WILMINGTON, Del.- Governor John Carney on Thursday announced a stay-at-home advisory and an order that people wear masks anytime they are indoors with someone not in their immediate household.
The Governor's advisory asks all Delawareans not to gather indoors with anyone outside of their household from December 14th to January 11th, in the hopes of stopping a winter surge of COVID-19 cases. The Governor's order does not apply to Delawareans in workplaces, and traveling to and from their places of work.
In addition to the advisory, the Governor is requiring that Delawareans to wear a cloth face covering anytime they are indoors with anyone outside their immediate household. Masks have been required in public when social distancing is not possible since April 28th. Children two years old or younger are not allowed to wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation.
“A vaccine is on the way but, make no mistake, we are facing the most difficult few months of this crisis,” said Governor Carney. “I know we’re all tired of COVID-19 – but it’s not tired of us. We’re pleading with Delawareans to do the right thing. Wear a mask. It’s a simple sacrifice to protect others, and to make sure that Delaware’s children get an education. Do not gather with anyone outside your household. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently."
Governor Carney also recommended on Thursday that Delaware schools pause in-person learning beginning December 14, and go virtual until January 8th. The Governor suggests returning to hybrid learning on January 11th, the same day the stay-at-home advisory is set to expire. According to Gov. Carney's team, the recommendation to go virtual does not apply to child care centers, and schools that "do not face significant operational challenges may remain in hybrid learning, with a mix of remote and in-person instruction."
However, all winter sports competitions will be banned during the stay-at-home advisory. Practices may continue under strict COVID-19 masking and social distancing guidelines.
“We know that schools are structured and relatively safe environments. That's thanks to the hard work of educators, students and staff who have been following the science, and keeping their communities healthy,” said Governor Carney. “But school leaders and educators face significant operational challenges as we see more community spread. If we pull together and follow the public health advice, we can get more children in classrooms, and get through this difficult winter.”
The Governor's office says the Delaware Department of Education will be meeting with teachers and their district leadership to discuss any concerns or questions they may have. Educators may also share their experiences and feedback by sending an email to Educator.Feedback@doe.k12.de.us.