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All residents living within the City of Rehoboth Beach limits are encouraged to visit the City of Rehoboth Beach CodeRED self-enrollment site to enroll additional contact information including cell phone numbers, text, and email addresses.
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CodeRED Message from City Manager Sharon Lynn
Today, at a special meeting of the Mayor and Commissioners to address the ongoing pandemic caused by COVID-19, the Commissioners voted unanimously to mandate the wearing of facial coverings on all public streets, public sidewalks, public parks, the Boardwalk, the beach and in commercial establishments in the City of Rehoboth Beach. Mayor Kuhns, by virtue of his authority, thus ordered the second modification to the Proclamation of Civil Emergency and Order concerning the COVID-19 pandemic issued on March 22, 2020. The order will go into effect tomorrow, Wednesday, July 1, at
5:00 p.m.
Exceptions to not wearing a facial covering include:
- While actively bathing in the ocean water
- While within a dining establishment when not required to otherwise wear a face covering under Governor Carney’s State of Emergency and modifications
- If doing so would present a health risk
- If a person is age 12 and younger
The order applies to all persons, including bicyclists.
Due to the resurgence of infection and an inordinate number of people testing positive for the illness, whether or not they are exhibiting symptoms and due to many visitors flocking to the City for the summer season to enjoy our beautiful beach but while not carefully social distancing or wearing facial coverings, the decision was made today for more restrictive measures to be in place. This order will be enforced by the police department as they are able to do so.
Please consider the health of your families, your neighbors, and the general public. We are living in extremely uncertain times and all preventative measures must be taken so as not to have a total reoccurrence of this tragic illness. The positive steps taken during the last 3 ½ months to limit the spread of the illness must not be reversed.
Please stay safe and be well.
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CodeRED Message from Mayor Paul Kuhns
May 15, 2020
In a continuing effort to reopen the City, the beach and Boardwalk were opened today. This cautionary approach to rollout my framework for reopening includes exercise only on the beach, and dog walking on the beach through May 21st. Masks are required on both the beach and the Boardwalk along with social distancing, keeping to the 6-foot guidelines for separation.
Yesterday, Governor Carney announced even more good news with the reopening of all beaches in Delaware next Friday, May 22nd, to swimming and sunbathing. Again, social distancing and facial coverings will be required on the Boardwalk while facial coverings are recommended on the beach.
Although short-term rentals, including hotel occupancy, are still not permitted, I am encouraged that these, too, will be opening up soon. I am taking proactive steps to urge the Governor to ease restrictions for those who own second homes and wish to come here from out of state.
It is important for all of us to be mindful that the virus remains active and we must continue to be cautious in our actions to prevent the spread by staying safe, cover our faces and follow social distancing guidelines.
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CodeRED Message from Mayor Paul Kuhns
May 8, 2020
Today marks a turn toward the positive, albeit baby steps to reopen our economy. I will outline three very important measures:
Effective at 8:00 a.m. this morning, Governor Carney permitted small businesses to resume limited operations throughout the state requiring strict compliance with safety standards, including social distancing. Small business retailers in our community are now permitted to transact business using curbside pickup only.
Today, Governor Carney announced a significant expansion of statewide testing for COVID-19 allowing 80,000 tests monthly which will increase testing capacity throughout the state and specifically in Sussex County where the outbreak has seen a widespread increase of infections.
At his weekly news conference earlier today, Governor Carney announced a rolling reopening of the state with a target date of June 1 to initiate Phase 1 of his economic reopening plan. Additional information will be forthcoming next week.
Although the Governor’s State of Emergency has been extended through May 31, most of what I have reported is all positive news.
I have initiated my own framework for a comprehensive action plan toward recovery in the City including a rolling reopening of the Boardwalk and beach. An outline of my proposal can be found on the city’s website and will be discussed amongst the commissioners at a special virtual meeting scheduled for next Tuesday, May 12, at 9:00 a.m. The Commissioners regular virtual meeting will be held next Friday, May 15, at 11:00 a.m. where votes may be taken to implement the framework for recovery.
If you wish to comment while the meetings are being live-streamed, please feel free to do so by following the instructions at the bottom of the agenda for each meeting. Agendas are located on the City’s CivicWeb legislative portal on the homepage of the City’s website.
I continue to look to a brighter future and I am committed to maintaining public health and public safety for all citizens of the City of Rehoboth Beach. The City’s economic recovery is vital as we move into the summer season. We must continue to stay strong, support each other through these trying times, and remain patient in order to allow this tragic pandemic to decrease its hold on our community.
Please be well and stay safe. Thank you.
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CodeRED Message from Mayor Paul Kuhns
April 24, 2020
I wanted to take this time to share with you the direction the City of Rehoboth Beach is taking in response to the pandemic and the rising threat from the COVID-19 virus. And to also assure you that in this unprecedented time of uncertainty and stress city staff are working hard every day to continue to provide the services needed that make our city so special.
I have been meeting virtually with city leaders from surrounding municipalities and have been in direct contact with Governor Carney and his team concerning the near future as the summer season is rapidly approaching. It is with an abundance of caution that I regretfully decided to cancel the fireworks display planned for July 3rd and to cancel all bandstand concerts through the July 4th weekend, and to cancel all special events through this time period. I know this is extremely disappointing, but we must act with a high degree of restraint while lessening the chance to stem the spread of this deadly virus.
The beach and Boardwalk remain closed until May 15, or until the public health threat of COVID-19 has been eliminated, per Governor Carney's State of Emergency order.
Beginning next week, I plan to meet regularly with representatives from each of the six business categories located in the downtown district to provide current information and to hear their concerns.
Governor Carney is following federal guidelines related to openings with three different phases of recovery. To get to Phase 1, which is a very limited reopening, there is first a 28-day period before even approaching this point. We are not there yet as the number of positive cases in Sussex County continues to rise.
Our city is facing a challenge unlike any of us have experienced. But I am confident that we will weather these uncertain times and come out the other side stronger. Please know that we are working all day every day to gather the latest information and to pass any new information on to you. Your city is here for you and we are doing everything we can to help protect our community. To be successful, we all need to be personally responsible. I’m asking all residents to be patient, mindful, and selfless.
Please be well, stay safe, continue to practice social distancing, and stay informed.
Thank you very much.
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CodeRED Message from City Manager Sharon Lynn
April 7th, 2020
To help fight the spread of COVID-19, Governor John Carney yesterday issued the tenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, banning all short-term rental units – including vacation home rentals, hotels, motels, and condo rentals – Governor Carney’s updated order takes effect today at 8:00 p.m. All commercial lodging remains closed through May 15, or until the public health threat is eliminated. Governor Carney’s emergency order, including its modifications, have the force and effect of law. Failure to comply constitutes a criminal offense.
Please know the Rehoboth Beach Police Department is closely monitoring out-of-state travelers within city limits with the goal to monitor, inform, and enforce the 14-day self-quarantine mandate imposed by the Governor’s seventh modification to his State of Emergency Declaration to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Rehoboth Beach Police continue to closely monitor the beach and Boardwalk enforcing Mayor Kuhns’ emergency closure of these areas to all activities including exercising and dog walking. To ensure adherence to the closure, in addition to frequent patrols, Rehoboth Beach Police have installed electronic signboards at all entrances to the city, implemented the use of drones equipped with PA systems to play a programmed message, and utilize multiple surveillance cameras monitoring the area.
Beginning on April 3, 102 individuals have been safely contacted by our law enforcement officers. Please check the city’s website at www.cityofrehoboth.com for out-of-state traveler monitoring data. At this time, no arrests have been made, however, police are tracking blatant non-compliance and individuals in violation more than once will be issued citations.
As the nation braces for what United States Surgeon General Jerome Adams described this week to be the “hardest and the saddest week of most Americans' lives,” I am mindful of how important your local government leadership is. I assure you that we are on top of this life-altering pandemic every day and we are taking all precautions to protect and safeguard ourselves, our families and the public. I remain confident that this will turn around and our lives will go on – that there is, in fact, a light at the end of this dark tunnel.
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CodeRED Message from City Manager Sharon Lynn
March 29th, 2020
Beginning Monday, March 30 at 8:00 a.m., Governor Carney is ordering all out-of-state travelers into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days to fight the spread of COVID-19. Under today’s order, anyone who enters Delaware from another state must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. The 14 days is measured from the time of entry into Delaware or for the duration of the individual’s presence in Delaware, whichever is shorter. Governor Carney’s order also applies to anyone who has entered Delaware in the last 14 days.
Mayor Kuhns is of course following this order for those traveling into the City of Rehoboth Beach. Self-quarantine requires that an individual stay in a quarantine location (home, hotel room or rented lodging); does not go to work, school or public areas; does not use public transportation; separates from other individuals in a residence as much as possible; and avoids sharing personal items.
"Now’s not the time to visit Delaware. We’re facing a serious situation here that is getting worse,” said Governor Carney. “Delawareans need to stay at home, and anyone from another state visiting Delaware should immediately self-quarantine for two weeks. Everyone needs to take this threat seriously. Our goal is to limit a surge in COVID-19 cases that would overwhelm our hospital system."
Today’s 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 constitutes a criminal offense. City of Rehoboth Beach law enforcement may conduct traffic stops – limited in scope to public health and quarantine questions – on vehicles registered in other states.
As reported by the Delaware Division of Public Health there have now been a total of 232 total laboratory-confirmed cases in the state since March 11, 18 additional cases since I reported to you just 24 hours ago with 66 cases from Sussex County, an increase of 7 within this time period. The total number of positive cases represents a cumulative total since the pandemic began. In total, six Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19.
Please know that this pandemic is very serious and has not yet peaked in our area. Please continue to shelter-in-place and please heed the warnings to keep you and your loved ones safe.
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CodeRED Message from City Manager Sharon Lynn
March 28th, 2020
All residents of the City of Rehoboth Beach have been urged to shelter in place, to stay at home and not leave your houses unless absolutely necessary as confirmed cases of the disease continue to rise daily. As reported just a few hours ago by the Delaware Division of Public Health there have been 214 total laboratory-confirmed cases in the state since March 11 and 59 of these are from Sussex County. The total number of positive cases represents a cumulative total since the pandemic began.
We continue to urge all second homeowners in the City to heed warnings and ask everyone to think of your neighbors and your families, and to protect your own health by sheltering in your primary homes. This is a pandemic. In a small community like ours, hospitals do not have the beds and staff for the growing number of COVID-19 cases that could affect our City. Please consider the impacts of potentially and unknowingly being a carrier of the virus and possibly infecting others. Please consider coming to your second home when circumstances improve. Our primary goal is public safety for all! Nothing is more important at this time than doing everything we can to ‘flatten the curve’ and slow the spread of COVID-19 so that our health care system is not overwhelmed.
Rest assured Mayor Kuhns is in communication with Governor Carney often. The Commissioners monitor all contact regularly and are frequently in touch with the Mayor and me. Should other emergency measures be warranted we will inform you immediately. We have been able to use electronic signboards to transmit messages advising the public of closures and the police department now has an emergency message they are broadcasting on the Boardwalk and beach to keep people from exercising themselves and their dogs.
Please understand that your City Government is operating within the State of Emergency. Although it is the weekend, we continue to work off-site and emergency responders throughout the City are working 24/7 with one goal-to keep you all safe and informed. We are trying very hard to provide clear and concise information. Please contact us by email to allow time to answer your questions and please check the City’s website at cityofrehoboth.com frequently as messages are added often.
We must be united, vigilant and stick together. We will get through these trying times.
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CodeRED Message from City Manager Sharon Lynn
March 26th, 2020
Today marks exactly two weeks from the first emergency message I broadcast. And in this very short period of time, our lives have turned upside down due to the pandemic of COVID-19. All residents of the City of Rehoboth Beach have been urged to shelter in place, to stay at home and not leave your houses unless absolutely necessary, as confirmed cases of the disease continue to rise daily. I am grateful that there is much community support from residents and business owners who are working very hard to heed the warnings. I am hopeful with the closure of the beach and Boardwalk, visitors to our City will decrease significantly during the pandemic.
Please understand that your City Government is operating within the State of Emergency. Although all City offices remain closed to the public, we are trying our best to provide the essential services to the community while at the same time protecting the City’s administrative staff and employees. Many City Hall staff are operating remotely, or staggering work hours to minimize contact with each other. However, all regular City business is still being carried out. Public Works employees, although at times working with minimal crews, continue to pick up trash and yard waste, run our wastewater treatment plant and service our water supply. City police officers and 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers are all valiantly working 24/7. Please be patient when reaching out to us. We are trying very hard to provide clear and concise information. When possible, please contact us by email to allow time to answer your questions and please check the City’s website at cityofrehoboth.com frequently as messages are added daily.
I ask everyone to think of your neighbors and your families, and to protect your own health as well as others by heeding all the warnings, practicing good hygiene, and most importantly right now, by sheltering in your homes. For those of you traveling to the City of Rehoboth Beach to endure the pandemic in your second homes, please thoughtfully consider where you may have traveled over the winter months. Especially if you are contemplating coming from your permanent home in a larger city, consider the impacts of potentially and unknowingly being a carrier of the virus and possibly infecting others. We are very thankful that you have chosen Rehoboth Beach for your second home and encourage you to enjoy the City often during better times. However, given the circumstances, our primary goal is public safety for all! Every day we see the number of COVID-19 cases increasing and more tragically, the growing number of deaths from the illness. Nothing is more important at this time than doing everything we can to flatten the curve and slow the spread of COVID-19 so that our health care system is not overwhelmed.
In difficult times, our community has always come together to work cooperatively. I am confident we will garner the strength and courage to get through this as we work together to stay positive, yet vigilant.
Thank you and please stay safe and healthy!
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CodeRED Message from City Manager Sharon Lynn
March 23rd, 2020
Today, by Proclamation of a Civil Emergency as granted under Sections 22-3 and 22-5 of the Municipal Code of the City of Rehoboth Beach, Mayor Paul Kuhns is proclaiming a civil emergency and Order concerning the COVID-19 pandemic to be effective Monday, March 23, 2020, beginning at 4:00 p.m.
This is 16 hours before Governor Carney’s order declaring the same effective Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at 8:00 a.m. Due to the fact that visitors are consistently observed in the City gathering in groups of more than 10 people, and the beach and Boardwalk are already closed to the public, and safeguarding and protection of all citizens of the City are of utmost importance and his priority, Mayor Kuhns is deeming this to be as urgent as is necessary to protect the citizens of the City.
Effective today, at 4:00 p.m., all non-essential businesses shall remain closed until May 15 or until such time when the public health threat of COVID-19 has been eliminated. Additionally, effective today, at 4:00 p.m., all residents of the City shall shelter in place, meaning stay in their homes.
Please go to the City’s website at cityofrehoboth.com to read the complete Proclamation and Order from Mayor Kuhns as well as the Governor’s fourth and fifth modifications to his emergency declaration orders. You will also find a complete list of essential v. non-essential businesses and their respective meanings in relation to this Order. The City follows these same meanings related to essential v. non-essential businesses.
Actions such as these are not to be taken lightly. We are faced with the gravest of times under the circumstances of a health pandemic and we must heed to the Order as stated here.
City Hall and all City offices continue to be closed to the public through May 15 or until the time the public health threat of COVID-19 has been eliminated. City staff are staggering their work hours and rotating their time in the office, however, business is being conducted as usual.
Please continue to monitor the official website of the City of Rehoboth Beach for updates and please stay safe, alert and informed.
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CodeRED Message from City Manager Sharon Lynn
March 21st, 2020
Effective immediately, the beach and Boardwalk are closed to the public in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Public restrooms are also closed.
Unfortunately, many people have not heeded earlier warnings regarding social distancing and these unprecedented efforts are required in order to safeguard each and every one of us and the public in general.
Please know that the police department will be enforcing beach and Boardwalk closures. If you see something, say something by contacting police dispatch at 302-227-2577 or dial 9-1-1 for emergencies.
For all City property owners and businesses, these are very difficult times, but we must promote safety. Please be aware all City offices remain closed to the public; however, the staff is working Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. unless otherwise advised. Please be safe.
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CodeRED Message from City Manager Sharon Lynn
March 19th, 2020
As the Coronavirus continues to change on a daily basis with so many different moving pieces, full-time residents and second homeowners need to remain very watchful and monitor your travel in and out of the City of Rehoboth Beach. For part-time residents who are considering traveling to your homes here, or if you are already here, it is very important to consider staying in your homes as much as possible while social distancing from the public. Today is the first day of spring! It is also spring break for many college students. We have seen an influx of visitors especially on sunny days and tomorrow’s temperature is likely to be in the mid-'70s. We expect many people to be traveling to the City for the weekend.
Governor Carney’s emergency declarations include the closing of restaurants except for takeout, delivery, and drive-through service; bowling alleys, movie theaters, and fitness centers are closed as are many retail stores. Although some businesses in the City of Rehoboth Beach remain open and take away food is prevalent, please be mindful of your surroundings and potential exposure to thousands of visitors who choose to come here. Sheltering-in-place is your best option.
Perhaps the most important considerations to realize is where we are, and who we are. The demographics of our City include a majority over the age of 60, the most vulnerable age at risk to be infected with the Coronavirus. We live in a very small community with limited hospitalization facilities that cannot handle the potential number of illnesses this crisis may bring. Although the county numbers of those infected remain low, trends across the nation show an exponential rise in cases from the very first illness, thus the critical nature of this virus. We do not want the virus to spread amongst us. We must remain vigilant, sensible and focus on the most responsible and prudent way to continue our lives during this crisis. Staying at home and practicing social distancing is both the responsible and prudent way to proceed at this time of crisis. Although we are aware that these are difficult times where even more drastic guidelines may be on the horizon, it is necessary to take these steps to protect all of our citizens and our City employees, who are continuing to provide the services you need every day.
We have passed the time to just be cautious. Every day we see the numbers grow. This is a stressful time for all of us. I continue to be watchful and I continue to make rational decisions based on the best guidance from Delaware’s Division of Public Health. We are all in this together!
Please continue to stay informed by following the latest news on the City’s website and a new Coronavirus Update on the homepage which links live to Delaware.gov/coronavirus.
