Updated order allows driver’s education services, senior centers to resume safely

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday signed the 24th modification to his State of Emergency declaration, allowing driver education services to resume immediately, with safety measures in place to prevent transmission of COVID-19. Governor Carney’s modification also allows senior centers to open with safety precautions at 30 percent capacity.

“Delawareans have made real progress against this disease, but COVID-19 is still active in our communities. And we’ve seen what has happened in other states when you let your guard down,” said Governor Carney. “Stay vigilant. Wear a face mask. Wash your hands frequently. Stay at least six feet away from others. And – whether you have symptoms or you don’t – consider getting a test at de.gov/gettested. Testing helps us track the virus in our state and prevent outbreaks.”

According to the updated emergency order, personal driving schools and instruction may reopen, provided that at a maximum the vehicle contains one adult and one student in the front driver and passenger seats, and one additional person in the back seat. All occupants must wear face coverings at all times. Windows should be open as much as possible to help air exchange within the vehicle to reduce viral load.

Food and drink establishments are now also required to give customers the option to leave information on file to help with contact tracing in the event of a positive case being linked to the establishment. Tracing known contacts of positive cases helps public health officials trace transmission of the virus and prevent larger outbreaks. Restaurants are not required to deny service to customers who choose not to provide contact information.

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.

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

Report violations of COVID-19 restrictions by emailing HSPContact@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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Personal care services can expand to 60 percent; tournaments may resume with approved safety plans

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney on Friday signed the 22^nd modification to his State of Emergency Order, permitting an expansion of youth sports activities and personal care services if safety guidelines are followed to prevent infection and community spread of COVID-19.

Click here to read Governor Carney’s modified order.

“We want Delawareans to get outside and enjoy the summer. But everyone should keep in mind that COVID-19 is still active in Delaware,” said Governor Carney. “Our goal is to limit community spread of the virus to protect lives, and Delaware’s hard-fought progress against this disease. Please wear a face covering. Stay at least six feet away from others outside your household. Wash your hands frequently. This is a deadly disease – especially for our most vulnerable – and that’s the best way to reduce our risk. Stay vigilant.”

Effective at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 20, youth and adult recreational sports tournaments may resume – subject to the prior approval of a tournament-specific safety plan by the Division of Public Health (DPH). Tournament-specific plans must include a method to collect contact information for all players, staff, coaches, officials and spectators, as well as team rosters and game schedules, in order to track the spread of COVID-19 in the event of an outbreak.

Effective at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 22, personal care services businesses may expand to 60 percent of stated fire code capacity. Additional requirements for consumer-facing businesses are included in Delaware’s Phase 2 reopening plan.

For additional details about Delaware’s economic reopening, visit de.gov/economy.

For details about COVID-19 testing, visit coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing. 

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 to 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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Watch a live press briefing from Governor Carney and other state officials at 1:45pm on Tuesday on coronavirus. Delaware is currently in Phase 2 of the reopening. Child care is open to all now. Watch on [de.gov/coronavirus]

Watch a live press briefing on Friday around 1:45pm on coronavirus from Governor Carney and other state officials as Delaware enters Phase 2 on June 15.