Governor John Carney announced the new mitigation measures on Thursday to combat the rise in COVID-19 cases.
The restrictions go into effect at 8 a.m. on Monday, December 14.
New COVID-19 restrictions going into effect in Delaware Monday
The new restrictions include the following:
[Ads /]
- Businesses above 100,000 square feet are limited to 20 percent of stated fire capacity.
- All other businesses, including most retail stores and all restaurants, are limited to 30 percent of stated fire capacity.
- Retail below 5,000 square feet, all Houses of Worship, and funeral services are limited to 40 percent of stated fire capacity.
- A 10 p.m. curfew will be imposed at Delaware restaurants and bars.
- Exercise classes at gyms are limited to 10 people and exercise machines must be spaced 10 feet apart
- Indoor gatherings at businesses or indoor spaces open to the public must be limited to the lesser of 30 percent of the venue's stated fire capacity, or 10 people.
Employees are excluded from business capacity restriction calculations.
[Ads /]
Last week, Carney announced a Stay-at-Home advisory, a universal mask order and a request to pause in-person learning.
"These additional restrictions are intended to protect Delaware's hospital capacity and protect lives this winter," said Governor Carney. "Health care workers are on the job around the clock, caring for the sick. We all need to follow their lead and do our part to protect others."
Carney said there will be a zero-tolerance enforcement policy for businesses during the Stay-at-Home advisory. A first violation of COVID-19 restrictions will result in an immediate civil fine. A second violation will result in closure, until the establishment submits a reopening plan approved by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH).
Restaurants will remain at 30% capacity, but must have signage prominently displayed on the table stating that parties must be from the same household. Restaurants also must share messaging on masking compliance.
Mall food courts are capped at 20% of stated fire capacity, or 100 people, whichever is smaller.
MORE DELAWARE COVID-19 HEADLINES
Governor Carney announces plan to distribute COVID-19 vaccine
Health officials in Delaware say more than 8,000 initial doses of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will be distributed in the coming days.
Delaware Governor Carney issues statement on COVID hospitalizations
Governor John Carney issued a statement this weekend after the State of Delaware surpassed 300 COVID-19 hospitalizations for the first time since April.
Several Del. school districts moving to all virtual learning amid stay-at-home advisory
Several Delaware school districts are transitioning to all virtual learning to fall within new recommendations from the state as COVID-19 infections reach a record high. Gov. John Carney released recommendations Thursday advising districts to transition to only remote learning starting Dec. 14th until Jan. 11th.
Delaware governor announces stay-at-home advisory, universal mask mandate
Delaware Governor John Carney announced a new stay-at-home advisory on Thursday, urging all residents to avoid gathering indoors with anyone outside their household to combat the rising COVID-19 cases. The order goes into effect from December 14 and lasts through January 11.
Delaware governor expresses concerns over rising COVID-19 hospitalizations
Delaware Governor John Carney expressed concerns Tuesday about the rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state. Nearly 250 residents are currently in the hospital with coronavirus, and that number is growing.
Hospital leaders have told the governor that they are confident they can manage the surge. Still, officials are reminding everyone to adhere to COVID-19 mitigation guidelines.
Delaware hospital to play leading role in COVID-19 vaccine distribution
Health care workers and nursing home residents should be at the front of the line when the first coronavirus vaccine shots become available, an influential government advisory panel said Tuesday.
A Delaware hospital will play a leading role in administering the vaccine to the region.
Ten freezers just arrived at ChristianaCare in Newark this week and will be able to house the coronavirus vaccine in temperatures as low as -94 degrees.
Hardware store closing
[Ads /]
After 37 years in business, a locally-owned hardware store can't survive any longer. New Castle - Do It Best - Hardware Store in Delaware is getting ready to close for good.
Owner Jim Smyth says it's been getting more and more difficult to keep up with big-box stores and online retailers.
Right now, all merchandise is 50% off while supplies last. The store will close by the end of the year.
MORE COVID-19 COVERAGE
Moderna asking US, European regulators to OK its virus shots
Moderna Inc. said it would ask U.S. and European regulators Monday to allow emergency use of its COVID-19 vaccine as new study results confirm the shots offer strong protection - ramping up the race to begin limited vaccinations as the coronavirus rampage worsens.
Health experts suggest decreased activity, COVID test after holiday travel
The nation's top health officials are warning that recent travelers are at an increased risk of possibly spreading COVID-19 after the Thanksgiving holiday.
Fauci: Expect similar COVID travel restrictions, advisories for Christmas holiday
Americans should expect more COVID-related restrictions and advisories for the Christmas holiday, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, the government's top infectious disease expert.
COVID-19 vaccine distribution: United Airlines has started shipping coronavirus shot, source says
United Airlines has begun shipping the first batches of the COVID-19 vaccine on charter flights, a source told ABC News.
COVID-19 RESOURCES
How to properly wash your hands
Which masks protect those around you best?
What to do if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms
Coronavirus testing near me