The city of Rehoboth Beach is now mandating people wear face coverings in all public places.
The Rehoboth Beach commissioners adopted the policy unanimously during a special meeting Tuesday.
The mandate goes into effect at 5 p.m. Wednesday and covers all public streets, sidewalks and parks – as well as the Boardwalk, the beach, and all commercial establishments.
“As we are seeing right now, without these precautions, the community spread is real,” said City Manager Sharon Lynn in a statement. “The City has crowded streets and people who are not wearing masks and ignoring social distancing."
Face coverings are not required when people are in the ocean.
The rule applies to anyone over 12 years old, and includes bicyclists.
City officials say the move was prompted by the increase in COVID-19 cases in Rehoboth Beach – and Gov. Carney’s order closing bars in Eastern Sussex County starting Friday.
"We cannot afford another shutdown of our City, our businesses or restaurants,” said Mayor Paul Kuhns in a statement. “So we need each individual to make responsible decisions for the sake of our entire community – wear your mask when out in public.”