Christiana Mall is taking heat after photos posted on social media seemed to indicate that its food court was not observing the 30 percent limit on occupancy limit ordered by Gov. John Carney.
The Black Friday post from the Delaware Restaurant Association comes after the group harshly criticized Carney’s decision to reduce restaurant capacity from 60 percent to 30 percent. The amended order comes as coronavirus cases posted a sharp increase.
The post drew more than 200 comments, ranging from calls to reopen the state to outrage over allowing the crowded scene during a pandemic
Carney stopped short of measures taken by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, who ordered that restaurants and bars close at 10 p.m. Hogan also ordered stepped-up enforcement of establishments.
Carney cited contact tracing information that indicated a sizable portion of those testing positive for Covid-19 had patronized a restaurant. State public health officials cited office and other get-togethers at one restaurant table as a possible factor.
The restaurant industry claims it was singled out while big-box retailers and malls did not see similar capacity reductions.
Messages seeking comment were sent to the mall and the governor’s office.
