The state is continuing its coronavirus messaging as Delaware nears the second phase of its economy reopening.
Phase two begins Monday - raising the allowed capacity for businesses from 30 percent to 60 percent.
Meanwhile the Delaware Department of Transportation notes significant increases in traffic over the past two weeks, and marches against police brutality have drawn large gatherings throughout the state.
Gov. John Carney is among state officials who have voiced support for the protests, but adds he believes Delaware’s messaging on social distancing has remained consistent.
“We respect the First Amendment rights of all Delaware citizens whether they’re protesting against restrictions around COVID-19 pandemic, or whether they’re protesting police relationships with communities of color, and, frankly, we’ll continue to do that,” said Carney. “We’ll also remind them and encourage them to get tested if they were in that environment.”
Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay doubled down Tuesday on the state’s cautioning against asymptomatic spread of the virus—which she has cited as a reason for the state’s development of a contact tracing program.
This came after comments from a World Health Organization spokesperson Monday cast doubt on whether asymptomatic spread is a common occurrence.
WHO walked the statement back a bit Tuesday, and Rattay noted there’s also concern about pre-symptomatic spread.
“So many people, the two days before they become ill are actually shedding a lot of virus they just don’t know it yet,” said Rattay. “So, we should not in any way, shape or form put our guard down based on what WHO came out with yesterday and should continue to assume we are all infected with the virus.”
Phase two will also raise the allowable indoor gatherings from 10 to 50 people. Outdoor events exceeding 250 people require a special permit. Child care services will be available for all Delaware families.
