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.
La orden del gobernador Carney entrará en vigor a las 8:00 a.m. del viernes 4 de septiembre.
Lea las disposiciones completas de la orden del estado de emergencia del gobernador Carney.
“Durante meses, los habitantes de Delaware han intensificado, han hecho sacrificios importantes y tomado precauciones simples para vencer este virus COVID-19”, dijo el gobernador Carney. “Hemos logrado un progreso real. Los habitantes de Delaware han salvado vidas al tomarse la ciencia en serio. En la actualidad, hay menos habitantes de Delaware en el hospital porque seguimos esas precauciones básicas. Pero aún no hemos salido de esta pelea. Continúe usando una cubierta facial en lugares públicos. Evite las grandes reuniones. Distánciese físicamente de otras personas fuera de su hogar. Así es como conseguiremos que más niños de Delaware vuelvan a la escuela y que más habitantes de Delaware vuelvan a trabajar. Manténgase alerta”.
La orden del gobernador Carney requiere que las empresas apliquen más estrictamente los requisitos de cobertura facial entre sus empleados. Deben tener documentación escrita, como una nota del médico, que respalde cualquier adaptación que le permita a un empleado no usar una cubierta facial. La orden también incluye orientación adicional sobre el uso de cubiertas faciales en restaurantes y gimnasios.
En los restaurantes, se recomienda encarecidamente a los habitantes de Delaware y los visitantes que se cubran la cara cuando los camareros visiten una mesa y cuando no estén comiendo o bebiendo. Los clientes deben usar cobertores si abandonan su mesa y al entrar o salir del establecimiento.
De acuerdo con la orden actualizada, los bares en las comunidades de la playa de Delaware pueden reabrir el viernes para el servicio de alimentos con importantes precauciones de seguridad. Se requieren reservaciones para el servicio de bar y se debe pedir comida. Los usuarios deben mantener una distancia social de seis (6) pies de los miembros que no pertenecen al hogar familiar.
