Since Memorial Day, tourists have been flooding the beach and so have the positive cases. Monday saw 98 new cases. The case count has slowly been increasing over the weeks prompting more testing.
Wilmington (DE): Two weeks ago, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) asked people in the Delaware beach area, particularly in Rehoboth and Dewey Beach, to get tested for COVID-19. after hundreds tested positive for the disease.
Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of Delaware’s Division on Public Health., appeared on Good Day Philadelphia Tuesday morning to discuss an increase in cases at beach towns like Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. She says the jump in cases originally started in groups like high school seniors who headed to the beaches for senior weeks. Since then, she says cases have begun impacting younger adults working in the beach area, as well as some of their older residents.
“There will be some changes. Maybe not so much to indoor dining, but it’s unlikely we’re going to progress, especially at the beach area right now. We are also looking very closely at bars because it’s become very difficult for those who operate bars, those who own bars, to really be able to manage the individuals who are coming into bars,” she added.
Although some restaurants and bars have chosen to close, limit hours, or limit services based on concerns over the spread of infection in the beach community, Governor Carney closed them down in a new amendment Tuesday afternoon.
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“Delawareans and Delaware businesses have made significant sacrifices to flatten the curve. We are beating this disease. But COVID-19 has not gone away,” said Governor Carney. “We need to protect our progress, and stay vigilant. Know your status by getting tested – especially if you have spent time in our beach communities. Wear a face mask in public settings, as you’re required to do under the State of Emergency. Remain socially distant. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. We know those are the best, and easiest, ways to prevent transmission of this virus. Let’s not go backwards.”
Governor Carney’s latest modification includes several consumer protections for Delawareans and Delaware families. Effective at 8:00 a.m. on July 1, filings for foreclosures and evictions can resume, but will continue to be stayed to permit the Justice of the Peace Courts to determine whether the parties would benefit from a court-supervised mediation or alternative dispute resolution.
That process may include identifying access to housing support services through the Delaware State Housing Authority. Local sheriffs and constables are directed to refrain from removing individuals from residential properties unless a Delaware court determines that enforcement is necessary in the interest of justice. In addition, utility companies must offer four-month payment plans to those affected by COVID who were unable to pay utility bills during the height of the pandemic, and insurance companies must offer 90-day repayment plans for those affected by COVID who failed to make premium payments during the height of the pandemic.
Report a business for non-compliance using this form.
Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
