The Delaware Business Roundtable and the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, which is the umbrella organization that includes the Delaware Manufacturing Association and the Delaware Retail Council, released the following statement in response to the additional steps taken by Governor John Carney surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic:
“We appreciate the fact that closing non-essential businesses at this time is an action that the Governor carefully considered prior to implementing. While we know that closing these businesses, even for a short time, will pose challenges to business owners and their employees and will negatively impact Delaware’s economy, the risk to public health must take precedence at this time. Many businesses have already implemented work-from-home practices and many more will now be required to do so. Those businesses that remain open must still follow CDC guidelines for social and physical distancing. It’s important that as many businesses as possible find creative, innovative, but safe ways to service customers within the confines of the Governor’s Emergency Order and CDC guidelines,” the groups stated.
The statement continued, “Given what we know about this virus and the experience in other countries and around the U.S., our organizations are confident that the steps taken today will help Delaware through this most challenging time. The Delaware Business Roundtable and Delaware State of Commerce will continue to work collaboratively with the State in support of the business community and all Delawareans.”
The Medical Society of Delaware also offered its support
“The Medical Society of Delaware is grateful for and completely supports Governor Carney’s most recent executive order asking all residents to stay at home in an effort to flatten the curve. This is the most important thing we can all do to protect the most vulnerable in our community. It is also the most important thing we can all do to return our lives to normal,” the society stated.
The Delaware Healthcare Association also backs the decision.
Delaware Healthcare Association President & CEO Wayne Smith released the following statement in response to Governor Carney’s decision:
“We applaud the Governor for taking this decisive and necessary step in protecting the health and wellbeing of Delawareans.
While disruptive and not easy, the hour at hand demands extraordinary effort to preserve life. With Governor Carney’s action, fewer Delawareans will be harmed during this pandemic than would have been the case in the absence of action.
Delaware’s hospitals will continue the strong allied efforts underway with the larger provider community and our partners in state and local government to maximize our abilities to meet the health needs of our friends and neighbors in our state.”
