Framework for Reopening the City of Rehoboth Beach

Delaware is in Phase 2

Governor John Carney on Friday, February 19, 2021, signed the Seventh Modification to the Omnibus Emergency Order, increasing gathering limits for indoor events with restrictions in place to prevent spread of COVID-19.

Under the latest order, the limit on gatherings at businesses and other indoor spaces is increased from the current limit of 10 people. The new limit is a maximum of 25 people or 50 percent of stated fire occupancy restrictions, whichever is less. Organizers may submit a plan to the Division of Public Health (DPH) to host larger events up to 150 people. Outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, or up to 250 with an approved plan from DPH. The limit for private indoor gatherings or events, such as dinner parties, house parties, and birthday parties, remains at 10 people.

Event organizers must email DPH at [email protected] at least a week prior to the event for permission to host indoor gatherings over 25 people, up to 150 people, or outdoor gatherings over 50 people, up to 250 people. Businesses and other event hosts also must continue to follow state and local COVID-19 restrictions, including masking and social distancing requirements. Indoor gatherings with fewer than 25 people and outdoor gatherings with fewer than 50 people do not require a plan, but must follow all other applicable requirements.The order also raises the group exercise class capacity to 15 people, excluding staff, with additional restrictions in place.

Delaware entered Phase 2 of the economic reopening on June 15, 2020. Delaware will delay moving to Phase 3. Governor Carney’s Phase 2 reopening plan builds on the Phase 1 plan and provides additional general and sector-specific guidance for Delawareans and Delaware businesses.

View all active COVID-19 restrictions under the Twenty-Seventh Modification to the State of Emergency.

Application for Outdoor Seating in the City of Rehoboth Beach for the 2021 Season

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.

At their November 17, 2020, special meeting, the Rehoboth commissioners approved a policy regarding the use of public outdoor space. Restaurants must have a straight and continuous pathway in front of any outdoor seating that must be maintained at all times. Space allows pedestrians to move up and down the sidewalks without adjusting their path because of the outdoor seating. The approved policy also requires that outdoor tables be set eight feet apart from each other. A barrier is needed between the tables and the pedestrian path if a restaurant is serving alcohol. Commissioners also approved tents and canopies without sides to be used in outdoor dining areas.

For more detail, please see the following resources:

Outdoor heaters that are fueled by propane were also approved. Electric heaters or open flame are not allowed under the policy. The heaters must also be placed at least five feet from a restaurant's entrance and exit. The heaters must be secured and can only be in place during operating hours. Approved City Policies for Use of Outdoor Space and Heating Equipment Through March 31, 2021 - 06 Oct 2020.pdf

The City's Building and Licensing staff will continue to work closely with all restaurants for their outdoor seating plan as we move into the spring and summer months.

These policies will stay in effect until further notice.

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.