Governor Carney, DPH Announce Major Changes to COVID-19 Restrictions
Earlier today, Governor John Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced major upcoming changes to Delaware’s COVID-19 restrictions.
Effective Friday, May 21:
All capacity restrictions inside restaurants, retail, other business establishments and houses of worship will be lifted. Facilities will be able to 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, CDC recommends that everyone continue to wear a mask. DPH may require masks for crowded venues and large gatherings including concerts, sporting events, etc.
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, and distancing of at least 3 feet should be maintained.
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.
The changes will be formalized in an upcoming modification to Governor Carney’s COVID-19 emergency order.