Governor Carney Updates COVID-19 Order, Eliminates Capacity Restrictions Effective May 21

School bus restrictions updated; Masks still required indoors; Delawareans should follow CDC mask guidance outdoors; larger events still require plan approval from DPH

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday signed a new COVID-19 omnibus order, the Twenty-Eighth modification to the original state of emergency order, updating school bus distancing requirements, eliminating most business capacity restrictions effective May 21, and formalizing additional changes announced last week.

The text of the order will be accessible here later today.

Beginning with summer programming, schools should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on school buses when transporting students. The CDC advises schools to create distance between children on school buses when possible, and to follow masking and other COVID-19 safety precautions.

This marks a change from the current restriction that requires schools to maintain a minimum of 3 feet of distance between students on a bus, which has resulted in a 23-person cap on school buses. The change should allow more students to return to in-person instruction starting this summer. Click here for details.

Additionally, Governor Carney’s order formalizes the following, effective at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 21:

All capacity restrictions inside restaurants, retail, gyms, other business establishments and houses of worship will be lifted. Facilities can use as much capacity as social distancing requirements will allow.
Masks will still be required indoors to prevent spread of COVID-19.
Outdoors, Delawareans should follow masking guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Risk for COVID-19 spread increases in large crowds that include unvaccinated people. In those cases, the CDC recommends that everyone continue to wear a mask.
Social distancing requirements will move from 6 feet to 3 feet.
Customers must continue to remain seated indoors and outdoors at bars and restaurants unless a plan for dance floors and other areas is approved by DPH.
Events over 250 people indoors and outdoors will still require plan approval from DPH to ensure compliance with basic precautions to prevent spread of COVID-19.

“Delawareans have worked together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities, and we still have more work to do. But we have the tools to prevent severe illness and hospitalization,” said Governor Carney. “Get vaccinated. Visit de.gov/getmyvaccine to find options near you. Ask your friends and family if they’ve gotten their shot. That’s the best thing you can do to protect yourself and those you love.”

As of Monday, May 11, Delaware providers had administered 816,090 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. More than 55 percent of Delawareans 16 and older have received at least one shot.

Visit de.gov/covidvaccine for information on Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program, which is now open to all Delawareans 12 or older.

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.

Visit de.gov/coronavirus to get the latest on Delaware’s response to COVID-19.

Visit de.gov/gettested to learn more about free COVID-19 testing.

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Governor Carney Signs Eighth Revision to Omnibus COVID-19 Order

Outdoor gatherings limited to 150 people, or higher with a DPH-approved plan

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday signed the eighth revision to the COVID-19 emergency order, increasing outdoor gathering limits and easing capacity restrictions in outdoor venues effective at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 1.

The eighth revision includes the following:

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, funerals, concerts, parades, festivals, conventions, fundraisers, sporting events and fairs. Gathering restrictions apply in outdoor spaces that do not have a stated fire capacity.
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.
Governor Carney’s revision on Monday also removes the two-spectator limit for sporting events. And the revision allows the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) to issue an additional 1,000 surf fishing vehicle tags for the 2021 season.
Indoor gatherings or events at any business or indoor space open to the public remain limited to the lesser of fifty percent of stated fire occupancy or twenty-five people.
Food and drink establishments remain at fifty percent of stated fire occupancy requirements, excluding employees.

Plans for outdoor events and gatherings should be submitted to DPH by emailing HSPContact@delaware.gov at least seven days prior to the event.

Click here to read Governor Carney’s eighth revision.

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

“We know that gathering outdoors poses a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission,” said Governor Carney. “That’s why we’re comfortable easing certain outdoor restrictions as we head into Spring. But until we can get enough Delawareans fully vaccinated, keep following the basic, common-sense public health precautions. Wear a mask when you’re around others. Avoid large gatherings when possible. Get the COVID-19 vaccine when your number is called. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Stay vigilant.”

Hosts of outdoor gatherings and events must provide materials and equipment necessary for proper hand hygiene and require attendees to follow masking and social distancing requirements – including having a mechanism for limiting attendance.

As of Sunday, March 28, Delaware providers had administered 433,516 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Visit de.gov/covidvaccine for information on Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program.

Visit de.gov/coronavirus to get the latest on Delaware’s response to COVID-19.

Visit de.gov/gettested to learn more about free COVID-19 testing.

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Governor Carney Updates Omnibus COVID-19 Emergency Order

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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Governor Carney Issues Update to Omnibus COVID-19 Emergency Declaration

Occupancy limits to increase in restaurants, retail; tournaments can resume with a plan; vaccination providers must report demographic information or face fines

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday issued the Sixth Modification to his Omnibus State of Emergency Declaration, easing COVID-19 occupancy restrictions and requiring Delaware vaccination providers to report complete demographic information within 24 hours of administering a vaccine to the Delaware Immunization Information System (DelVAX).

The Governor’s sixth modification also requires health care providers, pharmacies and other entities that provide vaccinations to offer the shots free of charge, though insurance information may be collected. Enrolled vaccination providers must follow eligibility criteria in Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program, as defined by the Division of Public Health (DPH). Failure to comply with data reporting requirements in Thursday’s order may result in fines for providers, and reductions in vaccine allocation.

Click here to read Governor Carney’s sixth modification.

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

“We are administering more vaccines each day, and we continue to see improvement in our COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations statewide. That’s good news, but it’s no reason to let our guard down,” said Governor Carney. “We need to make sure we’re distributing the vaccine equitably across our state. That is a priority. And we need to limit community spread of this virus. We know what works. Until we can vaccinate enough Delawareans, continue to wear a mask. Avoid gatherings. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. Let’s stay vigilant.”

Effective at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, February 12, occupancy inside restaurants, retail locations, gyms, houses of worship, arts venues, and other business locations must not exceed 50 percent of stated fire capacity. Businesses must continue to follow social distancing and other COVID-19 restrictions issued by local and state governments.

Governor Carney’s modification also allows youth and amateur sports tournaments to resume with a plan approved by the Division of Public Health (DPH). Delawareans who travel out of state for sports tournaments and competitions are strongly encouraged, though no longer required, to self-quarantine in accordance with DPH guidance.

Additionally, Thursday’s modification extends consumer and voting protections during the COVID-19 crisis.

Effective at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 4, this modification strengthens a previous prohibition on price gouging. It also allows Delawareans to cast absentee ballots in 2021 municipal elections due to COVID-19.

Learn more about Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program at de.gov/covidvaccine.

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.

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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Governor Carney Issues Omnibus Executive Order on COVID-19 Restrictions

Order combines all active State of Emergency modifications

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday signed the 27th modification to his State of Emergency, combining all active COVID-19 restrictions into a single order. Governor Carney’s modification also formalizes the latest restrictions around bar service in Delaware beach communities and requires that businesses more strictly enforce face covering requirements among their employees.

Governor Carney’s order will take effect at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, September 4.

Read the full provisions of Governor Carney’s State of Emergency order.

“For months, Delawareans have stepped up, made significant sacrifices and taken simple precautions to beat this COVID-19 virus,” said Governor Carney. “We have made real progress. Delawareans have saved lives by taking the science seriously. Fewer Delawareans are in the hospital today because we’re following those basic precautions. But we’re not out of this fight yet. Continue to wear a face covering in public places. Avoid large gatherings. Physically distance from others outside your household. That’s how we’ll get more Delaware children back in school and more Delawareans back to work. Stay vigilant.”

Governor Carney’s order requires businesses to more strictly enforce face covering requirements among their employees. They must have written documentation, such as a doctor’s note, supporting any accommodation that allows an employee to not wear a face covering. The order also includes additional guidance around the wearing of face coverings in restaurants and gyms.

In restaurants, Delawareans and visitors are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings when waitstaff visits a table, and whenever they are not eating or drinking. Customers must wear coverings if they leave their table and while entering or exiting the establishment.

In gyms and other exercise facilities, Delawareans must wear face coverings when they are not engaged in vigorous physical activity. Vigorous physical activity – or high-intensity exercise – is defined as a physical activity done with a large amount of effort, resulting in a substantially higher heart rate and rapid breathing. Delawareans must wear face coverings while weight-lifting, which is not considered vigorous physical activity, and everyone is strongly encouraged to wear face coverings at all times in gyms.

According to the updated order, bars in Delaware beach communities may reopen on Friday for food service with significant safety precautions. Reservations are required for bar service, and food must be ordered. Patrons must maintain six (6) feet social distance from non-household members.

Governor Carney’s State of Emergency declaration – including each of its modifications – carries the full force and effect of law. Delawareans and visitors also must follow local restrictions in place to limit community spread of COVID-19.

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

Report a business for COVID-19 non-compliance using this form.

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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