Week 13: State inches closer to Phase 2
With summer-like weather hitting the Cape Region during Week 13 of the COVID-19 state of emergency, visitors to area beaches are increasing.
Phase 2 of the state’s economic reopening plan begins at 8 a.m., Monday, June 15. Among the major changes is an increase of room capacity for restaurants and retail establishments from 30 percent to 60 percent of fire marshal approved room occupancy.
Guidelines were also released by Gov. John Carney for youth baseball and softball teams to return to play. Those include social distancing in dugouts and stands, sanitizing of balls and equipment, catchers 6 feet behind batters and the home-plate umpires standing 6 feet behind the pitcher. Many youth sports officials claim the guidelines are too restrictive.
Carney also extended the state of emergency, in effect since March 12, for another 30 days into July.
The Cape May Lewes-Ferry has updated its operations. With a reduced schedule, there are four departures from each terminal daily. Bicycle traffic is now permitted but officials do not anticipate allowing foot traffic until at least Wednesday, July 1. No food or beverage is available, but Grain on the Rocks restaurant opened in Lewes on June 11. There is no shuttle service in Lewes or Cape May. Reservations are required and cash is not accepted.
This week:
The number of positive COVID-19 cases in the state surpassed 10,000, with nearly 62,000 negative tests. As of June 9, there have been 4,373 positive cases in Sussex County, 4,139 in New Castle County and 1,530 in Kent County.
As of June 9, more than 400 Delawareans have died due to complications from the virus.
