Delaware governor closes bars at Dewey, Rehoboth beaches; testing of visitors recommended

Delaware is shuttering bars at its beaches before the July 4 weekend after seeing an increase in the number of coronavirus cases, particularly among young people.

Gov. John Carney said Tuesday that establishments including those in the area of Dewey, Rehoboth and Lewes beaches must close Friday and remain closed indefinitely.

“Clearly we’ve had an outbreak among bars, restaurants, social activity in Delaware beaches,” Carney said. “We’ve also witnessed throughout our state — but in particularly in beach communities — complacency with respect to mask wearing and social distancing.”

Carney said the state has seen a shift in people in the age range of 18 to 25 testing positive. Three Rehoboth Beach lifeguards tested positive this week, the town’s police department announced.

“The age range does seem to be shifting to the left; we are seeing a higher number of young persons with coronavirus. Those are persons in their teens and 20s,” said Dr. Rick Pescatore, chief physician at Delaware Division of Public Health.

Thanks @6abc @MaggieKent6abc for helping to spread the word about rising cases around Delaware beaches+our ask that everyone #GetTested+#KnowYourStatus!https://t.co/wLMoL7tKcV

Testing is fast and convenient—no ID or payment required. Find your spot! https://t.co/NnEFMqM5M7

— Rick Pescatore, DO (@Rick_Pescatore) June 30, 2020

Health officials are urging anyone who frequents the beach, lives at the beach in a congregate setting, or works at the beach to get a covid-19 test.

Delaware public health officials said there has been a surge of more than 100 coronavirus cases at the beaches in the past week. On Sunday, public health officials announced another 135 confirmed cases in the state, followed by another 150 new cases reflected in the state’s data on Monday.

“We are extremely concerned by yet another cluster of covid-19 cases in the beach area and the potential for spread to others both at work and in social gatherings,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Delaware Division of Public Health. “We know that some of the positive persons have been at parties recently, potentially transmitting the virus to others who may still be here or may have returned to their homes in other counties or states.”

Meanwhile, at 5 p.m. Wednesday, wearing of face masks will be required everywhere in Rehoboth Beach.

Commissioners voted unanimously Tuesday in favor of requiring face coverings on all city streets, in commercial establishments and on the beach.

“When you’re on the beach, a mask is required. When you’re in the water, that’s not part of the order,” Mayor Paul Kuhns told the Cape Gazette.