Mayor Kuhns announces order to close all non-essential businesses amid COVID-19 pandemic

Today, by

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 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. Since visitors are consistently observed in the City gathering in groups of more than 10 people, 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. Leaving your home is allowed for essential activities. Delawareans may leave their homes to get groceries, pick up a prescription, see a doctor, and engage in other activities essential to their health, and the health and wellbeing of their family members, including pets. Delawareans may also engage in outdoor activity but must adhere to social distancing guidelines.

At this time, the City of Rehoboth Beach buildings and offices are closed to the general public through May 15. This includes City Hall, administrative offices, public works buildings, playgrounds, public restrooms, along with the beach and Boardwalk. City staff continues to work on-site and we strongly encourage people to do any business with the City that they can by phone, e-mail, or internet to minimize public interaction.

Please continue to monitor the official website of the City of Rehoboth Beach for updates and please stay safe, alert and informed.

For more information, please contact the Communications Department at 302-227-6181 ext. 522 or [email protected].