Law enforcement gets go-ahead to pull over vehicles with out of state plates
Gov. John Carney Sunday night made it clear that out of staters are not welcome in Delaware.
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 order states.
Law enforcement is now authorized to make limited traffic stops of vehicles with out of state plates.
Carney’s modified emergency order requiring persons coming to the state to self-quarantine will take effect at 8 a.m. on Monday.
See full order below:
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The Delaware Department of Justice has issued guidance to state and local law enforcement with additional details about enforcement of the emergency declaration. In accordance with Sunday’s order, law enforcement may conduct traffic stops – limited to public health and quarantine questions – on vehicles registered in other states.
The order comes as the case total and death count grows rapidly in New York State and northern New Jersey, with Philadelphia setting up field hospitals in the event that coronavirus cases overwhelm hospital systems.
There have been critics who claim the state is not going far enough in pressuring residents to stay at home. Traffic in the state has been reduced, but out of state tags are still commonplace as residents from nearby states shop in the sales-tax-free state.
Others have claimed the current orders infringe on personal liberties and are unconstitutional.
“Now’s not the time to visit Delaware. We’re facing a serious situation here that is getting worse,” said 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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
