Revision eases outdoor table size restrictions in restaurants, suspends DIAA masking regulations

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday issued the 10th revision to the COVID-19 emergency order, easing outdoor table size restrictions in restaurants and suspending Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) masking regulations to ensure consistency with the Governor’s emergency orders and guidance from the Division of Public Health (DPH).

Click here to read the 10th revision.

Click here to read the full Omnibus order.

“The most important thing Delawareans can do to beat COVID-19 is to get vaccinated,” said Governor Carney. “Talk to your friends and family who have received a shot. Check your local pharmacy for an appointment and talk to your doctor. These vaccines are safe and effective, and they’ll protect you and your family from COVID-19. In the meantime, let’s all stay vigilant. Wear a mask when you’re gathering with others outside your household. Avoid large gatherings where this virus can easily spread. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter every day.”

Student athletes participating in the interscholastic sports of baseball, golf, girls’ lacrosse, girls’ soccer, softball, tennis, and track and field must wear face coverings except when actively engaged in practice or game play while on the field.

Under Tuesday’s order, outdoor table size is increased to parties of 10 people. Table size inside food and drink establishments has not changed. Governor Carney’s 10th revision also removes certain requirements around surface cleaning and disinfection, reflecting advances in the scientific community’s understanding about how the virus is spread.

Visit de.gov/covidvaccine for information on Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program, which is now open to all Delawareans 16 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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WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday formally extended the State of Emergency declaration another 30 days to confront community spread of COVID-19, and issued the following statement:

“We have fully opened our vaccine program so that any eligible Delawarean who wants a COVID-19 vaccine should be able to get one,” said Governor Carney. “We are making progress by vaccinating thousands of Delawareans each day, and this order helps keep our vaccination and testing programs running at full speed. We still need to continue to do what works to fight community spread. Avoid large gatherings. Wear a mask. Keep your distance from others outside of your household. Get tested, especially if you traveled this spring. Stay vigilant.”

Governor Carney’s State of Emergency declaration 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.

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

Anyone with a question about COVID-19 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.

Delawareans over the age of 18 are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free COVID exposure notification app. Download on the App Store or Google Play. 

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

For the latest on Delaware’s response, visit de.gov/coronavirus. 

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Ninth revision to Omnibus order updates youth and amateur sports guidance 

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday signed the ninth revision to his COVID-19 emergency order, updating public health requirements for youth and amateur sports. 

Under the ninth revision to the COVID-19 order: 

• Athletes participating in high-risk sports must wear a face covering at all times. High-risk sports include ice hockey, basketball, tackle football, boys’/men’s lacrosse, wrestling, boxing, rugby, competitive cheer, martial arts, ultimate frisbee, and pairs figure skating.
• Athletes participating in non-high-risk sports outdoors must wear face coverings, except when actively engaged in practice or game play while on the field.
• Athletes from different households must adhere to social distancing and remain six feet apart, except when actively engaged in practice or game play while on the field.
• All coaches, staff, and referees must wear face coverings at all times, including while addressing players or officials on or off the field, when coaching during the game, and during practices, trainings and team meetings.
• Masks continue to be required at all times for all indoor sports and activities. This applies to athletes, coaches, staff, and spectators. 

Click here to read the ninth revision to the Omnibus COVID-19 order. 

Click here to read the full omnibus order.

“We’re vaccinating thousands more Delawareans each day, and making real progress in beating this virus,” said Governor Carney. “But now is not the time to let our guard down. With rising case levels, it’s more important than ever to wear a mask. Avoid large gatherings that can spread COVID-19, wash your hands frequently, and look for a free testing site in your community. We can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Stay vigilant.”

Schools and youth and amateur sports organizations should be aware that inconsistent mask use complicates contact tracing and will impact the number of people required to quarantine in the event of a positive COVID-19 case associated with a practice or game. 

As of Wednesday, March 31, Delaware providers had administered 459,535 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Nearly a third of Delawareans have received at least one shot, and more than 163,000 Delawareans are fully vaccinated. 

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

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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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. 

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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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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