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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.

New Castle County closing facilities, suspending activites in face of COVID-19

Joe Irizarry
/
Delaware Public Media

New Castle County Government is taking measures to help fight the spread of the coronavirus.

Effective Monday morning, the county is closing its ten libraries. And all county activities at the Absalom Jones Community Center, and the Hockessin and Garfield Police Athletic Leagues will be suspended.

 

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer says other activities will also come to a halt to minimize the number of gatherings in the county.

"All County sports leagues and recreational programs will be suspended until further notice including all county programs at any county recreational centers," said Meyer. "All tours and programs at Rockwood Museum will be suspended until further notice. All County programs at Carousel Park or suspended until further notice."

Meyer notes county parks will remain open.

He adds all county facilities will be deep cleaned, and any county worker who traveled to a foreign country in the last 30 days needs to contact the HR department.

As for those on the front line, Meyer says they are being helped.

"Issuing personal protection kits to each officer starting with the Patrol Division in our Police Department," said Meyer. "The kits include disposable gown, protective shoe covers, hand sanitizer, wipes, n95masks, a face shield and splash guard."

County Police and Paramedics have contingency plans just in case a member of their staff gets the coronavirus. Those plans mainly involve altering work schedules.

In Sussex County, libraries are suspending all activities through the end of March because of concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

That decision takes effect immediately, and it will be evaluated later this month. 

The decision only applies to the County-owned Greenwood, Milton, and South Coastal libraries as well as the County’s Bookmobile/Mobile Library. 

Even though programs will be suspended, the facilities will remain open at this time during their regular hours, but the hours could be subject to change. 

 

The county does remind residents their facilities are routinely cleaned, and staff are taking additional precautions to disinfect materials, furniture, computers, bathrooms, etc.

 

Kent County officials say Kent County Parks and Recreation and the Kent County Public Library are suspending all public services immediately. 
 
The Kent County Recreation Center  and Kent County Public Library close starting Saturday and will remain 
closed until further notice. All current programs are suspended until further notice. 
 
Staff will focus efforts to sanitize the facility and equipment.
 
Kent County Parks remain open, but programming there and through partner locations are also suspended and group gatherings using the picnic areas or covered pavilions, sporting events, and practices are not allowed.
 
The Howell Mill Nature Center at Brecknock Park is also closed and programs suspended.
 

Joe brings over 20 years of experience in news and radio to Delaware Public Media and the All Things Considered host position. He joined DPM in November 2019 as a reporter and fill-in ATC host after six years as a reporter and anchor at commercial radio stations in New Castle and Sussex Counties.
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