“Our objective is to strike the right balance. To protect public health and strengthen the economy at the same time,” he said.
Only two appointments per half hour are allowed, and the shops have a long list of cleaning protocols they have to follow.
“Cleaning common areas, making sure their break rooms are closed, frequency with which you have to be disinfecting and maintaining things like a bathroom, providing hand sanitizers to your customers as they come into your building,” are some other guidelines stores have to follow, said Damin DeStefano, director of Delaware’s Division of Small Business.
Restaurants and bars will be following closely, opening their indoor space June 1 at 30% capacity, and starting Friday, they’re being encouraged to apply for additional outdoor seating.
“Which is safer than indoor seating in close proximity to folks with the fresh air and openness there,” Carney added.
Churches and other places of worship in Delaware can start holding in-person services again at 30% capacity, but Carney would prefer if residents stay at home and watch the service online.
The state now has a total of over 8,000 positive cases and over 300 fatalities.