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.

Latest modification updates gathering limits 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday signed the Seventh Modification to the Omnibus Emergency Order, increasing gathering limits for indoor events with restrictions in place to prevent spread of COVID-19. 

Under the latest order, ​the limit on gatherings at businesses and other indoor spaces ​is increased from the current limit of 10 people. The new limit is a maximum of 25 people or 50 percent of stated fire occupancy restrictions, whichever is less. Organizers may ​submit a plan to the Division of Public Health (DPH) to host larger events up to 150 people. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, or up to 250 with an approved plan from DPH. The limit for private indoor gatherings or events, such as dinner parties, house parties, and birthday parties, remains at 10 people.

Event organizers must email DPH at HSPContact@delaware.gov at least a week prior to the event ​for permission to host indoor gatherings over 25 people, up to 150 people, or outdoor gatherings over 50 people, up to 250 people. Businesses and other event hosts also must continue to follow state and local COVID-19 restrictions, including masking and social distancing requirements. Indoor gatherings with fewer than 25 people and outdoor gatherings with fewer than 50 people do not require a plan, but must follow all other applicable requirements.

The order also raises the group exercise class capacity to 15 people, excluding staff, with additional restrictions in place. 

Click here to read the seventh modification.

Click here to read the Omnibus COVID-19 Emergency Order.

“We are making progress in our fight against COVID-19. Hospitalizations are down more than 50 percent from our winter peak, and Delaware providers have administered more than 164,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Carney. “But let’s keep doing what works until we can get enough Delawareans vaccinated. Wear a mask. Avoid large gatherings where this virus can spread. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Stay vigilant.”

Also on Friday, Governor Carney extended the COVID-19 emergency order another 30 days to confront the spread of COVID-19 in the State of Delaware. 

Click here to read emergency extension. 

Learn more about Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program at de.gov/covidvaccine. Find information about COVID-19 vaccine second doses at de.gov/seconddose.

Are you 65 or older? Sign up for the State of Delaware’s vaccination waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov. Delawareans also may call DPH’s Vaccination Call Center at 1-833-643-1715.

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

Visit de.gov/coronavirus for the latest information on Delaware’s COVID-19 response. Find testing events and locations at de.gov/gettested.  

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