Delaware beaches closed to help slow spread of COVID-19
REHOBOTH, Del. - Gov. John Carney on Saturday ordered Delaware beaches closed to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus.
The public is prohibited from accessing the beach except to exercise or walk their dogs where dogs are permitted.
FULL COVERAGE: CORONAVIRUS
The governor's order went into effect Saturday night and will last until May 15, or "until the public health threat of COVID-19 has been eliminated."
RELATED COVERAGE:
Coronavirus cases in Delaware climb to 45
How COVID-19 has impacted Delaware Valley so far
Interactive map tracks spread of COVID-19 globally
WHO: Type of cough may differentiate coronavirus from cold
“We need everyone to take this situation seriously," Carney said in a statement. "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."
An earlier emergency declaration from Carney prohibited public gatherings of 50 or more people for several weeks. Violations are considered a criminal offense.
Carney already ordered casinos be closed, and that restaurant and bars restrict their operations to take-out, drive-thru and delivery services.
Delawareans with questions about COVID-19 can call the state's Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899, or 711 for individuals with hearing impairments. Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
___
For the latest local news, sports and weather, download the FOX 29 News app.
DOWNLOAD: FOX 29 NEWS APP
___
The Associated Press contributed to this report.