Governor Carney Formally Extends State of Emergency Until 9/4/2020

Governor John Carney on Wednesday formally extended the State of Emergency declaration another 30 days to confront community spread of COVID-19, and issued the following statement:

“The precautions you’re taking are working. We are beating COVID-19, but we can’t let up. This virus is still out there, and it can cause serious illness. We know from public health experts that following basic health precautions is the best way to prevent community spread. Wearing a face mask in public settings is still required by this State of Emergency declaration. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Keep your distance from others outside your household. Know your COVID-19 status by getting a test. Visit de.gov/gettested to find a testing site near you. Thank you to all Delawareans and visitors who are following these precautions.”

Governor Carney’s State of Emergency declaration – including each of its modifications – carries the full force and effect of law. Delawareans and visitors also must follow local restrictions in place to limit community spread of COVID-19.

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their 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.

Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Report a business for COVID-19 non-compliance using this form.

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

Tropical Storm Isaias

Tropical Storm Isaias is expected to impact our area tomorrow, August 4, 2020.

1-3″ of heavy rain could lead to flash flooding. 

Winds in excess of 40 mph are expected. Strongest winds will be closest to the coast with gusts of 50 to 60 mph possible. Tree damage and power outages are possible.  

Now is the time to prepare your yard.  Look around your yard for trash receptacles, container plants, hanging baskets, tools, lawn furniture, decorative garden items, toys, bicycles, bird feeders, wind chimes, grills, fire pits, doghouses, etc.  Remove them and store them in your garage or shed, or anchor them down so they do not become projectiles.  

Stay safe!

Business Enforcement of COVID-19 Protocols

From the Delaware Division of Public Health:

Summary of Enforcement:

• Over 1,000 complaints in July
• Over 300 on-site compliance checks
• Increased presence in August
• Revisions to Executive Order may be coming for improved accountability

Compliance Checks:

• Face covering violations (staff or customers)
• Social distancing requirements
• No reservation or system to manage incoming guests
• Capacity
• PPE/hand washing/hand sanitizing
• Failure to have appropriate floor markings or counter/door signage

Actions Taken:

• Educational materials left at multiple establishments
• First visit – education and information
• Subsequent visits – fines, closure, reduced capacity
• Significant issues – immediate actions

100 sites have been visited with no violations!

If you have a COVID-19 business complaint, please send it to:  hspcontact@delaware.gov.

Heat Advisory: 7/28/2020

A Heat Advisory is in effect today, with maximum heat index values above 100 degrees will be possible within the advisory. Additionally there is a marginal risk of severe storms for our area this afternoon.

Maximum heat index values will be above 100 degrees Fahrenheit by early to mid-afternoon.  These heat index values can cause heat related stress particularly among the at-risk populations.  Those especially vulnerable include elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.

Additionally, there will be a marginal risk for severe storms capable of damaging winds beginning from mid-afternoon to early evening.  Localized tree damage and power outages will be possible with stronger storms.

Beach Access Assistance

The beach access assistance has been temporarily postponed.  Everyone will be alerted once it is in back in service.

Heat Advisory: 7/22/2020

A heat advisory is in effect today.  Hot temperatures and high humidity will result in heat index values of 100-105.

Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon through evening.  There is the potential for torrential rainfall and damaging winds with these storms.

St. Matthew’s By-The-Sea Gospel Concert: 8/2/2020

St. Matthew’s By-The-Sea United Methodist Church will present the internationally-known gospel trio The Hyssongs on Sunday, August 2nd at 7:00 p.m.

Dell, Susan and Richard Hyssong have been performing as a family for the past 23 years.  Their inspirational Southern Gospel sound has brought them many accolades including the Singing News Fan Award for Favorite New Trio and Top Ten Trio Awards for the past 15 years.

The concert will be held in the church parking lot to allow for social distancing.  Attendees should bring their own chair and masks will be required.

A love offering will be taken at the concert.  Concert goers are also encouraged to bring a non-perishable food to assist with local needs.

Excessive Heat Warning: 7/20/2020

Dangerous heat is expected through Tuesday, with high temperatures in the mid to upper 90’s. Overnight lows in the mid to upper 70’s will offer little relief to the heat. Heat index values of 110 expected today and 100 expected tomorrow, with the warmest part of each day being from 2-6 p.m.

Reschedule outdoor activities to the early morning or evening hours. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, and drink plenty of water. If at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned building and check on others who may be susceptible to the extreme heat, especially the elderly, since the heat index values can cause heat related stress.

Sussex County Census Day: July 13, 2020

Delaware’s average response rate for the 2020 US Census is currently only 59.7%!  

This is Delaware Census Week, with today being Sussex County Census Day.

Now more than ever, our community needs to step up and get counted to shape a healthy future for our families.  

Fill out your Census Today! It’s quick and confidential. Just visit My2020Census.gov or call 1-844-330-2020. 

Delaware in counting on you!  For more information, please visit census.delaware.gov.

Windfarm Project at Fenwick Island State Park

The Mayor and Council are pleased with the decision from Ørsted not to proceed with on shoring their electric transmission lines at Fenwick Island State Park.  Council has expressed concerns regarding the location of the substation in an environmentally sensitive area since Ørsted revealed their plans in Fall 2019.

Fenwick Island Mayor Gene Langan along with the six other coastal mayors of Association of Coastal Towns (ACT) met on numerous occasions last fall with Governor Carney and Secretary of DNREC Shawn Garvin to express their concerns regarding the environmental impact to the area. Several Fenwick Island Town Council members also worked toward protecting the wetland environment at the State Park. 

Mayor Langan responded to the news stating, “I am relieved to know that an environmentally sensitive area will be preserved and that Governor Carney, Secretary Garvin and Ørsted came to the same conclusion as Fenwick Island.  Fenwick Island will continue to advocate for environmental stewardship of our unspoiled beach, ocean and delicate ecosystem within our Town and the surrounding areas.  It is a precious resource.”