WILMINGTON, Del. --- Gov. John Carney on Sunday updated a state of emergency declaration by ordering people in Delaware to stay at home whenever possible and closing all non-essential businesses beginning this week to help fight the spread of COVID-19.
The orders go into effect at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2020, according to a news release. They will remain in effect until May 15 or until the public health threat is eliminated.
“This was not an easy decision, but it’s the right decision to protect the safety of Delawareans and Delaware families,” Carney said in a statement. “If you have any questions about whether you should be staying home or going out, stay home. Go to work, and go straight back home. If you don't need food or other essential items, stay home.
Among the businesses that will be allowed to remain open include grocery stores, restaurants exclusively offering takeout and delivery, gas stations, liquor stores, hotels, and some retail stores.
Agricultural, construction, and manufacturing businesses are also allowed to remain open.
However, the governor's order bars businesses like casinos, performing arts centers, spectator sport venues, and schools from being open. A number of retail operations are also prohibited under the order.
A chart defining which businesses are considered essential and may remain open can be found here.
Under the order, people are allowed to leave their homes to get groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor, and engage in other activities essential to their health, and the health and wellbeing of their family members, including pets.
People are also allowed to leave their homes to engage in outdoor activity like exercise but must adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Delaware employers with questions about how they may be impacted can email covid19faq@delaware.gov, or call 302-577-8477 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Emails are encouraged due to potentially high call volume.
Early next week, Governor Carney and Delaware public schools will announce next steps on school closures.
