Delaware House of Representatives -Beaches Closed -- Six New Cases -- Testing System Starts -- DMV Changes Operation

NEWS:  Governor Orders Beaches Closed In a bid to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), Governor John Carney today modified his emergency declaration to close Delaware's beaches. The public is prohibited from accessing the beaches, except to exercise or walk their dogs where dogs are permitted.  Local officials may choose to enact tighter restrictions. These modifications go into effect at 5 p.m. tonight, March 21, and will last until May 15, or until the public health threat of COVID-19 has been eliminated. "We need everyone to take this situation seriously.  We saw too many people on the beaches yesterday and we weren't seeing the kind of social distancing that we need in order to slow the spread of coronavirus," Gov. Carney said.  "This was a difficult decision, but we need folks to follow the rules to keep all Delawareans safe.  Don't go out in public unnecessarily.  Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces frequently.  Stay home, especially if you feel sick and even if you have mild symptoms."  "We fully understand Gov. Carney's decision to close the beaches," said Rehoboth Mayor Paul Kuhns.  "This move is for the health and safety for all our citizens." State and local law enforcement are authorized to enforce all provisions of the current State of Emergency declaration, which has the full force and effect of the law.  Violations constitute a criminal offense.   "Gov. Carney's action to close all Delaware beaches sends a vital message to all Delawareans and those who may be thinking of coming here," said Lewes Mayor Ted Becker.  "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.  We urge everyone to shelter in the location of their primary residence." Despite today's action, Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Division of Public Health, said it is safe to enjoy the outdoors and to go for walks, but she noted that it is important to keep distance from others.

NEWS: Six New COVID-19 Cases Detected According to the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), six new coronavirus (COVID-19) cases have been reported since yesterday. There have been 45 total laboratory-confirmed cases in the state since March 11.  Thirty-two of the cases are from New Castle County, five are from Kent County, and eight are from Sussex County.  Of these cases, 24 are male and 21 are female.  The individuals range in age from 14 to 80.  Five individuals are currently hospitalized; two are critically ill.  To protect personal health information, DPH will not be disclosing additional information about the individuals. The source of exposure for many of these positive cases is unknown, which indicates community spread of the virus is occurring in the state.  "The presence of community spread shows that we all must take the danger associated with this virus seriously," said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Division of Public Health. "For every person infected with COVID-19, they typically infect two to three additional people.  That's why the steps that Governor Carney has taken to close schools, restaurants and bars, recreational facilities and beaches is so important.  We need to take these steps to prevent widespread outbreaks and slow the spread of the virus." If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from vulnerable populations.  For individuals who are sick, particularly with fever and cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and contact your primary care provider for guidance regarding symptoms and next steps.  Delawareans with general questions about COVID-19 or their exposure risk can call the Division of Public Health's Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899, or 711 for individuals who are hearing-impaired, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  For the latest on Delaware's response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Beginning Monday, March 23, Delaware health systems will operate standing health facility test sites, where health care staff will test individuals who have been evaluated by a medical provider and have symptoms consistent with COVID-19. A physician order or prescription is required. Standing health facility test sites will include: New Castle County:  ChristianaCare will operate two testing sites, one in Newark, one in Wilmington; Saint Francis Healthcare will operate one site in Wilmington. Kent County:  Bayhealth will operate one testing site in Dover. Sussex County:  Beebe Healthcare will operate two testing sites, one in Millsboro and one in Frankford; Nanticoke will operate one testing site in Seaford. For more information, click here.

NEWS: Division of Motor Vehicles Changing Operations Monday to Limit Interaction Effective Monday, March 23, all four Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) locations will go to kiosk, drive-through and emergency appointment only.  Dealer paperwork can be dropped off for processing and picked up when notified. Inspection lanes will remain open as no personal interaction is required, and the drive-through windows at each location will have additional staff working to process DMV-related transactions.  At no time will there be more than 10 people permitted in DMV lobbies. To schedule an appointment for urgent business at DMV that cannot wait until after the current situation passes, please call: Delaware City Driver Services:  302-365-8771 Delaware City Vehicle Services:  302-365-8770 Dover Driver Services:  302-744-2703 Dover Vehicle Services:  302-744-2568 Georgetown Driver Services:  302-853-1044 Georgetown Vehicle Services:  302-853-1034 Wilmington Driver Services:  302-434-3209 Wilmington Vehicle Services:  302-434-3208 Additionally, for DelDOT maintenance and operations field crews and contractors, crews will be limited to two persons so that there are no more than two people in a work vehicle at the same time. If you are feeling sick, please do not visit public facilities and avoid public transportation.

NEWS: USS Delaware Commissioning Ceremony Canceled Due to safety restrictions associated with the COVID-19 response, the commissioning ceremony for the future USS Delaware (SSN 791) has been canceled. The event was to have taken place in Wilmington on April 4.  According to a statement issued today by U.S. Senator Tom Carper's office, the commissioning of the Virginia-class fast attack submarine will take place administratively and the vessel will begin normal operations with the fleet. "The Navy values the support of all those who were planning to attend and will look for a future opportunity to commemorate this special event with the sponsor, crew and commissioning committee," said Sen. Carper's press secretary, Katie Grasso.