Early morning in downtown Wilmington, Delaware.
Last updated May 6 at 10:25 am ET
Delaware now has 5,371 cases of COVID-19 and 187 deaths, according to the Delaware Health and Social Services.
Delaware Governor John Carney announced on Tuesday (May 5) that some businesses will be allowed to re-open with “limited operations” starting on Friday (May 8), according to Delaware Online. Retail stores will be allowed to do curbside pickup; barbershops and salons can reopen with strict rules, Delaware Online reported.
Carney had ordered residents to stay at home and closed nonessential businesses starting on March 24. All out-of-state travelers are required to self-quarantine for 14 days, according to an order. Governor Carney ordered all commercial lodging in the state to remain closed through May 15, “or until the public health threat is eliminated,” according to a statement.
The department now recommends people wear cloth face coverings in public settings such as in grocery stores and pharmacies where social distancing is difficult to maintain. But “a cloth face covering is not a substitute for existing guidance about handwashing and social distancing,” according to the guidance.
“All of Delaware’s restrictions are intended to prevent a surge in cases, preserve our hospital capacity, and save lives,” Governor Carney said, according to the statement. “This is not the time for a vacation or tax-free shopping in Delaware.”
“Delawareans also should not go out in public unnecessarily. Stay safe. Stay home. Protect your neighbors. We’ll get through this – but it’s going to take all of us,” he added.
Delawareans and essential workers who may need access to short-term rental units including caretakers with family members nearby, healthcare providers, journalists and Delawareans with public housing vouchers, are exempt, according to the statement.
Some of the cases were linked to the University of Delaware, according to a March 15 statement from the University. Classes at the University of Delaware will be held online until the end of the semester.
People who have questions about the coronavirus in Delaware can call 2-1-1 or email [email protected]. People with hearing impairments can call 7-1-1. Or text “add” to 302-460-2501 for text updates from the State of Delaware.
Case count by county:
Sourse: www.livescience.com
