If your’e not a city of New Castle resident, you can no longer go to Battery Park during the pandemic according to a news release from the city of New Castle.

New Castle (DE): In an effort to support and enforce the distancing and gathering guidelines called for by the Governor in regards to COVID-19, The City of New Castle has announced that effective Thursday, April 9, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. E.S.T., Battery Park shall be closed to all persons other than individuals who maintain their permanent residence in the City of New Castle., according to a news release.

New Castle City Police will be enforcing this mandate and ask that any non-resident adhere to this order., the release said.

However, Leaving your home is allowed under Governor Carney’s order for essential activities. Delawareans may 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. Delawareans may also engage in outdoor activity, but must adhere to social distancing guidelines.

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We reached out to the city of New Castle for comment on this story. William J Barthel, a New Castle City Administrator later released the following statement:

“The City of New Castle cares not just about our residents, but also the people who come to enjoy our city park and our town. Battery Park proper, its trails and beaches are beautiful but have limited space. We strongly believe that the best way to protect both residents and visitors alike during the COVID-19 pandemic, and support the Governor’s directives of social distancing and separation, is to limit the number of people who can be in the park at any one time.

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During this time we suggest that anyone not residing in the City of New Castle, but who frequents Battery Park during normal times, and who may want to enjoy the outdoors, do so near their home or visit a larger State park that is currently free of charge. This is an extremely difficult time for everyone, and though we understand the disappointment of many who are not now able to enjoy Battery Park, we look forward to the time when we can open our park again to all visitors.

We hope that everyone remains healthy and safe.”

To date, there has been a total of 1,209 confirmed positive COVID-19 cases in Delaware, with 23 deaths across the state. While there are 201 hospitalizations, it’s important to note that 173 people have recovered from COVID-19 in Delaware.

The Delaware Department of Health suspect that “Widespread community transmission is occurring throughout the state, which means COVID-19 is actively circulating in the community.”  If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, or digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite. If you are sick and need essential supplies, ask someone else to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy to get what you need. , said health officials in a previous news conference.

If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions – including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment – might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Statewide testing at standing health facility testing sites require a physician’s order or prescription to be tested (*Bayhealth patients will be pre-screened via phone without needing to see a provider first). These are not walk-in testing sites. Those without a primary care provider can call the DPH Call Center Line at 1-866-408-1899. Individuals awaiting test results, should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.

The Division of Public Health asks any Delaware health care, long-term care, residential, or other high-risk facility with questions or concerns to email: DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call the DPH Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 and press ext. 2.

Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.