DE Coronavirus Update - Reopening of Beaches to Delawareans

Governor Carney Announces Reopening of Beaches to Delawareans

Governor Carney announced that the State of Delaware will lift restrictions on Delaware beaches and community pools at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22, subject to strict social distancing requirements and other restrictions. Ice cream shops and trucks will reopen with restrictions effective 5:00 p.m. this Friday, May 15. 

Governor Carney made the announcement after consultation with public health experts at the Delaware Division of Public Health and mayors of Delaware’s beach towns. Delaware’s mandatory 14-day quarantine for out-of-state travelers and ban on short term rentals will remain in effect.

 

Towns must:

• Clean bathrooms, boardwalk railings, benches multiple times per day
• Close arcade games on boardwalk
• Demarcate (using tape, cones, etc.) 6 feet intervals in front of certain retail on boardwalks where lines are likely to form, entrances to the beach, or any other area where congregating or waiting in lines is likely to occur
• Identify enforcement teams

 

Towns are recommended to:

• Implement systems to limit capacity (like timed or day passes) on the beach
• Limit parking spaces
• Limit access points
• Designate Beach Ambassadors to educate beachgoers about social distancing and serve as liaisons to law enforcement
• Station Beach Ambassadors at access points

 

Regulations for beachgoers:

• Face coverings are required on boardwalk and encouraged on the beach
• Members of different households must remain 6 feet apart at all times
• Individuals with underlying health conditions or who are over 65-years-old should continue to shelter in place.
• Avoid water fountains.

 

Regulations for on-premise beach vendors:

• Food and beverage concession vendors must follow restaurant regulations and may only provide take-out or delivery service. Vendors must wear face coverings. Customers must be 6 feet apart while waiting in line.
• The rental of items like umbrellas, chairs, mats, kayaks, etc. are allowed so long as the vendor properly disinfects between each use/rental.