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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Polly Drummond yard waste site closed for the day Sunday for capacity and traffic

DOVER, Del. – The Polly Drummond Hill drop-off yard waste site near Newark, which opened for the season on Saturday, April 18, was closed to further drop-offs about noon on Sunday because of yard waste material capacity and traffic issues.

On Sunday morning, the site had already reached about 80 percent capacity from material that was dropped off by residents on Saturday. Then dozens of cars trying to access the site at once created a long line out of the entrance and onto Polly Drummond Hill Road, blocking traffic and requiring DNREC Natural Resources Police and Delaware State Police to respond.

DNREC will work this week to have its contractor shred and remove all the material that was dropped, and create a traffic plan with the goal of reopening the site on Saturday, April 25. The site operates Saturdays and Sundays.

A list of commercial yard waste drop-off sites that residents can use as an alternative is at https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/waste-hazardous/yard-waste/drop-off-sites/

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on FacebookTwitter or LinkedIn

Media Contact: Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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