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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

Gov. Carney loosens COVID restrictions on outdoor gatherings

via State of Delaware Livestream

The state is easing some pandemic-related restrictions, but leaving others in place.

Gov. John Carney’s office announced Monday afternoon it is raising the cap on outdoor gatherings to 150 people.

This includes outdoor weddings, funerals, concerts, parades, festivals, conventions, fundraisers, sporting events and fairs. But the revised order notes this is not a comprehensive list.

Outdoor venues with more than 100,000 square feet and a fire code capacity can submit plans to host events with more than 150 people and must limit them to 75 percent capacity.

Those with less than 100,000 square feet and a capacity limit can also submit plans for over 150 people, but must limit events to 50 percent capacity.

The state is not loosening restrictions on restaurants, businesses and other indoor establishments though. Those restrictions remain at 50 percent of the fire code capacity.

Carney is also removing the two-spectator limit on sporting events and allowing DNREC to issue another 1,000 surf fishing permits.

“We know that gathering outdoors poses a lower risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission,” said Carney in a statement. “That's why we're comfortable easing certain outdoor restrictions as we head into spring."

But Carney continues to call for mask wearing and social distancing until “enough Delawareans are fully vaccinated.”

As of Sunday, the state had administered more than 433,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Nearlyb 155,000 Delawareans are now fully vaccinated.

The new COVID rules go into effect Thursday at 8 a.m.