Gov. John Carney has issued a stay-at-home order over the outbreak of the new coronavirus.
The order goes into effect at 8am Tuesday and will remain in effect until May 15, "or until the public health threat is eliminated."
It requires all non-essential businesses, such as clothing stores, book stores and car dealerships, to close.
Businesses in industries such as poultry and egg production, construction, and chemical manufacturing are considered essential. Child day care services, grocery stores, liquor stores, gas stations and automotive parts stores are considered essential as well.
A full list of what businesses are considered essential can be found here.
“For the businesses that are still operating, we’re holding you accountable for providing a safe working environment for all your employees," said Gov. Carney in a live-streamed press conference Sunday. "If you don’t follow the CDC guidelines, we will have no choice but to shut you down too.”
With the new order, Delaware joins several other states with similar orders from their Governors for citizens to stay at home. The orders are efforts to enforce social distancing guidelines to stem the spread of the virus.
“Neighboring states have taken similar actions, and we don’t want Delaware to become a destination for residents of other states seeking a more permissive environment," Carney said.
"My advice for you here is really very simple. When in doubt, don't. Stay home." - Gov. John Carney
Delawareans are allowed to leave their homes for “essential” activities— such as getting groceries, picking up prescriptions or seeing a doctor— under Gov. Carney’s order. Engaging in outdoor activities is also allowed, as long as social distancing guidelines are followed.
“We all read the news, and know what’s happened in other countries and in other states in our country," said Carney. "I don’t want Delaware to become an example of what not to do in response to this crisis. I understand that these restrictions will have real consequences for real people, but the consequences of not imposing these restrictions are way too serious.”
Carney declared a state of emergency over the COVID-19 outbreak earlier this month, calling on the Delaware National Guard to take precautionary and responsive actions to help with the state’s response to the virus, advising cancellation of large events and prohibiting price gouging or excessive price increases during the outbreak.
He updated his emergency order Wednesday, directing bowling alleys, movie theaters, gyms and spas to close, expanding telemedicine access and allowing some restaurants to include alcoholic drinks in their takeout and drive-through orders.
Carney closed First State beaches Saturday.
As of Sunday afternoon, 56 cases had been confirmed in Delaware. At that point six people had been hospitalized, and three were critically ill.
Public health officials say community spread of the virus is indicated in the First State. They have advised even those without symptoms to behave as if they have the virus, to avoid spreading it to vulnerable populations.
"My advice for you here is really very simple," said Carney Sunday. "When in doubt, don’t. Stay home.”
Gov. Carney's office says Delaware employers with questions about the impact of the order on them can email covid19faq@delaware.gov, or call 302-577-8477 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Emails are encouraged.
This story has been updated.