Framework for Reopening the City of Rehoboth Beach

Dear Citizens,

In a continuing effort to reopen the City, the beach and Boardwalk were opened on May 15. Governor Carney announced even more good news with the reopening of all beaches in Delaware on Friday, May 22, to swimming and sunbathing. Again, strict social distancing and hygiene requirements accompany the reopening of Delaware’s beaches. Beachgoers must maintain at least 6-feet of distance between themselves and anyone outside their household. Cloth face coverings are required in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain along with being required on the Boardwalk and suggested on the beach.

Draft rehoboth beach reopening plan 14 may 2020 from rehobothbeachde

Governor John Carney announced that Phase 2 of Delaware’s economic reopening will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 15. Retail establishments, restaurants, and other businesses that were permitted to open at 30 percent of stated fire capacity in Phase 1 may expand to 60 percent of stated fire occupancy in Phase 2.

Child care facilities will be allowed to open for all Delaware families during Phase 2, with restrictions on group sizes and additional social distancing and cleaning protocols. The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) continues to encourage Delawareans to telework during Phase 2 of the economic reopening. Delaware families who can keep their children at home during Phase 2 of the reopening are encouraged to do so, to help limit group sizes and prevent transmission of COVID-19, according to public health guidance.

Read the full State of Delaware guidelines on Phase 2 of economic reopening.

Governor John Carney on June 25 announced a delay in moving to Phase 3 of Delaware’s economic reopening, and issued the following statement:

“I know many Delawareans expected us to move into Phase 3 of economic reopening on Monday, June 29 – and that had been my hope, as well. But we are delaying that decision so we can get a better handle on what’s going on in Delaware and around the country. We intend to make a decision early next week regarding the start of Phase 3.

“Too many Delawareans and visitors are not following basic public health precautions. We’ve heard and seen concerns especially in our beach communities, in restaurants, in gyms, and at sporting events. Now’s not the time to let up. You’re required to wear a mask in public settings. Keep your distance from those outside your household. These are common sense steps that, frankly, are not that difficult to follow. And they’re a small price to pay for keeping our friends and relatives out of the hospital.

“In Delaware, we are beating this disease. We have flattened the curve. But that’s because Delawareans stayed home and made significant sacrifices to keep others safe. Make no mistake: COVID-19 has not gone away. We’ve seen what has happened in other states when folks let their guard down. Let’s not be one of those states.”

For additional details about Delaware’s economic reopening, visit de.gov/economy.

For details about COVID-19 testing, visit de.gov/gettested.

Application for Outdoor Seating

House Bill 349 was signed by Governor Carney allowing outdoor dining and consumption of alcohol outdoors through March 31, 2021. The bill extends the State of Emergency provisions allowing food and drink establishments to sell alcoholic beverages for take-out, curbside or drive-through service, and to expand their outdoor seating space, increasing their square footage and overall seating capacity. Restaurants may continue to apply to use sidewalks for outdoor seating by submitting an Application for Outdoor Seating. Merchants may use up to three feet from their storefront to display wares without an application. Business sidewalk usage must take into account ADA and social distancing requirements.

City of Rehoboth Beach Modifies Face Covering Requirement

The Rehoboth Beach commissioners unanimously voted to modify the City’s Proclamation of Civil Emergency and Order that face coverings are required in all public places. The decision was made at their July 7, 2020, special meeting. While the health and safety of our community remain the top priority, the commissioners have reevaluated and determined they will be lifting the requirement of face coverings at the beach. All persons within the City of Rehoboth Beach are required to wear a face covering in all public places, including streets, sidewalks, parks, the Boardwalk and commercial establishments, with the following exceptions:

Facial coverings shall not be required while actively bathing in ocean water.
Facial coverings shall be required while entering and leaving the beach. Face coverings shall not be required to be worn while on the beach when social distancing of 6 feet is possible.
Facial coverings shall not be required to be worn while exercising when social distancing is possible. Exercise is defined as a strenuous activity requiring physical effort, carried out to sustain or improve health and fitness.

Mayor Paul Kuhns