Carney restaurant revision allows parties of 10 outside

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Gov.  John Carney on Tuesday issued  a10th revision to the Covid-19 emergency order, easing outdoor table size restrictions in restaurants and allowing tables of six adults.

Carney stopped short of increasing indoor seating capacity beyond 50 percent  at restaurants or  allowing larger parties at tables. Restaurant owners have argued that the 50 percent limit does not allow for profitable operation.

Nearby states have been easing restaurant seating requirements.

Changes according to the Delaware Restaurant Association include: 

* Tables within food and drink establishments are limited to parties
of six, with no restrictions on the number of adults.
* Tables in outdoor spaces are limited to parties of ten with
no restrictions on maximum number of adults. Previously, people dining together were supposed to be from the same household.
* Signage can be removed stating that parties at each table should be of the same household.
* Condiments and place settings may now remain on tables and do not have to removed or wiped down between each use..
 

Carney also suspended  Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) masking regulations in keeping  with the governor’s emergency orders and guidance from the Division of Public Health.

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The DIAA has been unable to come up with revised masking requirements for spring sports.

“The most important thing Delawareans can do to beat COVID-19 is to get vaccinated,” stated Carney. “Talk to your friends and family who have received a shot. Check your local pharmacy for an appointment and talk to your doctor. These vaccines are safe and effective, and they’ll protect you and your family from Covid-19. In the meantime, let’s all stay vigilant. Wear a mask when you’re gathering with others outside your household. Avoid large gatherings where this virus can easily spread. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter every day.”

Under Tuesday’s order, outdoor table size was increased to parties of 10 people. Table size inside food and drink establishments has not changed.

Carney’s 10th revision also removes certain requirements around surface cleaning and disinfection. The chances of spread from surfaces is minimal, recent evidence indicates. 

Despite more than half of the state’s adult population receiving at least one dose of Covid-19, new cases have remained at an elevated level.

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