Delaware Gov John Carney on Tuesday defended his decision to keep restaurant occupancy at 50 percent.
Carney made his remarks response to a reporter’s question on the reason for the capacity curbs at his weekly coronavirus briefing
Carney has taken heat for keeping the figure at 50 percent, while Maryland and Pennsylvania have announced higher numbers.
Carney said he spoke with Maryland Gov Larry Hogan, who agreed that his state’s 100 percent limit was closer to 50 percent, once distancing of tables is taken into consideration. Restaurant owners in that state have confirmed that table space requirements do not allow for pre-pandemic occupancy levels.
The Carney administration has also cited an elevated level of coronavirus cases in recent weeks as a reason for the capacity limit.
According to Carney, restaurants will get some relief as temperatures rise and outdoor dining becomes an option. Delaware has also given the green light to dining spots putting plexiglass between booths.
Delaware continues to encourage counties and municipalities to make provisions for expanded outdoor dining options.
Rehoboth Beach’s downtown program had a successful fund-raising effort for barriers that allow for restaurants to expand to sidewalks, with the barriers providing pedestrian walkways.
With the number of vaccinations on the rise, the Delaware Restaurant Association would like to see six vaccinated adults be able to sit at the same table. The current limit is four adults and two children, according to a social media post.
