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:
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.
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.