Delaware to begin reopening plan on June 1 as restrictions ease on some businesses

FOX 29's Lauren Dugan reports.

DOVER, Del. - Some Delaware small businesses reopened on Friday under guidelines set by health officials, as the state aims to widen its economic reopening in early June.

Governor John Carney announced Delaware hopes to move into Phase 1 of the state's reopening plan on June 1. Specific details are yet to be released, but the first phase includes reopening gyms and allowing gatherings of 10 people.

Meanwhile, on Friday, small businesses previously deemed nonessential will operate in a limited capacity.

Retailers such as department stores, book stores and thrift stores will be allowed to do business using curbside pickup as long as social distancing practices are being kept.

FULL COVERAGE: CORONAVIRUS

Hair salons and barbershops will reopen but it will only be allowed to serve essential workers and there cannot be more than two appointments at a time per location.

“What did I say?” Beth Poole asked her friend and hair stylist. “You’re opening on Friday? You gotta get me in!”

Poole is an essential worker who couldn’t wait for a trim.

“I feel so relieved,” said Poole. “I feel so good. I love it!”

She ordered shirts for the whole staff reading“Straight out of quarantine” even if they cannot be together. Only two stylists and two customers are allowed inside for scheduled appointments.

“This place is usually very crowded,” said Joe Capaldi. His grandfather helped design the strip mall and his father helped build it. Now he is the property manager and has used the time closed to finish some exterior projects, sprucing up the place for when folks return.

“Though some businesses have tried to change their approach to get along, some businesses can’t,” said Capaldi.

Meanwhile, the owner of the Melting Pot Jeff Nichols has also taken the time to remodel, changing the lighting and flooring, plus painting the walls. He looks forward to the day he can welcome customers inside:

Restrictions begin to ease on some Delaware retail businesses

The first state is allowing some businesses to open on a limited basis.

Full list of retailers allowed to resume business in a limited capacity can be found below:

- Clothing stores

- Shoe stores

- Sporting goods, hobby, musical instruments

- Book, periodical, music stores

- Department stores

- Tobacco and Vape

- Other general merchandise

- Office supply, stationery, and gift stores

- Used merchandise stores

- Consumer goods rental

- Jewelry stores may do business by appointment

- Cosmetology: Haircare services only are permitted to be offered, and only to workers at essential businesses.

“I understand how hard this has been for Delawareans across our state. We’ve tried to find ways to ease the pain without compromising public health,” Gov. Carney said Tuesday.

“But even these limited steps allowing businesses to offer additional services will require strict compliance with safety standards, especially social distancing. We cannot afford to go backwards and see new cases and hospitalizations spike.”