The modifications go into effect at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, and will last until May 15, or until the public health threat of COVID-19 has been eliminated. Share. Delaware beaches and community pools will reopen at 5 p.m. May 22 under "strict" social distancing guidelines and other safety requirements. Hotels and other accommodations also are now accepting reservations for vacation stays, though there may be limits and restrictions in gathering areas like lobbies. Beach Access Schedule. There is a 30% chance of thunderstorms Friday night. Lewes Beach is closed as crews continue cleanup of a Delaware Bay oil spill discovered Monday afternoon that now stretches at least 11 miles. Delaware is ordering bars in all its beach towns to close “indefinitely.” Casinos in the Garden State are still permitted to reopen Thursday at 25% capacity, but patrons won’t be allowed to eat, smoke, or drink on the casino floor. For more information, visit an individual beach town's website or call Town Hall in the beach town you plan to visit before arriving. As of June 22, that 60% capacity cap also applies to personal care services (such as hair and nail salons, tanning, tattoo, massage therapy services and spas) that were previously required to keep occupancy at 30%. Delaware’s pristine beaches are calling you. It's unclear when those bar restrictions will be lifted. “We need everyone to take this situation seriously. Masks or face coverings are required in bathhouse and concession areas at all three parks and strongly encouraged on the beach as well. Article continues below advertisement. A … Parking is free at both lots. John Carney announced on June 25 that the state is pausing moving into the next phase, due to concerns with people not following guidelines. Make sure to check in with the local lifeguards before you dive in to learn about any potential hazards in the water or on the sand. John Carney on Saturday ordered Delaware beaches closed to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. Beach bars in Delaware will close Friday, ahead of the Fourth of July weekend, after an uptick in several COVID-19 metrics, Gov. At beaches within the Delaware State Parks system, like Cape Henlopen State Park, Fenwick Island State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park near the Indian River Inlet, there will be limits on how many people will be allowed in starting July 3. - Delaware state officials have closed Herring Point beach to surfing and swimming in Lewes after a 12-year-old boy was hospitalized with … Below are links to each oceanfront beach town's parking policies: Previous bans on out-of-state travelers and short-term rentals were lifted in early June. In the last two weeks, public health and government officials have raised concerns about spikes in cases at the Delaware beaches, particularly in Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. March 21, 2020. This includes nine additional cases announced yesterday, and one additional case reported this morning. Some tests have come back positive, and those workers will be quarantined for 14 days. For more details on the state's reopening, go to governor.delaware.gov/delawares-recovery. CARNEY:Bars at Delaware beaches to close ahead of July 4 weekend due to coronavirus spike. Delaware's beaches were closed by Governor Carney's executive order until May 15. Park office hours are: Trailers and tow vehicles must park in the Towers Ocean parking lot. People are encouraged to call ahead for reservations, and to check on any changes in normal operating hours or other restrictions. The State of Emergency has the full force and effect of the law, and violations constitute a criminal offense. Face masks will be required in all public places in the city of Rehoboth Beach after officials added a new restriction on Tuesday. Gov. On June 30, he announced that bars at the Delaware beaches must close ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. Trails and beaches may be closed on a temporary basis due to hazardous conditions. © 2021 www.delawareonline.com. Contact reporter Maddy Lauria at (302) 345-0608, mlauria@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @MaddyinMilford. Seven-day passes also are available for $18, and a 30-day pass costs $65. As of July 1, the state total is 11,510, data shows. (AP) — Delaware Gov. People can take advantage of the Park & Ride options in Lewes and Rehoboth to avoid heavy beach traffic south of Lewes. Carney also … Date of experience: January 2021. Face coverings are required on public transportation. Delaware Gov. DELAWARE – Bars in Delaware’s beach towns will have to close indefinitely on Friday, July 3rd, due to a rise in coronavirus cases. SALISBURY, Md. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily. Water temperatures off the coast of Lewes are reaching the low to mid-70s this week, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. January 1- February 28. Carney closed the state’s beaches in late March to all but exercise, dog walking and surf fishing with strict social distancing rules. Heading to the Delaware beaches for the Fourth of July holiday weekend? Another 4,690 have been detected in Sussex County. Here's what you need to know if you're planning on dipping your toes in the sand the weekend of July 3 to 5 – and what might be different than normal at the beaches in the current phase of Delaware's reopening plan. The state is also allowing sports tournaments to resume, as of June 20, pending the approval of submitted safety plans and other requirements. The number of vehicles allowed in will be capped at 60% of parking capacity, parks officials said on Tuesday. Some exceptions apply, like for children 12 and under, while actively swimming and if wearing a mask would present a health risk. Of the Delawareans diagnosed with COVID-19, 28 are from New Castle County, five are from Kent County, and seven are from Sussex County. The mayor of “Fenwick island in particular was wondering, ‘How am I going to keep people going on the beach in Maryland from coming over the state line to his beach in Delaware?’’’ Carney said. Rehoboth Beach has also chosen to close the boardwalk, effective immediately. The state of emergency has the full force and effect of the law, and violations constitute a criminal offense. Beach access from within Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island State Parks is prohibited. After one failed test, a beach is given an advisory and tested every day; a second consecutive fail means the beach is closed. We will get through this together.”, “We fully understand Governor Carney’s decision to close the beaches,” said City of Rehoboth Mayor Paul Kuhns. Delaware is shuttering bars at its beaches before the July 4 weekend after seeing an increase in the number of coronavirus cases, particularly among young people. “We need everyone to take this situation seriously. Did a winter excursion beach was quiet and clean.They have a bathhouse (closed) and free parking in winter. “Our beach communities are a very important part of the state’s economy  but they are not equipped to be a safe harbor for those who come from other areas. On June 29, local officials announced that three lifeguards in Rehoboth Beach tested positive for COVID-19. The pandemic has led to the deaths of 509 Delawareans since mid-March. CARNEY: Bars at Delaware beaches to close ahead of July 4 weekend due to coronavirus spike Current reopening plans allow restaurants to have … Delaware's beach towns are open to the public, but government and public health officials warn that everyone's help is needed to curb the spread of COVID-19. Last Friday’s 80-degree weather packed parking spaces at Cape Henlopen State Park and crowded the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, sparking a state order to shut down the beaches. With the unofficial kickoff to summer and Memorial Day weekend just weeks away, Governor John Carney wouldn't commit to opening Delaware's beaches to residents only soon. Forecasts can change as the weekend gets closer. Governor John Carney on Saturday issued a third modification to his emergency declaration, closing Delaware beaches to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The public is prohibited from accessing the beach except to exercise or walk their dogs where dogs are permitted. John Carney announced. RELATED:State health officials call beach crowds 'concerning,' urge people to get tested. LEWES, Del. As for face masks, they are still required on the boardwalk, in public spaces where social distancing is difficult and inside businesses that are open. For more information, go to www.dartfirststate.com/information/programs/beachbus/index.shtml#parkride. Delaware beaches closed to help slow spread of coronavirus March 21st, 2020 Governor Carney Issues Third Update to the State of Emergency Governor John Carney on Saturday issued a third modification to his emergency declaration. Current reopening plans allow restaurants to have up to 60% of the people that would be allowed in the building by the fire marshal, not including staff, but they must still adhere to social distancing guidelines. There have been 40 total laboratory-confirmed cases in Delaware since March 11. The new orders close Delaware beaches to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). “This move is for the health and safety for all our citizens.”. Governor John Carney on Saturday issued a third modification to his emergency declaration, closing Delaware beaches to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Each town has different rules and rates for parking. Delaware's daily DART beach bus service began more frequent operations on Monday, June 29. Of those cases, 5,079 are in New Castle County, the most populated county in the state. As cleanup ends on individual beaches over the next several days, the public may still see small spots of oil or isolated bits of debris. Cash-only fare due upon boarding for a one-way trip is $2, and an all-day daily pass is $4.20. Governor John Carney on Saturday issued a, “We need everyone to take this situation seriously. The National Weather Service forecast for Friday, July 3, in Rehoboth Beach is for a sunny day with a high of 88 degrees. At least 12 … We urge everyone to shelter in the location of their primary residence.”. Parking and fishing at the Indian River Inlet within Delaware Seashore State Park is permitted. All of Delaware's beach towns have canceled or postponed fireworks displays and other Fourth of July celebrations. Some have increased outdoor seating to try to accommodate more diners. Delaware’s state data doesn’t show beaches as closed: When a beach fails water testing, it is placed under advisory and water is … The … Swimming is permitted. In Lewes, city officials are supporting businesses by offering free downtown parking from 9 a.m. to noon for shoppers. John Carney said Monday he was pleased with the behavior he saw over the holiday weekend as the state's beaches reopened with … Governor John Carney made the … Joanne M wrote a review Sep 2020. Riders are responsible for cleaning up after their horse on roadways and in parking areas. LEWES, Del. Quaint friendly beach. - Gov. Stay home, especially if you feel sick and even if you have mild symptoms. Gov. Face masks are recommended, but not required, on most beaches themselves, but social distancing is a requirement on the beach. Maryland’s most popular beach destination is set to reopen its shore this weekend after being closed for more than a month -- and that's raising questions about Delaware's beaches. Fireworks plans in Dewey Beach were on until Tuesday, when organizers were notified that state officials considered the event "illegal" in light of Delaware's emergency orders and restrictions on public gatherings. All rights reserved. CORONAVIRUS IN DELAWARE:Our latest coverage. Masks must be worn on the beach, streets, sidewalks, boardwalk and inside businesses starting at 5 p.m. on July 1. Parking is not permitted in those areas. Delaware's reopening plan says leisure travel "should be avoided" at this time, but it's allowed if people and businesses can adhere to social-distancing-related recommendations, according to the state. John Carney announced Tuesday that he’s delaying Phase 3 of the state’s reopening and closing all bars around the beaches indefinitely because of … John Carney closed all Delaware beaches effective Saturday, March 21, after seeing crowds of people a day earlier who were not keeping enough distance to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces frequently. Delaware beaches closed. REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. “This was a difficult decision, but we need folks to follow the rules to keep all Delawareans safe. Delaware is in its second phase of reopening businesses previously restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Delaware News Desk. Gov. 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