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JOHN CARNEY

Twentieth Modification: State of Emergency Declaration


A digital version of the signed declaration: Twentieth Modification to State of Emergency

TWENTIETH MODIFICATION OF THE DECLARATION OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY FOR THE
STATE OF DELAWARE DUE TO A PUBLIC HEALTH THREAT

WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) has determined that a novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) presents a serious public health threat, and has advised the public that asymptomatic individuals may be carriers of the COVID-19 virus and may unknowingly spread the virus to other individuals in close proximity, and therefore, social distancing is required to help mitigate the individual exposure to (and community spread of) the COVID-19 virus; and

WHEREAS, it is in the best interests of the State to protect its citizens from a public health emergency that could threaten the lives of those who live and work here; and

WHEREAS, on March 12, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued a State of Emergency declaration due to the public health threat of COVID-19, which became effective as of 8:00 a.m. E.D.T. on March 13, 2020 (the “COVID-19 State of Emergency”); and

WHEREAS, on March 16, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the First Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to advise that the CDC issued new guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommending that organizers halt gatherings of fifty (50) people or more for the next eight weeks due to the public health threat of COVID-19, including conferences, social events, concerts and other types of assemblies; and

WHEREAS, on March 18, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Second Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration that modified the limitations on public gatherings of fifty (50) or more people and, among other things, placed certain restrictions on the operation of certain businesses and facilities in the State of Delaware; and

WHEREAS, on March 21, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Third Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to close all Delaware beaches, except to persons using the beaches for exercise or to walk their dogs, subject to certain precautions recommended by the CDC on COVID-19, which became effective as of 5:00 p.m. E.D.T.; and

WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. E.D.T. and 4:02 p.m. E.D.T., respectively, I issued the Fourth and Fifth Modifications to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to close all non-essential businesses in Delaware, except those that can offer goods and services on the Internet, and to order a Shelter in Place for Delaware residents; and

WHEREAS, on March 24, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. E.D.T. I issued the Sixth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to provide a moratorium on evictions and foreclosure proceedings to enable Delawareans to shelter in place safely, extended the presidential primary, provided for absentee balloting during the COVID-19 crisis, provided for a modified state procurement process, and placed a moratorium on cancellation of insurance policies for delay in premium payments caused by the economic uncertainty; and

WHEREAS, on March 29, 2020 at 4:30 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Seventh Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to provide for the self-quarantine of travelers from areas severely impacted by COVID-19 outside the State of Delaware into the State; and

WHEREAS, on March 30, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Eighth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to permit a comprehensive approach to the provision of childcare in the State of Delaware during the State of Emergency to support essential workers; and

WHEREAS, on April 1, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Ninth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to prohibit gatherings of ten (10) or more people and increase safety precautions for businesses and their visitors; and

WHEREAS, on April 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Tenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to further restrict the operation of non-essential businesses to limit the spread of COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, on April 10, 2020 at 3:30 p.m. E.D.T., I extended the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration, as modified; and

WHEREAS, on April 15, 2020 at 9:00 a.m. E.D.T., I issued the Eleventh Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to provide increased guidance and support to long-term care facilities to protect our most vulnerable populations and to permit remote notarization under limited circumstances; and

WHEREAS, on April 23, 2020 at 4:15 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Twelfth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to allow the Public Health Authority to activate more out-of-state health care workers to assist in Delaware’s fight against COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, on April 25, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Thirteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to require the use of cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, including in grocery stores and pharmacies, especially in areas of significant community-based transmission; and

WHEREAS, on April 29, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Fourteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration limiting the rent that may be charged to holdover tenants and preventing landlords from charging holdover tenants with losses not covered by the expired rental agreement; and

WHEREAS, on May 7, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. E.D.T., I issued the Fifteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to permit minimum operations by certain small businesses to begin a gradual process toward businesses reopening, and to extend deadlines for statewide, municipal, and school district elections due to the ongoing public health concerns caused by COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, on May 8, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. E.D.T., I extended the State of Emergency a second time; and

WHEREAS, on May 10, 2020 at 1:15 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Sixteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to suspend end-of-year evaluations for educators, professional development requirements and assessments due to the suspension of the school year caused by COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, on May 14, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Seventeenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to reopen Delaware beaches, boardwalks, certain on-premise businesses, and swimming facilities, subject to precautions needed to protect public health; and

WHEREAS, on May 18, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Eighteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration encouraging virtual services but expanding the ability of houses of worship and places of religious expression to conduct in-person services with safety precautions; and

WHEREAS, on May 22, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. E.D.T., I issued the Nineteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration to allow restaurants to expand outdoor seating capacity; and

WHEREAS, reopening the State in a phased approach allows for officials to continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and react appropriately; and

WHEREAS, the Phase 1 Reopen Plan, like the interim steps before it and like the steps taken afterwards, was formulated in close consultation with public health officials to ensure it is respecting the core principles of controlling the spread of COVID-19 at a time when the State must continue to exercise heightened caution; and

WHEREAS, the Phase 1 Reopen Plan, if key indicators continue to trend downward, will be the first phase in a multi-step process of reopening Delaware; and

WHEREAS, the State of Delaware will lift the ban on short-term rental units and the mandatory 14-day quarantine for out-of-state travelers on June 1 as part of the rolling reopening of Delaware’s economy; and

WHEREAS, outdoor weddings and graduation ceremonies will be permitted in Delaware beginning on June 1, with basic public health precautions in place to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN C. CARNEY, pursuant to Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, to control and prevent the spread of COVID-19 within the State of Delaware, do hereby order that the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration, as modified by the First through Nineteenth Modifications and extended on April 10, 2020 and on May 8, 2020, shall remain in effect until further notice, with the following modifications and additions:

A. FACE COVERINGS: Effective June 1, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. E.D.T., the Thirteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration is hereby modified as follows:

1. Paragraph 3. is hereby modified to add the following:

g. when they are a speaker, reader, or singer to a live audience. If face coverings or face shields are not available or cannot be used, the speaker, reader, and singer shall face away from the audience, maintain at least thirteen (13) feet of distance between themselves and the audience, or stand behind a physical barrier or partition, such as a sneeze guard. The reader, speaker, or singer must put the face covering back on and use hand sanitizer immediately after speaking, reading, or singing.

 

2. Paragraph 3.d. is hereby modified as follows (noted by strikethrough and italics):

d. when they are in an outdoor public area, outdoor gathering or outdoor event, including state parks, and golf courses, wedding receptions or graduations, if maintaining social distancing of six (6) feet between individuals of different households is impracticable; or a speaker, reader, or singer to a live audience. If face coverings or face shields are not available or cannot be used, the speaker, reader, or singer shall face away from the audience, maintain at least thirteen (13) feet of distance between themselves and the audience, or stand behind a physical barrier or partition, such as a sneeze guard. The reader, speaker, or singer must put the face covering back on and use hand sanitizer immediately after speaking, reading, or singing.

B. INDIVIDUAL OBLIGATIONS OF SOCIAL DISTANCING AND TRANSMISSION REDUCTION DURING PHASE 1:

1. Effective June 1, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. E.D.T., the Fifth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration (requiring Delawareans to shelter in place) and the Seventh Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration (related to the out-of-state traveler fourteen (14) day quarantine), and all amendments thereto, are hereby stricken and replaced with this Twentieth Modification and Delaware’s Phase 1 Reopen Plan, including any subsequent amendments thereto. While in the State of Delaware, all individuals must follow the Phase 1 Reopen Plan “General Guidance: Individuals” to promote social distancing and reduce transmission of COVID-19. 

2. For the purposes of this Modification, “Minimum Social Distancing Requirements” means maintaining at least six (6) foot social distancing from any individual who is not a member of the same household or a caregiver to someone in that household, washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer composed of at least sixty percent (60%) ethanol or seventy percent (70%) isopropanol, covering coughs or sneezes with something other than one’s hands (e.g., elbow, handkerchief), regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces, and not shaking hands.

3. Individuals leaving their residence for work or other activities are strongly advised to take the following steps to reduce transmission of COVID-19:

a. Maintain at least six (6) foot social distancing from other individuals, except for members of your household.

b. Wear a cloth face covering as required by the Thirteenth Modification when inside a retail establishment, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, or other public-serving businesses. A face covering should also be worn outdoors when it is not possible to maintain at least six (6) feet social distancing from other people, except for members from the same household.

c. Carry hand sanitizer and use it frequently.

d. Wash hands using soap and water for at least twenty (20) seconds as frequently as possible.

e. Regularly clean high-touch surfaces such as steering wheels, wallets, and phones.

f. Stay at home if sick.

g. Avoid or minimize leisure travel.

All vulnerable individuals, including those at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, are strongly advised to continue to shelter in place. Members of households with vulnerable residents should be aware that by returning to work or other environments where distancing is not practical, they could carry the virus home. Precautions should be taken to isolate oneself from vulnerable individuals.

 

4. Nothing in this Order prevents the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (“DEMA”) from issuing, requesting, and enforcing isolation and quarantine orders pursuant to 20 Del. C. § 3136 or DPH from issuing and enforcing isolation and quarantine orders pursuant to 16 Del. C. § 505.

C. SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND EVENTS: Effective June 1, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. E.D.T., Paragraph 1 of the Ninth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration regarding gatherings is hereby stricken and replaced with the following:

1. Indoor Gatherings: All persons are prohibited from gathering indoors or in partially enclosed spaces in groups of ten (10) or more people until after June 15, 2020.  At indoor gatherings of fewer than ten (10), individuals should protect themselves and vulnerable populations by practicing proper hand hygiene, six (6) foot social distancing, and all other Minimum Social Distancing Requirements outlined in this Twentieth Modification to the State of Emergency.  Regular interactions with immediate family members, members of the same household, and caregivers do not constitute a “gathering” in any location, indoors or out.  This indoor gathering limit applies to individuals, including when they are in a place of social gathering such as a restaurant.  Businesses, industries and activities that must operate in accordance with the Phase 1 Reopen Plan are responsible to comply with the capacity limits and other applicable guidance provided in the Phase 1 Reopen Plan.

2. Outdoor Gatherings/Events up to 250 people: Gatherings or events in fully unenclosed outdoor spaces, or tents, only as described below, of up to two hundred and fifty (250) people (e.g. outdoor weddings and receptions, outdoor graduations, outdoor funerals, etc.) are permitted in Phase 1 under the following conditions:

a. Hosts of outdoor gatherings or events should take steps to protect vulnerable populations, including by providing materials and equipment necessary for proper hand hygiene, enforcing social distancing and the use of face coverings, and complying with any applicable restrictions on businesses, industries and activities under the Phase 1 Reopen Plan or other applicable DPH guidance.

b. Venues interested in holding an outdoor gathering or event of up to two hundred and fifty (250) people must have a mechanism for limiting attendance, enforce social distancing between attendees and comply with paragraphs 4-6 of the Thirteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration relating to providing face coverings for employees and signage about the use of face coverings for guests.

c. Any food service, including by catering services and their staff, must operate within the parameters prescribed for Food and Drink Establishments in the Nineteenth Modification to the State of Emergency and the Phase 1 Reopen Plan. Buffet-style, family-style, and any other self-service food is prohibited, as are “butlered” hors d’oeuvres, unless the server can ensure no human contact with the distribution of pre-packaged items. 

d. Concessions selling only pre-packaged food must deliver food directly to seated customers or ensure social distancing in lines. They should facilitate contactless transactions as often as possible.

e. Individuals must wear cloth face coverings in accordance with the requirements of the Thirteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration and this Twentieth Modification.

f. Individuals who are not part of the same household are expected to remain at least six (6) feet apart to the greatest extent possible and are encouraged to maintain greater physical distance whenever possible.

g. Individuals must stay home when sick.

h. Individuals should wash their hands or use hand sanitizer regularly during the gathering or event.

i. Hand sanitizing stations should be supplied at any entrance or exit and at various locations within the event. Hand sanitizer must be composed of at least sixty percent (60%) ethanol or seventy percent (70%) isopropanol.

j. Bathrooms and high contact surfaces must be disinfected every fifteen (15) minutes to two (2) hours.

k. The gathering or event must comply with all other applicable state, county and local laws for gatherings and events.

l. Gatherings or events are permitted to occur in tents as long as the tents have a maximum of two (2) walls, which may only be opposing and not adjoining (i.e., no corners). A round tent may not have a side wall or walls.

m. A school district or charter school holding an outdoor gathering or event of up to 250 people must comply with any guidance posted by the Department of Education.

 

3. Outdoor Gatherings/Events over 250 people: According to the CDC, gatherings of more than two hundred and fifty (250) people offer more opportunities for person-to-person contact and therefore pose greater risk of COVID-19 transmission. Social, community, recreational, and leisure events of more than two hundred and fifty (250) people (“large gatherings and events”), including but not limited to parades, festivals, conventions, fundraisers, sporting events and fairs, are hereby prohibited at all locations and venues, except that hosts of previously scheduled outdoor large gatherings and events may apply to move forward with the large gathering or event by submitting a plan to covid19faq@delaware.gov at least seven (7) days prior to the anticipated event.  Plan approval is at the discretion of the Division of Small Business which, in consultation with the Division of Public Health, will consider how to prevent, reduce the spread of, and suppress COVID-19 at any gathering or event permitted under this Modification.  At a minimum, the plan must meet the following requirements:

a. The plan must show a strict adherence to guidelines in Paragraph 2 of this section: “Outdoor Gatherings/Events up to 250 People.”

b. The plan must consider information regarding the number of people attending who are at greater risk of more serious illness after contracting COVID-19. Older adults and persons with pre-existing health conditions are thought to be at increased risk.

c. The plan must consider information regarding the density of attendees within a confined area. Based on what is currently known about the virus, spread from person-to-person happens most frequently among close contacts, meaning individuals who are within six (6) feet of each other for ten (10) minutes or more.

d. The plan must contain information regarding enforcement of social distancing.

e. The plan must consider information regarding the level of transmission in the local community and the level of transmission in the areas from which attendees will travel. That information can be obtained from the two sites listed here:

      1. View Delaware data from the Division of Public Health available at https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov.
      2. View national data from CDC available at https://www.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/index.html.

f. The plan must consider local traffic patterns and parking capacity needs.

g. The plan must follow all requirements for Food and Drink Establishments outlined in the Phase 1 Reopen Plan, including but not limited to maintaining social distancing between individuals from different households if food or drink is served.

h. The gathering or event must comply with all other applicable state, county and local laws for gatherings and events.

4. A school district or charter school may apply to host a large gathering or event by submitting a plan to Secretary of Education Susan Bunting at susan.bunting@doe.k12.de.us at least seven (7) days prior to the anticipated event. Plan approval is at the discretion of the Department of Education, which in consultation with the Division of Public Health, will consider how to prevent, reduce the spread of, and suppress COVID-19 in relation to the gathering.

D. PHASE 1 BUSINESS REOPENING: The provisions in this section are effective June 1, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. E.D.T. unless otherwise stated:

1. Paragraph 2. of the Ninth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration related to the operation of businesses, is hereby stricken.

2. Paragraph 3.a. of the Tenth Modification and Paragraph D.3. of the Nineteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration related to Commercial Lodging are hereby stricken.

3. Paragraph 3.b. of the Tenth Modification and Paragraph C.6. of the Nineteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration related to Campgrounds are hereby stricken.

4. The Eighteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration regarding houses of worship is hereby stricken in its entirety.

5. Paragraph C.5. of the Nineteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration is hereby amended to add the following:

k. Commercial Lodging. As used herein, Commercial Lodging includes hotels, motels, inns, short-term accommodations, vacation homes, or condo rentals (such as Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway or any other vacation or overnight accommodation rental), and other lodgings providing overnight accommodation.  Commercial Lodging may reopen, provided that the total number of guests within common areas (lobby, food and drink, gyms, etc.) of any hotel, motel, or inn shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of that establishment’s stated fire occupancy requirements, and indoor gatherings of ten (10) or more persons shall not be permitted.  The thirty percent (30%) limit does not apply to the number of hotel rooms that may be booked or occupied at one time or to short term rental accommodations, such as vacation homes or condo rentals. Additional requirements for Commercial Lodging are listed in the Phase 1 Reopen Plan.

l. Campgrounds. Campgrounds may reopen but must ensure that the spacing of individual campsites (tent or RV) does not allow the individuals within a campsite to come within six (6) feet of individuals in any other campsite.  Additional requirements for campgrounds are listed in the Phase 1 Reopen Plan.

m. Auction Houses. Auction Houses may open to the general public, provided, however, that the total number of persons permitted in an Auction House at any one time shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of that Auction House’s stated fire occupancy requirements.  Additional requirements for Auction Houses are listed in the Delaware Auctioneer’s Association Guidelines issued by the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

n. Houses of Worship. Houses of Worship may continue to offer in-person services, provided, however, that the total number of persons permitted in a House of Worship at any one time shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of that House of Worship’s stated fire occupancy requirements.  Additional requirements for Houses of Worship are listed in the Guidance for Communities of Worship.

6. Paragraph B.4.q. of the Fifteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration is hereby modified as follows (noted by strikethrough and italics):

q. Drive-in services, such as graduations and drive-in movies, are permitted with the following restrictions:

      1. People attending the service must remain in their vehicles at all times and are permitted to open their windows, halfway if needed sunroofs, or convertible tops.
      2. Vehicles attending services may only include immediate family members individuals who live in the same household.
      3. No outdoor seating shall be permitted, including outdoor seating in an open bed of a vehicle.
      4. Vehicles must remain at least six (6) feet from each other (including side-to-side while parked).
      5. Owners/operators of the property being used for drive-in services shall clearly mark spacing appropriate to identify six (6) feet between cars.
      6. No exchange of materials shall take place between attendees and each other or attendees and the providers of the services.
      7. There must be strict adherence to social distancing guidelines recommended by the CDC and the Division of Public Health.
      8. Owners/operators shall provide clear signage regarding these requirements.

7. Paragraph C. of the Nineteenth Modification of the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration related to the Phase 1 Reopen Plan is hereby modified to insert a new Paragraph 2A., between Paragraphs 2. and 3., as follows:

2A. Phase 1 Responsibilities of all Businesses: in addition to the industry-specific guidance issued to businesses, all businesses shall follow the coronavirus guidelines for public safety enumerated by the CDC and DPH, including:

a. Employees, patrons, and visitors must wear cloth face coverings compliant with the Thirteenth Modification of the State of Emergency at all times.

b. Employees must be designated to monitor patrons and visitors entering a business, in lines, and ensure social distancing throughout a business’ location.

c. Businesses must ensure social distancing of at least six (6) feet between waiting patrons and visitors in line, both inside and outside. Signage and floor markings must be present to guide patrons and visitors in appropriately spacing while in line.

d Use doors, windows and other ventilation mechanisms to increase introduction of fresh air and turnover of air within the business’ location.

e. All surfaces touched by patrons or visitors, including doors, seating, restrooms, and point of sale infrastructure must be disinfected using an EPA-approved disinfectant every fifteen (15) minutes to two (2) hours.

f. Limit cash transactions, and encourage patrons to use credit, debit, or other contact-less forms of payment. Cash registers and pin pads must be sanitized after each use. Any donations collected by a business must be collected through stationary box, mail, or electronic means.

g. Discourage the use of shared phones, desks, workstations, radios, wearable technology. If these are unavoidable, they must be cleaned after each use.

h. Businesses must make hand sanitizer or handwashing stations readily available for all employees, patrons, and visitors throughout the business’ location, including at each entry and exit at a minimum. Hand sanitizer must be composed of at least sixty percent (60%) ethanol or seventy percent (70%) isopropanol.

i. Hand sanitizer must be used by employees at frequent intervals during any service, appointment, or other scheduled gathering or event, including at a minimum after contact with surfaces that touched by others, when incidental contact has been made with a patron or visitor, and prior to preparing or distributing food or drink.

j. Businesses must post signs on how to stop the spread of COVID-19, hand hygiene, and properly wear a cloth face covering, including:

      1. Do not enter if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have been exposed to anyone who has tested positive with COVID-19 in the past fourteen (14) days;
      2. Individuals age thirteen (13) and up are required to wear a cloth face covering in accordance with the Thirteenth Modification;
      3. At all times, individuals who are not part of the same household should maximize physical distance from others and remain at least six (6) feet apart; and
      4. Proper hand washing and frequent use of hand sanitizer is encouraged.
      5. Printable signs that will help you comply with the general and industry-specific signage requirements in the Phase 1 guidance are available at https://business.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/118/2020/05/DSB-COVID-19-Posters-For-Review.pdf.

k. Services, appointments, or other scheduled gatherings and events must be staggered to allow for a thorough cleaning according to CDC guidelines of any public spaces before the next service, appointment, or other scheduled gathering or event begins.

l. Follow all State and CDC guidelines and recommendations for social distancing, including that employees maintain six (6) feet of space between themselves and other employees, patrons, and visitors to the greatest extent possible.

m. For fixed seating venues, only thirty percent (30%) of patron or visitor seating may be occupied and there must be a six (6) foot radius around individual household units. Patrons and visitors must exit their seats in an orderly, row by row fashion, as directed by venue staff.

n. Businesses are strongly encouraged to modify any practices that cause close contact (meaning being within six (6) feet for ten (10) minutes or more) or sharing items among patrons or visitors.

o. Sharing microphones is prohibited. All microphones, whether they be self-standing in holders, handheld or lapel style must be sanitized after each use.

p. Proper precautions must be taken when handling ready-to-eat foods. Variances or other allowances for bare hand contact are void until these restrictions are lifted. Unwrapped food products may not be handed directly to individuals for immediate consumption using bare hand to bare hand contact. Individual servings of unwrapped food products may be distributed by single-use articles (i.e., napkin, cups, etc.) or on reusable articles that are properly disinfected between each use, or they may be placed into a container or onto a tray and distributed by a single individual using tongs or other barrier to bare hand to hand contact.

q. Businesses shall not permit patrons or visitors who are not members of the same household to share food or beverage.

r. Implement flexible and non-punitive sick-leave policies to facilitate compliance with this Modification. Such policies should follow any guidance from the CDC and DPH regarding COVID-19.

s. Exclude employees who (a) have been diagnosed with COVID-19, (b) are reasonably suspected to have COVID-19, or (c) have symptoms of COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, aches or muscle pain, chills or repeated shaking with chills. Such employees shall stay home and not come to work until they are until they are free of fever (99.5 °F or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms of COVID-19 for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g., cough suppressants).  These employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick.

t. Symptomatic employees must not physically return to work until cleared by DPH.

u. Prohibit employees who have been told they must be isolated or quarantined from on-premises work until cleared by DPH or a medical professional.

v. Separate sick employees from other individuals immediately.

w. Enforce cough and sneeze hygiene.

 

E. MISCELLANEOUS:

1. Effective June 1, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. E.D.T., all public meetings of public bodies governed by 29 Del. C. §§10001 et seq. (including boards, commissions, task forces, and any other similar public body) may be conducted in person in public buildings, provided that (1) the total number of individuals permitted in a room at one time shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of stated fire occupancy requirements; (2) a six (6) foot radius around individuals is maintained, and (3) attendees wear cloth face coverings in accordance with the Thirteenth Modification. Public bodies are encouraged to conduct meetings electronically, either by means of telephone conference call or video conference call, as permitted by Paragraph 5 of the Declaration of the State of Emergency. Any in-person meeting must also provide a telephone or video conference option for any member of the public body or the public who does not wish to attend in person.

2. Paragraphs A.1., A.2., and A.3. of the Fifteenth Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration related to elections are hereby modified by striking the provision (noted by strikethrough) “and enforce crowd limitations of 10 persons at a time at polling places” from each paragraph.

3. Paragraph 7 of the First Modification to the COVID-19 State of Emergency declaration authorizing the Secretary of Labor to develop emergency rules amending the Delaware Unemployment Insurance Code, to remain in effect until the State of Emergency declaration has been rescinded, is hereby extended until July 2, 2020 unless expressly extended by a subsequent Modification to the State of Emergency Order or the Delaware Code is amended to permit a longer duration.

4. This Order has the force and effect of law. Any failure to comply with the provisions contained in a Declaration of a State of Emergency or any modification to a Declaration of the State of Emergency may constitute a criminal offense. 20 Del. C. §§ 3115 (b); 3116 (9); 3122; 3125.  State and local law enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce the provisions of any Declaration of a State of Emergency.

 

APPROVED this 31st day of May 2020 at 3:30 p.m.

 

 

John C. Carney

Governor

 



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