Fenwick Island
Delaware

Governor Carney Signs Order to Designate Emergency Child Care Sites for Essential Personnel

Governor John Carney on Monday signed the eighth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, which allows child care programs in Delaware to be designated as emergency child care sites in an effort to assist essential personnel during the coronavirus crisis.

Read the full text of Monday’s order.

Starting April 6 and continuing until the State of Emergency is lifted, child care may only be provided by child care centers and child care homes that have been designated as “Emergency Child Care Sites” by the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families (DSCYF). In order to be an emergency child care site, child care centers and homes must certify that they are only providing child care to children of personnel working for essential businesses, as defined by Governor Carney’s State of Emergency, and cannot work from home.

“We are doing everything we can to prevent a spike in coronavirus cases that could overwhelm our hospital system, and health care workers are on the front lines of Delaware’s response,” said Governor Carney. “This new order will make sure Delaware’s health care workers and other first responders can stay at work, and keep our communities healthy, by providing them access to emergency child care services. We need all Delawareans to do their part. Stay at home. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily. Wash your hands. Stay informed. We’ll get through this – but we all need to do our part.”

The order also allows DSCYF to create a process by which families can enroll their children in designated emergency child care if their current child care facility temporarily closes. DSCYF worked with the Delaware Division of Public Health to create strict health and safety guidelines to help child care providers prepare their facilities. Before being designated as an emergency child care site by DSCYF, a provider must demonstrate that they are able to and will adhere to the following requirements developed by the Office of Child Care Licensing and the Division of Public Health.

Interested providers must submit an emergency child care site application online by April 3. As of April 6, all other child care facilities must close until the end of the Governor’s State of Emergency.

“We are extremely grateful for the child care providers that are able to keep their doors open and make it possible for those providing essential services to serve Delawareans during this public health emergency.  During this time, child care workers, like other essential personnel, are on the front lines adapting, adjusting and working to help Delaware get through this crisis. Our child care workers keep our children safe every single day, and now, they must do so under very difficult circumstances. We cannot thank them enough and we will continue to work with them during this time,” said Delaware Children’s Department Secretary Josette Manning.

Child care providers and caregivers should check coronavirus.delaware.gov/child-care/ in the coming days for information on how to apply to be an emergency child care site, what the requirements are in order to comply with the designation and how to certify essential personnel status and temporarily enroll children.

Also under Monday’s order, state buildings and essential businesses that Delaware’s Public Health Authority deems high-risk shall screen every employee, visitor and member of the public upon entering. Delaware’s Public Health Authority shall develop and publicly post the screening tool to be used by high-risk essential businesses. All state buildings and essential businesses shall display signage that cautions individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 not to enter the premises.

Also, all hospitals, nursing and residential facilities, and ambulatory health care services in Delaware, as categorized by the Division of Small Business, shall comply with the Public Health Authority’s guidance for the use of Personal Protective Equipment.

Delawareans with 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 people who are hearing impaired, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Delawareans can also email DPHCall@delaware.gov.

For the latest on Delaware’s response, visit de.gov/coronavirus.

Out-of-State Travelers Ordered to Self-Quarantine for 14 Days

Governor John Carney on Sunday signed the seventh modification to his State of Emergency declaration, ordering all out-of-state travelers into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days to fight the spread of COVID-19.

Under Sunday’s order, anyone who enters Delaware from another state must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. The 14-day period 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.

The order does not apply to travelers who are merely passing through Delaware. Anyone who lives out-of-state and commutes to Delaware for essential work is strongly encouraged to work from home.

Sunday’s order does not apply to those traveling to care for members of their family.

Individuals under self-quarantine can leave their homes to seek medical care.

Governor Carney’s order will take effect at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 30.

“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. We’ll get through this – but everyone needs to pitch in.”

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.

Everyone should continue to follow basic hygiene guidance from the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This self-quarantine requirement shall not apply to public health, public safety, or healthcare workers, or any other individual assisting an essential business or providing an emergency service related to COVID-19.

Sunday’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.

The Delaware Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued guidance to state and local law enforcement with additional details about enforcement of Governor Carney’s emergency declaration. In accordance with Sunday’s order, law enforcement may conduct traffic stops – limited in scope to public health and quarantine questions – on vehicles registered in other states.

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 6 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. DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Cannon Street Playground & Basketball Court Closed

Due to the Coronavirus, the Town will be closing the Cannon Street Playground and Basketball Court effective immediately.

Studies have shown that the Coronavirus can survive for days on plastic and metal surfaces commonly used on playground equipment.   

Delaware State Parks are also closing playgrounds as well as several other municipalities.

The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists in The New England Journal of Medicine. The scientists found that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

 

Governor Carney Moves Presidential Primary Date to June 2nd

Governor John Carney on Tuesday issued a sixth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, moving Delaware’s presidential primary to June 2, and suspending residential foreclosures and evictions during the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The order goes into effect at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25. It will remain in effect until May 15 or until the public health threat is eliminated.

“Delawareans have a basic, fundamental right to vote. Today’s order will preserve that right and allow Delawareans to vote by absentee ballot in the presidential primary on June 2,” said Governor Carney. “The additional protections in this order are essential to help support Delawareans – especially our most vulnerable neighbors – as this situation evolves. This is an extremely challenging economic situation for many of our neighbors, and we need to do what we can to support them.”

Governor Carney’s order prevents landlords from evicting Delawareans from their homes during this crisis. Landlords also may not charge late fees or interest during the State of Emergency.

The order also prevents lenders from commencing foreclosures during this period. Residential mortgage foreclosures that began prior to Governor Carney’s State of Emergency declaration will not move forward until the 31st day following the termination of the Governor’s emergency declaration, at the earliest.

Governor Carney’s order also prevents residential utility service companies from terminating service or charging fees for late payments for services.

Additionally, all elections for school board members in any Delaware school district scheduled for May 12 are delayed until June 16 under Governor Carney’s updated order on Tuesday. The order also states that social distancing due to COVID-19 is a valid reason to vote by absentee ballot.

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.

 DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Governor Carney Declares Public Health Emergency (PHE)

Governor John Carney on Monday declared a Public Health Emergency and released a more robust Order to assist with Delaware’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) issued a companion order focused on strengthening Delaware’s health care workforce in response to COVID-19.

Read Governor Carney’s Public Health Emergency Declaration.

Read the companion order from DEMA and DPH.

Both orders went into effect at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, March 23, 2020.

“We’re acting with urgency to prevent a spike in coronavirus cases that could overwhelm our hospital system,” said Governor Carney. “These new orders will help make sure Delaware has the supplies and the health care professionals necessary to respond to COVID-19. I want to thank all of Delaware’s health care workers who are on the front lines of our response. We owe you all a debt of gratitude.

“We need everyone’s help. Delawareans should follow basic hygiene practices and stay home unless it’s essential to go out for work, or for the health and well-being of your family. We’ll get through this, but we all need to pitch in and take this threat seriously.”

Under the order from DEMA and DPH:

• Nurses, doctors, mental health care providers, pharmacists and other health care professionals who have active licenses or certificates of good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to provide in-person health care services in Delaware throughout the emergency, as well as telemedicine services. 

• Delaware health care professionals whose licenses expired in the last five years are authorized to provide health care services in Delaware, assuming their licenses were in good standing for the five-year period.

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.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Delaware Schools to Remain Closed Until May 15th

Governor John Carney on Monday ordered all Delaware schools to remain closed through at least Friday, May 15 to fight the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). 

“On March 13, after significant discussion with superintendents and charter school leaders, I ordered public schools to close through this Friday, March 27,” said Governor Carney. “This two-week period was intended to help school leaders and educators plan for what came next.

“We have spent a significant portion of the last week discussing plans for remote instruction, the delivery of meals, and other social services. This is an unusual time – but children still deserve access to a quality education, and families rely on the social services we deliver in our schools every day. We’ll continue to work directly with school leaders on these important issues.”

Governor Carney also announced the following:

• The State of Delaware intends to formally recommend that no school district or charter school extend its school calendar beyond the end of June. Dr. Susan Bunting, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Education, will formally make that recommendation to the State Board of Education, upon submission by each district and charter.
• The State of Delaware has submitted a waiver to the U.S. Department of Education requesting Delaware be exempt from state testing this year to focus our efforts on student instruction.

Click here for a list of school meal sites.

Click here for the Delaware Department of Education’s list of remote learning activities and other resources.

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.  

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

DSWA Event for 3/28/2020 Cancelled

With the Governor’s new restrictions in regards to the Coronavirus, DSWA has decided to cancel all collection events through May 15^th.   Therefore, the collection event at the State Park this Saturday, March 28th, has been cancelled.

There will be two other hazardous waste/electronics drop-offs upcoming in the fall in nearby locations:

Saturday, September 26
8:00am-2:00pm
Hockers Grocery Store
34960 Atlantic Ave, Clarksville

Saturday, October 24
8:00am-2:00pm
Long Neck Elementary School
26064 School Lane, Millsboro

DSWA encourages everyone to attend one of those events instead.  For more information, please visit:  https://dswa.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/2020-Collection-Event-Schedule-update-3-2.pdf.

Closure of Beaches due to Coronavirus

In an effort to stop the spread of Coronavirus, Fenwick Island is closing access to the beach effective immediately.

Please continue to practice social distancing, stay home, and avoid crowds.

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Governor John Carney on Saturday issued a third modification to his emergency declaration. The new orders close Delaware beaches to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The public is prohibited from accessing the beach 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 5:00 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,” said Governor Carney. “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 will get through this together.”

In the second modification of the emergency declaration issued on March 18, Governor Carney authorized state and local law enforcement to enforce the provision in any State of Emergency. The State of Emergency has the full force and effect of the law, and violations constitute a criminal offense.

During a live COVID-19 update on Wednesday, Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Division of Public Health, answered a question about going outdoors to take a walk. Dr. Rattay explained it is safe to go for walks, but noted is important to keep distance from others.

There have been 40 total laboratory-confirmed cases in Delaware since March 11. This includes nine additional cases announced yesterday. Of the Delawareans diagnosed with COVID-19, 28 are from New Castle County, five are from Kent County, and seven are from Sussex County.

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.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Coronavirus Nixle Message for Fenwick Island

As the Coronavirus continues to change daily, full time residents and second homeowners need to remain very watchful and monitor your travel in and out of Fenwick Island. For part time residents who are 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 spring break for many college students. We have seen an influx of visitors and the temperature is warming.  Today is likely to be in the mid-70’s. We expect many people to be traveling to Fenwick Island for the weekend.

Governor Carney’s emergency declarations include the closing of restaurants except for take-out, delivery and drive-through service; movie theaters and many retail stores are closed. Please be mindful of your surroundings and potential exposure to 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 Town 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 town employees, who continue to provide the services you need every day.

We have passed the time to just be cautious. Every day we see the numbers grow. We continue to be watchful and we continue to make rational decisions based on the best guidance from Delaware’s Division of Public Health.

Please follow Coronavirus Updates on the town’s homepage and https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/2019novelcoronavirus.html.

 

 

Coronavirus Information

We are closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak in the United States. In light of growing concerns, Governor Carney issued a State of Emergency in Delaware. 

Effective immediately and until further notice, access to Town Hall will be restricted to Town employees only.  We encourage that all paperwork, including building plans and applications, be emailed or mailed in instead of dropped off to Town Hall.  The Town also encourages the use of the online payments option on the Town’s website for making payments. 

Essential in-person meetings with Town staff may be arranged by appointment. Please call or email the person you need to meet with to arrange an appointment time.

Health care professionals and officials advise that more changes will occur, and more measures will be needed in the days, weeks, and months ahead.  We will continue to look to the Delaware Division of Public Health for additional guidance; provide regular updates as we get them, and announce additional measures as the situation warrants.

For questions about COVID-19 or your exposure risk, please call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 or TTY at 1-800-232-5460 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or email DPHCall@delaware.gov. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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April 22, 2020

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing seven additional fatalities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is providing an update on the number of positive cases and recovered individuals. All data reported through the daily updates are based on data received as of 6 p.m. the previous day.

In total, 89 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 32 to 103 years old.
The most recent deaths all involve individuals with underlying health conditions, except for one individual:

62-year-old female from New Castle County, hospitalized long-term care resident
84-year-old male from New Castle County, hospitalized long-term care resident
62-year-old male from Kent County, hospitalized
74-year-old male from Kent County, hospitalized long-term care resident
50-year-old female from Sussex County, hospitalized, no known underlying health conditions
72-year-old male from Sussex County, hospitalized
88-year-old male from Sussex County, long-term care facility

To protect personal health information, DPH will not confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently.

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, include:

3,200 total laboratory-confirmed cases
New Castle County cases: 1,352
Kent County cases: 503
Sussex County cases: 1,317
Unknown County: 28
Males: 1,435; Females: 1,756; Unknown: 9
Age range: 0 to 103
Currently hospitalized: 269; Critically ill: 69 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
Delawareans recovered: 599
13,353 negative cases*
*Data are provisional and subject to change. Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.

As of 6 p.m. yesterday, there have been 237 positive COVID-19 cases involving residents of long-term care facilities in Delaware. Fifty-two residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.
The locations and number of deaths related to long-term care facilities are:

Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare (18)
Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (5)
Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation (3)
Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center (3)
New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center (3)
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (2)
Governor Bacon Health Center (1)
Three other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)
Two other Sussex County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)
One Kent County long-term care facility (1 death at the facility)

DPH epidemiologists are transitioning to a new data reporting system. During the transition period, not all fields (county of residence, sex) have complete information.

Delaware is considering patients fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms. Three days after symptoms resolve, patients are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice strict social distancing for the remaining four days before returning to their normal daily routine.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, or digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite. If you are sick and need essential supplies, ask someone else to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy to get what you need.

If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions – including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment – might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Statewide testing at standing health facility testing sites require a physician’s order or prescription to be tested (*Bayhealth patients will be pre-screened via phone without needing to see a provider first). These are not walk-in testing sites. Those without a primary care provider can call the DPH Call Center Line at 1-866-408-1899. In New Castle County, individuals can call ChristianaCare at 1-302-733-1000 and Sussex County residents who do not have a provider can call the Beebe COVID-19 Screening Line at 302-645-3200. Individuals awaiting test results, should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

In addition, the Division of Public Health asks any Delaware health care, long-term care, residential, or other high-risk facility with questions or concerns to email: DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call the DPH Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 and press ext. 2.

Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov. DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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Additional information:

• Please visit the Delaware Department of Education website to learn more about their student meal locations. Here: https://www.doe.k12.de.us/covid19
  • We were told from DOE, that if a school district within your jurisdiction is not yet providing meals, that any child 18 and under can go to any other site throughout the state. They should not be asked where they are from, their age, school, etc.
• Community Testing Site Expansion
• Food Bank Mobile Pantry sites: https://www.fbd.org/covid-19-updates/ 
• DHSS FAQs on COVID-19: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/epi/2019novelcoronavirus.html
• Assistance for small businesses: https://news.delaware.gov/2020/03/17/governor-carney-requests-federal-assistance-for-small-businesses/
• Executive Order for Child Care: Executive Order for Child Care
• Housing Assistance Program: housing assistance
• Unemployment Benefits: how to file for unemployment benefits; Delaware Department of Labor Unemployment Insurance FAQ.V3
• Frequently Asked Questions: QA – OFFICIAL AND APPROVED
• Enjoy trout season while maintaining a safe distance from other anglers and fishing less-crowded areas
• DHSS Announces First Long-Term Care Facility Coronavirus-Related Death; More Cases Confirmed in Newark Nursing Home
• Get Outside, But Protect Yourself
• DNREC hosts its first virtual public hearing