John Carney announced. At Cape Henlopen, when the gates are closed, admission also will be restricted for those with surf-fishing tags. All rights reserved. This could be a picture-perfect beach weekend. The state is also allowing sports tournaments to resume, as of June 20, pending the approval of submitted safety plans and other requirements. Here's what you need to know if you're planning on dipping your toes in the sand the weekend of July 3 to 5 – and what might be different than normal at the beaches in the current phase of Delaware's reopening plan. Article continues below advertisement. REHOBOTH, Del. Contact reporter Maddy Lauria at (302) 345-0608, mlauria@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @MaddyinMilford. Delaware Gov. Parking permits or metered parking is in effect in all of Delaware's beach towns from Lewes to Fenwick Island. In the last two weeks, public health and government officials have raised concerns about spikes in cases at the Delaware beaches, particularly in Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach. “Our beach communities are a very important part of the state’s economy  but they are not equipped to be a safe harbor for those who come from other areas. Rehoboth Beach has also chosen to close the boardwalk, effective immediately. public health and government officials have raised concerns, three lifeguards in Rehoboth Beach tested positive, State health officials call beach crowds 'concerning,' urge people to get tested, some bars and restaurants closed for a few days in late June, will be required in all public places in the city of Rehoboth Beach, violations punishable by a fine of up to $100, state officials considered the event "illegal", according to state fire marshal permit information, the state is pausing moving into the next phase, Bars at Delaware beaches to close ahead of July 4 weekend due to coronavirus spike, After reopening, some Delaware beach restaurants are reclosing due to coronavirus surge, Previous bans on out-of-state travelers and short-term rentals, www.dartfirststate.com/information/programs/beachbus/index.shtml#parkride, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Carney's additional restriction on beach bars for the holiday weekend means bar seating within restaurants also will be off-limits. John Carney announced on June 25 that the state is pausing moving into the next phase, due to concerns with people not following guidelines. Some have increased outdoor seating to try to accommodate more diners. Face coverings are required on public transportation. A … LEWES, Del. Social distancing is encouraged in all public spaces, and people should maintain at least 6 feet of distance from people who are not members of their immediate household. Delaware beaches and community pools will reopen at 5 p.m. May 22 under "strict" social distancing guidelines and other safety requirements. © 2021 www.delawareonline.com. All Delaware beaches closed. Officials in Bethany Beach also followed suit, requiring masks in most public spaces in town, with violations punishable by a fine of up to $100, starting July 3. Gov. Read more. During a live COVID-19 update on Wednesday, Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Division of Public Health, answered a question about going outdoors to take a walk. Smyrna/Clayton Sun-Times. DART's beach connection, which runs from Wilmington to Rehoboth Beach on weekends and holidays, also begins Friday, July 3. Local officials may choose to enact tighter restrictions. Park office hours are: Trailers and tow vehicles must park in the Towers Ocean parking lot. Delaware is in its second phase of reopening businesses previously restricted due to the coronavirus pandemic. Seaford, Delaware 5 contributions. We saw too many people on the beaches yesterday and we weren’t seeing the kind of social distancing that we need in order to slow the spread of coronavirus,” said Governor Carney. Of the Delawareans diagnosed with COVID-19, 28 are from New Castle County, five are from Kent County, and seven are from Sussex County. (AP) — Delaware Gov. Quaint friendly beach. “We need everyone to take this situation seriously. As cleanup ends on individual beaches over the next several days, the public may still see small spots of oil or isolated bits of debris. No additional announcements have been made on when Delaware will enter phase three of the state's rolling reopening plan. Trails and beaches may be closed on a temporary basis due to hazardous conditions. LEWES, Del. Forecasts can change as the weekend gets closer. Delaware Seashore State Park -- Towers Ocean. Beach access from within Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore and Fenwick Island State Parks is prohibited. GOV. After one failed test, a beach is given an advisory and tested every day; a second consecutive fail means the beach is closed. A … all Delaware beaches must close ahead of the novel coronavirus any changes in normal operating or! Days in late June to test all of their staff is closed as crews continue of! 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