Governor Carney Updates Omnibus COVID-19 Emergency Order
February 19, 2021
Latest modification updates gathering limits
WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday signed the Seventh Modification [governor.delaware.gov] to the Omnibus Emergency Order, [governor.delaware.gov] increasing gathering limits for indoor events with restrictions in place to prevent spread of COVID-19.
Under the latest order, the limit on gatherings at businesses and other indoor spaces is increased from the current limit of 10 people. The new limit is a maximum of 25 people or 50 percent of stated fire occupancy restrictions, whichever is less. Organizers may submit a plan to the Division of Public Health (DPH) to host larger events up to 150 people. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, or up to 250 with an approved plan from DPH. The limit for private indoor gatherings or events, such as dinner parties, house parties, and birthday parties, remains at 10 people.
Event organizers must email DPH at HSPContact@delaware.gov at least a week prior to the event for permission to host indoor gatherings over 25 people, up to 150 people, or outdoor gatherings over 50 people, up to 250 people. Businesses and other event hosts also must continue to follow state and local COVID-19 restrictions, including masking and social distancing requirements. Indoor gatherings with fewer than 25 people and outdoor gatherings with fewer than 50 people do not require a plan, but must follow all other applicable requirements.
The order also raises the group exercise class capacity to 15 people, excluding staff, with additional restrictions in place.
Click here to read the seventh modification. [governor.delaware.gov]
Click here to read the Omnibus COVID-19 Emergency Order. [governor.delaware.gov]
File Photo: Delaware Governor JOHN CARNEY answers questions regarding Delaware’s response to coronavirus disease during a press briefing in the auditorium Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, at Carvel State Office building in Wilmington, DE. Photo By Saquan Stimpson
“We are making progress in our fight against COVID-19. Hospitalizations are down more than 50 percent from our winter peak, and Delaware providers have administered more than 164,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Carney. “But let’s keep doing what works until we can get enough Delawareans vaccinated. Wear a mask. Avoid large gatherings where this virus can spread. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Stay vigilant.”
Also on Friday, Governor Carney extended the COVID-19 emergency order [governor.delaware.gov] another 30 days to confront the spread of COVID-19 in the State of Delaware.
Click here to read emergency extension. [governor.delaware.gov]
Learn more about Delaware’s COVID-19 vaccination program at de.gov/covidvaccine [de.gov]. Find information about COVID-19 vaccine second doses at de.gov/seconddose [de.gov].
Are you 65 or older? Sign up for the State of Delaware’s vaccination waiting list at vaccinerequest.delaware.gov. Delawareans also may call DPH’s Vaccination Call Center at 1-833-643-1715.
Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
Visit de.gov/coronavirus [de.gov]for the latest information on Delaware’s COVID-19 response. Find testing events and locations at de.gov/gettested [de.gov].