these basic precautions will help us limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect Delawareans.”

As Delaware enters Phase I, Delawareans must still wear face coverings in public settings. Delawareans and Delaware businesses also must adhere to strict social distancing requirements, and follow basic hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing.

Vulnerable Delawareans should continue to shelter in place during Phase 1.

Businesses that will open during Phase 1 – including restaurant and retail establishments – generally must limit capacity to 30 percent of fire code occupancy, excluding staff. Employees who have been telecommuting should continue to do so wherever possible, and employers should close common areas where employees are likely to congregate.

Click here for full Phase 1 guidance

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Health or medically-related COVID-19 questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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Governor Carney Announces Interim Steps Allowing Small Businesses; Universal Testing in Nursing Homes

Retail, hair dressers able to resume limited services while maintaining health guidelines

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced a series of interim steps allowing small businesses to resume limited operations effective 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8.

The goal of the interim steps is to provide economic relief to Delaware citizens and businesses who are struggling financially – while maintaining strict adherence to health and safety guidelines. The steps also will help as Delawareans and Delaware businesses adapt to new ways of operating once Phase 1 begins. 

Also on Tuesday, Governor Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced a plan to test all residents and staff of Delaware long-term care facilities for COVID-19. DPH will provide facilities with tests, testing supplies, training, and support for the universal testing program to protect the most vulnerable Delawareans. Expanding COVID-19 testing capacity for vulnerable populations is a requirement of federal guidance for economic reopening.

Public health experts at the Division of Public Health (DPH) will support clinicians at long-term care facilities with the new testing program. DPH will provide guidance on testing of symptomatic and asymptomatic persons and the interpretation of results.  DPH will also provide recommendations to protect residents and staff based on results, including transmission-based precautions, isolation, and patient and staff management strategies.

“I understand how hard this has been for Delawareans across our state. We’ve tried to find ways to ease the pain without compromising public health,” said Governor Carney. “But even these limited steps allowing businesses to offer additional services will require strict compliance with safety standards, especially social distancing. We cannot afford to go backwards and see new cases and hospitalizations spike. Getting used to a new normal won’t be easy, but this is the first step to being able to reopen our economy.”

“Residents of long-term care facilities are extremely vulnerable to complications from the virus that causes COVID-19 due to chronic health conditions,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Delaware Division of Public Health. “We are incredibly pleased to be able to support this testing strategy which will enable us to help the facilities better identify outbreaks among both staff and residents and contain the spread of the disease through a variety of interventions. It is an important component in our rapidly expanding testing strategy.”

Below are the interim steps the Governor announced are effective at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8:

  • Small business retailers will be allowed to do business using curbside pickup as long as social distancing can be maintained.  These retailers include:
    • Clothing stores
    • Shoe stores
    • Sporting goods, hobby, musical instruments
    • Book, periodical, music stores
    • Department stores
    • Tobacco and Vape
    • Other general merchandise
    • Office supply, stationery, and gift stores
    • Used merchandise stores
    • Consumer goods rental
  • Jewelry stores may do business by appointment only, and the Governor has instructed the Division of Small Business to consider additional changes like this for other similar retailers.
  • Cosmetology: Hair care services only are permitted to be offered, and only to workers at essential businesses. Guidelines include:
    • No more than two appointments at a time per location (and never more than the number of available staff, so just one for a sole proprietor). Need to leave 15 minutes between appointments for proper cleaning.
    • Employees and customers must wear cloth face masks at all times, and customers must cancel appointments if they have any reason to believe they may be ill or may have come into contact with the virus.
    • Staff must wear disposable gloves when providing services and must throw away gloves between customers and wash hands.
    • Employer must require employees to report their temperature daily — above 99.5 means they are ineligible to work.
    • Customer stations must be sanitized between use, along with any equipment used for the customer. In addition, any item a customer handles (like a magazine) must leave with the customer.
    • Entrance door must remain locked to outside to prevent walk-ins.
  • Other
    • Golf carts allowed at courses for 1 rider at a time with proper cleaning between customers
    • Drive-in movies are permitted, but patrons must remain inside vehicles and social distancing must be maintained at all times.

Employees required to report to work as a result of these changes will now be permitted to utilize child care services, provided neither parent works from home and they do not have alternate care.

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.


Recovery Town Hall – April 29, 6:00pm – Kent County Focus

April 29 at 6:00 p.m. – Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host a virtual town hall meetings with stakeholder groups and members of the public to collect public feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. 

Learn more and submit feedback online: de.gov/economy

 

 

Upcoming Recovery Town Halls with Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long:

  • Recovery Town Hall – Monday, May 4 – 6:00 p.m. – Northern New Castle County focus
  • Recovery Town Hall – Wednesday, May 6 – 7:30 p.m. – Sussex County focus
  • Recovery Town Hall – Thursday, May 7 – 6:00 p.m. – Southern New Castle County focus

Links to town hall livestreams will be posted on news.delaware.gov

 


Governor Carney Announces Public Engagement Around Economic Reopening, Recovery

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney on Thursday announced a statewide public engagement strategy focused on Delaware’s economic reopening and recovery effort due to COVID-19. 

Visit de.gov/economy to learn more and to help shape Delaware’s economic recovery effort.

Starting on Monday, the Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will host virtual Recovery Town Halls with members of the General Assembly, small businesses, and local Chambers of Commerce, to begin collecting feedback from small business leaders about Delaware’s economic reopening. 

  • Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Monday, April 27 – 2:00 p.m. – Eastern Sussex
  • Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Tuesday, April 28 – 6:00 p.m. – Southern New Castle
  • Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Thursday, April 30 – 10:00 a.m. – Western Sussex
  • Small Business Recovery Town Hall  – Thursday, April 30 – 6:00 p.m. – Western New Castle County
  • Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Monday, May 4 – 2:00 p.m. – Kent County
  • Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Tuesday, May 5 – 6:00 p.m. – Wilmington Area 
  • Small Business Recovery Town Hall – Wednesday, May 6 – 6:00 p.m. – Northern New Castle County

Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long will host similar, virtual town hall meetings with members of the public to collect feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. 

  • Recovery Town Hall – Wednesday, April 29 – 6:00 p.m. – Kent County 
  • Recovery Town Hall – Monday, May 4 – 6:00 p.m. – Northern New Castle County
  • Recovery Town Hall – Wednesday, May 6 – 7:30 p.m. – Sussex County 
  • Recovery Town Hall – Thursday, May 7 – 6:00 p.m. – Southern New Castle County

 

MEDIA: Reporters interested in covering the Recovery Town Halls should RSVP directly to jessica.borcky@delaware.gov with the meetings you would like to attend

Additionally, Governor Carney has assigned S.W.A.T. teams from state government to work with industries most hard-hit by the COVID-19 crisis, including the restaurant industry, tourism, retail, and the arts community. 

“We’re still seeing increased infections of COVID-19, so this fight is far from over,” said Governor Carney. “At the same time, we need to look forward. We need to plan for safely reopening our economy under a new normal. I encourage all Delawareans and Delaware small businesses to lean into this process. Visit de.gov/economy to learn more about Delaware’s plan, and to offer ideas on how to safely restart our economy. Help get Delaware through this difficult time. Most importantly, continue to stay home. Stay safe. And stay informed.”

“To successfully reopen will require all communities and sectors of our economy to participate,” said Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long. “I look forward to hearing from Delawareans and gathering their recommendations to keep people safe, and able to return to work, and make our state stronger and healthier.”

“While any effort to reopen our state has to be driven by science, we also have to begin the process of mapping out how to restart our economy in a smart, safe manner. Getting input from all corners of our state is an important part of that process,” said House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf. “Having our business leaders at the table will ensure that their voices are heard and their thoughts, ideas and concerns are taken into account as we move forward through this challenging time.”

“I am glad the administration is seeking out the input of small business operators and that these meetings are starting quickly,” said House Minority Leader Danny Short. “We need a plan to put Delawareans back to work as soon as possible.”

“Our small business community is being hit hard by this public health crisis and they need our support more than ever,” said Senate President Pro Tempore David McBride. “I’ve spent hours talking to business owners in my district who are facing incredible challenges that are impacting them and their workers. I’m hopeful these virtual town halls will give us an opportunity to learn from their struggles and ensure we are attentive to their concerns as we plan to reopen our state and address the economic recovery ahead.”

“This pandemic has had a terrible impact on our small business community. Given the seasonal nature of the economy here in eastern Sussex County, a lot is on the line over the coming weeks and months,” said Senate Minority Leader Gerald Hocker. “I look forward to joining with the Governor and my fellow legislators to hear directly from local business owners and to plot a course forward for all Delawareans.” 

“This is an important first step in getting our economy restarted,” said Damian DeStefano, Director of the Division of Small Business. “The Governor’s plan to address the complex task of reopening by focusing on customized plans for individual industries is the right approach to determine how to safely and effectively do so. We look forward to helping in this effort.”

“To safely and successfully reopen businesses throughout Delaware requires us to listen to the experiences, ideas and opportunities employers and businesses have. Hearing directly from CEOs, owners and site and operations leaders will not only help us to have a successful Phase 1 launch, but may also lead to new opportunities,” said Kurt Foreman, President & CEO of Delaware Prosperity Partnership.


 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – EASTERN SUSSEX

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Monday, April 27, 2020

2:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – SOUTHERN NEW CASTLE

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Tuesday, April 28, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call 

 

 

RECOVERY TOWN HALL – PUBLIC – KENT

WHAT:         Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host a virtual town hall meeting with members of the public to collect public feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. Links for joining these town halls will be shared on social media.

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Wednesday, April 29, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – WESTERN SUSSEX

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Thursday, April 30, 2020

10:00 a.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – NEWARK

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Thursday, April 30, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – KENT

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Monday, May 4, 2020

2:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

RECOVERY TOWN HALL – PUBLIC – NORTHERN NEW CASTLE

WHAT:         Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host a virtual town hall meeting with members of the public to collect public feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. Links for joining these town halls will be shared on social media.

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Monday, May 4, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – WILMINGTON

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Tuesday, May 5, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

SMALL BUSINESS RECOVERY TOWN HALL – NORTHERN NEW CASTLE

WHAT:         The Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will collect feedback from small business leaders and members of the public about Delaware’s economic reopening. Delaware businesses interested in participating should contact their local legislator

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Wednesday, May 6, 2020

10:00 a.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video Call

 

 

RECOVERY TOWN HALL – PUBLIC – SUSSEX

WHAT:         Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host a virtual town hall meeting with members of the public to collect public feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. Links for joining these town halls will be shared on social media.

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Wednesday, May 6, 2020

7:30 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video

 

 

RECOVERY TOWN HALL – PUBLIC – SOUTHERN NEW CASTLE

WHAT:         Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long will host a virtual town hall meeting with members of the public to collect public feedback that will inform Delaware’s recovery effort. Links for joining these town halls will be shared on social media.

 

WHO:             Lt. Governor Bethany Hall-Long

Damian DeStefano, Director, Delaware Division of Small Business

Kurt Foreman, President & CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

Members of the General Assembly

Local Chambers of Commerce

Business groups

 

WHEN:          Thursday, May 7, 2020

6:00 p.m.

 

WHERE:        Zoom Video

 

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Delawareans with questions about COVID-19, related to medical or social service needs, should call 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Questions may also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

 

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, visit: de.gov/coronavirus.       

 


Governor Carney and Five Governors Announce Multi-State Council to Get People Back to Work and Restore the Economy

Council Will Include One Health Expert, One Economic Development Expert and Respective Chiefs of Staff from Each State

Council Will Develop a Fully Integrated Regional Framework to Gradually Lift the States’ Stay at Home Orders While Minimizing the Risk of Increased Spread of the Virus

New Effort Builds on the States’ ongoing Regional Approach to Combatting COVID-19

WILMINGTON, Del. – Recognizing that their states have one integrated regional economy, Delaware Governor John Carney, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf, and Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo today announced the creation of a multi-state council to restore the economy and get people back to work. This announcement builds on the states’ ongoing regional approach to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The coordinating group – comprised of one health expert, one economic development expert and the respective Chief of Staff from each state — will work together to develop a fully integrated regional framework to gradually lift the states’ stay at home orders while minimizing the risk of increased spread of the virus.

Delaware’s representatives will include:

  • Sheila Grant, Chief of Staff, Office of Governor John Carney
  • Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary, Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
  • Kurt Foreman, President and CEO, Delaware Prosperity Partnership

The council will create this framework using every tool available to accomplish the goal of easing social isolation without triggering renewed spread – including testing, contact tracing, treatment and social distancing – and will rely on the best available scientific, statistical, social and economic information to manage and evaluate those tools.

“We still have a situation in Delaware that is getting worse. Infections of COVID-19 and hospitalizations are rising. Delawareans should stay home. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily. Don’t visit Delaware unless you need to see a doctor, or care for a family member. You’ll only increase everyone’s risk,” said Governor John Carney. “At the same time, we need to look forward. We need a consistent approach for moving our states out of this crisis, when that day comes. I’m grateful for the partnership of my fellow Governors in the region. They are all working around-the-clock to prevent surges in COVID-19 cases, protect hospital capacity for the most critically-ill patients, and save lives. We’ll get through this by working together.”

Governor Andrew Cuomo said, “We have been collaborating closely with our neighboring states to combat this pandemic through a uniform approach to social distancing and density reduction and it has been working well. Now it is time to start opening the valve slowly and carefully while watching the infection rate meter so we don’t trigger a second wave of new infections. This is not a light switch that we can just flick on and everything goes back to normal – we have to come up with a smart, consistent strategy to restart the systems we shut down and get people back to work, and to the extent possible we want to do that through a regional approach because we are a regional economy. New York is partnering with these four states to create a multi-state council that will come up with a framework based on science and data to gradually ease the stay at home restrictions and get our economy back up and running.”

Governor Phil Murphy said, “No one has given more thought or is more eager to restart our economy than I am, but if we don’t get the sequencing right, we put more lives at risk. The only path to a sustainable economic recovery is through a strong healthcare recovery. Then, and only then, do we position ourselves to fully ignite our economy and get the residents of our state back to work while minimizing the danger of this disease. A coordinated, regional approach, informed by a multi-state council of experts, will help us avoid a major setback with potentially disastrous consequences. I look forward to the day when the facts on the ground allow us to ease our restrictions and move our regional economy forward.”

Governor Ned Lamont said, “One thing that’s undeniable is that this virus does not stop at the border of any county, state, or country, but the impact is the same when it comes to our respective economies and healthcare systems. Working as a regional coalition to make the right decisions will lead to the best public health results for all of our residents. We must solve these problems together.”

Governor Tom Wolf said, “Our highest priority remains protecting the health and safety of Pennsylvanians. While my administration continues to take critical steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, I also recognize that we must look ahead and take a measured, careful approach to prepare for the future while ensuring that we don’t undo all of our efforts. Pennsylvania will work collaboratively with our partners both in state and in surrounding states to develop a comprehensive strategy that first focuses on health but also addresses the need to gradually restore our economy.”

Governor Gina Raimondo said, “States are taking the lead as we fight to slow the spread of coronavirus and save lives. I’m proud of the steps we’ve taken, and I’m constantly thinking about what it will take to safely reopen our economy. But we know that this virus does not recognize borders, and it’s clear we need a strong, coordinated regional approach to avoid a second wave of this disease. I’m grateful to my fellow governors for their leadership during this crisis and I’m confident that this new partnership will support our efforts to get Rhode Islanders — and all Americans — back to work safely.”

Delawareans with questions about COVID-19, related to medical or social service needs, should call 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Questions may also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, visit: de.gov/coronavirus.

 

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