COVID-19 Updates Archive

COVID - 19
Resources

UPDATES

july 12 UPDATE: Governor Carney Lifts COVID-19 State of Emergency

 Read the full announcement >

JUNE 15: GOVERNOR CARNEY TO LIFT COVID-19 STATE OF EMERGENCY ON JULY 13. Read the full announcement >

MAY 12 UPDATE: COVID-19 ORDER UPDATED, CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS EFFECTIVE MAY 21 ELIMINATED. Read more >

MAY 4 UPDATE: GOVERNOR CARNEY, DPH ANNOUNCE MAJOR CHANGES TO COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS. Read more >

MARCH 16 UPDATE: UPDATES AND EXPANSION OF COVID-19 VACCINATION PLAN. Learn more >

FEBRUARY 4 UPDATE: OCCUPANCY LIMITS TO INCREASE IN RESTAURANTS, RETAIL; TOURNAMENTS CAN RESUME WITH A PLAN; VACCINATION PROVIDERS MUST REPORT DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION OR FACE FINES.  Read the full announcement >

february 4 UPDATE: THE VACCINE IS HERE, NOW WHAT?

With COVID-19 vaccines now available, many questions are arising around the safety and effectiveness of the vaccines, the differences among the options, continued testing, and when and how to get the vaccine. Janice Nevin, M.D., MPH, president and CEO of ChristianaCare moderated this webinar to provide answers around:

The different vaccines available and their safety, and highlight additional vaccines on the brink of FDA approval
The State of Delaware’s detailed plan on how the vaccine will be distributed and how employers can help
Walgreens’ vaccination role through its 60 locations throughout Delaware

Panelists who joined Dr. Nevin are:

Dr. Michael Ybarra, Vice President of Medical Affairs & Strategic Alliances at PhRMA & emergency medical physician
Karyl Rattay, MD, MS, Director, DE Division of Public Health
Vincent Madeline, Area Healthcare Supervisor, Walgreens

Download slides >
DE Vaccine Planning for Agencies, Organizations, & Businesses >
Vaccine Planning Checklist >

COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Survey for Organizations with Essential Workforce: This survey is intended to provide DPH with critical information about your organization's need for vaccination of essential personnel beginning in Phase 1B, to enable support of your planning efforts. Complete survey >
To plan for vaccination of your workforce, email:
[email protected]

JANUARY 25 UPDATE: STATE OF EMERGENCY EXTENDED. Read more >

DECEMBER 3 UPDATE: STAY-AT-HOME ADVISORY, UNIVERSAL INDOOR MASK ORDER TO TAKE EFFECT DEC. 14. Read the full announcement >

november 18 UPDATE: Additional COVID-19 Restrictions announced

Gatherings capped at 10 people; restaurant dining indoors limited to 30 percent of fire capacity. Governor Carney announced additional restrictions statewide to slow community spread of COVID-19 as Delaware and the country experience a surge of cases, hospitalizations and deaths heading into the winter months.
 Read the full announcement >

OCTOBER 20 UPDATE: GOVERNOR CARNEY ANNOUNCES HEALTH CARE RELIEF FUND . Read the full announcement >

SEPTEMBER 30 UPDATE: PANDEMIC RESURGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RELEASES FINAL REPORT. Download report >

SEPTEMBER 9 UPDATE: GOVERNOR CARNEY ANNOUNCES $25M DELAWARE NONPROFIT SUPPORT FUND. Read the full announcement >

august 24 UPDATE: Governor Carney Announces $20 Million for Broadband Infrastructure

Governor John Carney, Chief Information Officer (CIO) James Collins, and Delaware Secretary of Education Dr. Susan Bunting announced that $20 million in CARES Act funding will be used to build out additional infrastructure across Delaware, gather strategic data through a statewide speed survey, and acquire equipment and services for families in financial need.
 Read the full announcement >

AUGUST 19 UPDATE: STATE OF DELAWARE, NEW CASTLE COUNTY LAUNCH $100M GRANT PROGRAM FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS STATEWIDE. Read the full announcement >

AUGUST 4 UPDATE: DELAWARE SCHOOLS MAY OPEN IN HYBRID SCENARIO. Read more >

august 3 UPDATE: GOVERNOR CREATES WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM FOR UNEMPLOYED AND UNDEREMPLOYED DELAWAREANS

Governor Carney signed Executive Order #43, creating the Rapid Workforce Training and Redeployment Training Initiative to assist Delaware workers and their families who have lost jobs and income due to the COVID-19 crisis. The workforce development program will initially be funded with $10 million of federal CARES Act funding.
 Read announcement >

JULY 31 UPDATE: PANDEMIC RESURGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RELEASES INTERIM REPORT. Download report >

JULY 24 UPDATE: 24TH MODIFICATION TO STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION. Read announcement >

JULY 1 UPDATE: economic forecast with stuart hoffman

The PNC Financial Group's Senior Economic Advisor Stuart Hoffman provided a positive economic outlook on both the country and Delaware's recovery following the pandemic. Hoffman calls the recession the deepest decline since the 1930's, but due to the immediate and aggressive actions by the US Treasury and the Fed, it should also be the shortest. Listen to our call here:

JUNE 11 UPDATE: child care in a post-covid-19 world

A COVID-19 world has proven how critical child care is to the labor market. Now that providers are once again open to all Delaware families, we had Cheryl Oldham of the US Chamber of Commerce and Representative Quinn Johnson join us for a webinar. They discussed the effects the public health crisis has had on the industry — both nationally and in Delaware — and what needs to be done to help providers survive past the pandemic.
Request slides >
View other webinars >

JUNE 4 UPDATE: Back to work: the case for upskilling our workforce

Workforce development is more important now than ever. There are known labor shortages in industries like health care, construction/trades, and information technology. Workers given new opportunities to develop skills for in-demand careers will be the best-positioned when the economic recovery begins. Delaware’s Secretary of Labor Cerron Cade and Ron Painter, president & CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards provided both a national and state perspective on what's being done now and plans for the future.
Request slides >
View other webinars >

JUNE 2 UPDATE: PHASE 2 OF DELAWARE’S ECONOMIC REOPENING TO BEGIN ON JUNE 15
Read full announcement >
Download Phase 2 guidance >

JUNE 1 UPDATE: GOVERNOR CREATES PANDEMIC RESURGENCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. Read full announcement >

may 28 UPDATE: return to work safely: the plan for contact tracing

The State of Delaware has partnered with University of Chicago to implement a contact tracing program with the assistance of the Delaware National Guard. If your business plans to test employees, the safety of your workforce will be improved only if you have an effective contact tracing program in place. As an employer, you may have questions about your role and responsibility with contact tracing. Watch our webinar with DHSS Secretary Kara Odom Walker and Major General Michael Berry of the Delaware National Guard.
Request slides >
View other webinars >

MAY 26 UPDATE: GOVERNOR CARNEY ANNOUNCES LIFTING OF SHORT-TERM RENTAL BAN, OUT-OF-STATE QUARANTINE ON JUNE 1. Read the full announcement >

MAY 19 UPDATE: ADDITIONAL INTERIM STEPS RELEASED FOR RETAIL, RESTAURANT BUSINESSES TO EXPAND OPERATIONS
   Read the full announcement >
   Apply for expanded outdoor seating >

MAY 15 UPDATE: PHASE 1 ECONOMIC REOPENING GUIDANCE RELEASED
   Read the full announcement >
   Download the guidance >

may 12 UPDATE: COVID-19 impacts on key delaware industries with patrick harker of the federal reserve bank of philadelphia

Patrick Harker, president & chief executive officer of the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia provided a regional economic outlook with a deep dive on key Delaware industries, including manufacturing and construction, agriculture, restaurants and hospitality, banking and finance, and the legal sector.
Read his prepared remarks >
Listen to the call:

REPORTS MENTIONED IN THE CALL:

MAY 8 UPDATE: STATE OF EMERGENCY EXTENDED THROUGH MAY 31; PHASE 1 REOPENING TARGETED TO BE ON JUNE 1. Read the full statement >

may 7 UPDATE: Return to Work Safely: COVID-19 Screening, Monitoring & Testing

As we begin to think about reopening Delaware’s economy, businesses need to create a return-to-work plan. Business operations can and should return to a sustainable level without jeopardizing employee or customer safety. ChristianaCare and Access DX provided information on screening, monitoring and testing as we all work to ensure Delawareans go back to work healthy and protected. The discussion explores workplace best practices and supporting the continuum of COVID-19 in the workplace.
Request slides >
View other webinars >

MAY 5 UPDATE: GOVERNOR CARNEY ANNOUNCES INTERIM STEPS ALLOWING SMALL BUSINESSES TO RESUME LIMITED OPERATIONS, EFFECTIVE MAY 8. Read the announcement and see the interim steps for your business >

APRIL 25 UPDATE: GOVERNOR CARNEY REQUIRES DELAWAREANS TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS IN PUBLIC SETTINGS, EFFECTIVE APRIL 28. Learn more >

MARCH 30 UPDATE: governor carney requires high-risk essential businesses to screen employees, effective april 1

Governor Carney issued an eighth modification to his State of Emergency declaration requiring high-risk essential businesses to screen employees effective April 1, 2020 at 8:00 am. This order requires: "State buildings and essential businesses that the Public Health Authority deems high-risk shall screen every employee, visitor and member of the public upon entering."
  See a list of high-risk essential businesses >
  Read about the essential services screening process >
"All state buildings and essential businesses shall display signage developed by the Public Health Authority that cautions individuals experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 not to enter the premises."
  Download the flyer for essential businesses to post at entrance >
  Download the flyer for essential businesses to post at entrance [Spanish Version] >
  Download shareable graphics in both English and Spanish >
  Read the latest on Governor Carney's State of Emergency Declarations >

MARCH 22 UPDATE: stay-at-home order & closure of non-essential businesses issued

Read Governor John Carney's statement on issuing a stay-at-home order >
      Is my business essential or non-essential? Find out here >
      If you would like to become declared an essential business, email your petition to [email protected]
      FAQs on non-essential closure >
      The latest on Governor Carney's State of Emergency Declarations >
The Delaware Business Roundtable and Delaware State Chamber of Commerce issued a joint statement in support of Governor Carney

stay up-to-date

download signage for your business

covid-19 vaccine

The Delaware Division of Public Health is working with federal, state and local stakeholders to implement an efficient and equitable distribution of one or more COVID-19 vaccines to all Delaware communities. It is the goal of DPH to make safe and effective COVID-19 vaccination available through a phased allocation, or rollout, first to health care workers, including those who care for vulnerable populations, and other first responders, followed closely by vulnerable populations and critical infrastructure workers, and then expand opportunities that are inclusive of all who live or work in Delaware. View their resource page >

Delaware’s COVID-19 Vaccination Playbook — a detailed plan on how the vaccine will be distributed >

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: The Food and Drug Administration has granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for COVID-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna. These were among the more than 200 vaccine candidates in development in early 2020, and they are expected to be the first of multiple vaccines to become available in the United States in the coming months. States are now starting to prioritize, allocate, and deliver the first vaccines. Here’s what you need to know about the process, the expected timelines, and what it means for you >

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Map of COVID-19 Clinical Trials in the US - US Chamber

Vaccine Tracker - Bloomberg

What You Need to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines - CDC

How is the vaccination campaign going in Delaware - NPR

Common Vaccine Side Effects - FDA

5 Things you Need to Know - ChristianaCare

Vaccine Development 101 - FDA

prevent the spread

Do not touch your face.
Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

Stay home when you
are feeling sick.
Be safe. If you feel sick, stay home.

Prevent the flu,
get vaccinated.
Be sure to receive your flu vaccine as soon as possible.

Wash your hands frequently.
Be sure to wash your hands, including the backs and under your nails for 20 seconds. Or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

aid & relief

Coronavirus aid, relief, & economic SECURITY (CAREs) act

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CARES ACT RESOURCES:

The CARES Act expands the Small Business Administration’s long-standing Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program (EIDL). The EIDL program was created to assist businesses, renters, and homeowners located in regions affected by declared disasters.
  Guide to SBA's Economic Injury Disaster Loans >

The Act created a new employee retention tax credit for employers who are closed, partially closed, or experiencing significant revenue losses as a result of COVID-19.
  Guide to Employee Retention Tax Credit >

The extension stimulus bill allocated an additional $310 billion ($350 billion in the first round) to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses.
  Small Business Guide & Checklist for Coronavirus Emergency Loans >
Guide to PPP Loan Forgiveness >

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S CORONAVIRUS RELIEF OPTIONS:

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides capital to cover the cost of retaining employees. Note: The PPP close on August 8, 2020. Learn more >
PPP loan forgiveness fact sheet >
Apply for loan forgiveness >

The Economic Injury Disaster Loans provides economic relief to small businesses and nonprofit organizations that are currently experiencing a temporary loss of revenue. Learn more >

SBA Express Bridge Loans enables small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly. Learn more >

SBA Debt Relief: The SBA is providing a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more >

America’s banks are taking steps to respond to the needs of individuals and small business owners directly affected. This support will vary by institution and the customer’s specific circumstances, but could include, for example, fee waivers; deferred payments for credit cards, auto loans and mortgages; loan modifications; low-rate and zero-rate loans, and other accommodations.
Download Tips for Managing Your Finances >

state financial relief & unemployment benefits

US SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S DELAWARE OFFICE
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) approved Delaware's application for an Economic Injury Declaration, which makes loans available to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties.
  Read the press release >
Visit the SBA Delaware District Office website >
  Apply for Disaster Assistance >
  Download the Economic Injury Loan Fact Sheet >

DE RELIEF GRANTS
The DE Relief Grants program is a joint initiative of the State of Delaware and New Castle County, and is funded by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Funds include nearly $200 million to assist Delaware small businesses and nonprofit organizations affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
  Learn more and apply >
**With the new federal COVID-19 relief package signed into law, DE Relief Grant recipients now have additional time to spend their DE Relief Grant bonus payments. They will have until December 31, 2021 to spend the funds.

DISASTER PLANNING
Continuity Dynamics, Inc. provides Business Continuity Planning (BCP) for the Small-Medium Business (SMB) and Enterprise firms that are members of the State Chamber at a discounted price. This planning will assist in planning for, and responding to, disasters of all kinds. It will also help you to endure this coronavirus scenario, as well as providing critical crisis management direction to minimize reputational risk.
  Continuity Dynamics DSCC SMB Pandemic Action Plan >
  Learn more using code: DSCC >

DELAWARE NONPROFIT SUPPORT FUND
The fund contains $25 million, which will support organizations that have provided critical services to Delawareans and Delaware families throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Eligible services include: Homelessness and shelter assistance, Food assistance, Substance abuse counseling and services, Assistance for Delawareans who have lost employment, Domestic abuse services, Services for youth in crisis
  Learn more >
Apply >

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
DOL expands unemployment benefits to workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  Unemployment Insurance FAQs >
  File an Unemployment Insurance Claim >
Visit the DOL's COVID-19 Response Center >
Looking for a job? Visit Delaware JobLink >

FAMILIES FIRST
Congress passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides free coronavirus testing, strengthens food assistance, safeguards Medicaid benefits, enhances unemployment aid, and establishes paid leave.
  Learn more >
  FFCRA: Employee Paid Leave Rights >
  FFCRA: Employer Paid Leave Requirements >

HOSPITALITY EMERGENCY LOAN PROGRAM (HELP)
Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) provides financial relieve for restaurants, bars and other hospitality industry businesses.
  Learn more >
  Apply for the loan >

HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Delaware State Housing Authority announced a Housing Assistance Program: Up to $1,500 in assistance available to Delawareans struggling to pay rent or electric bills.
  Apply for housing assistance >

THE WILMINGTON STRONG SMALL BUSINESS FUND
Fund will offer grants of approximately $1,000 to small businesses located in the City of Wilmington to cover specific expenses such as rent payments, mortgage payments, utility and supplier bills.
  Learn more >

NONPROFITS
Delaware’s philanthropic and nonprofit leaders launched the Delaware COVID-19 Response Initiative that fundraises and manages relief funds and coordinates volunteer opportunities.
  Learn more >

WHICH LOAN PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR MY BUSINESS?

As you work to shore up your small business amidst the impacts felt from efforts to protect the public from coronavirus, you may be overwhelmed by the options and acronyms available to you for financial support. This chart is designed to help you compare the various programs open to Delaware businesses.

support each other

What are large employers doing?

THE COVID-19 CORPORATE RESPONSE TRACKER
How America's largest employers are treating stakeholders amid the coronavirus crisis >

5 PRINCIPLES TO HELP GUIDE CORPORATE AMERICA DURING THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
Constructed from five years of public opinion research on what constitutes just business behavior, to support corporate decision-making during these challenging times:

Support Workers’ Health and Financial Security
Adopt Practices to Minimize Job Loss
Put Workers First, and Work with Government to Do So
Support Communities, Local Suppliers, and Customers
Have the C-Suite Lead by Example

COVID-19 & INEQUALITY: A TEST OF CORPORATE PURPOSE
Today the planet is under siege from a pandemic that has resulted in the most profound economic calamity since the Great Depression. This crisis has exposed and amplified multiple systemic fault lines, including:

Wealth disparities
Ecosystem disruption that promotes novel virus incubation
Inadequate healthcare access and employment safety nets

In response to this historic moment, the Test of Corporate Purpose (TCP) initiative was launched in April 2020 to answer:

What are the best practices of corporations in managing the fallout from the pandemic, inequality, and social unrest?
Which companies are performing best in regard to employee, community, environmental, and consumer interests, and why?
What does a company’s performance in the time of the pandemic and rapidly rising concerns about racial and income inequality indicate about the seriousness and durability of its commitment to stakeholder interests and its corporate purpose?

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Shop locally by visiting your
favorite stores online #ShopLocalDE

shop local

Buy gift cards to your favorite restaurant now, treat yourself later

local gift cards

Order takeout or delivery

Local Restaurants Guide

If you have tickets to a live show or concert, consider donating the money back to the theater or venue

arts, culture & entertainment members

Buy supplies at local grocery stores

member grocery stores

Donate food to health care workers

hospital policies on food donations

Business-to-Business: Focus on online advertising and marketing

advertise with us

recovery

STATE OF DELAWARE
Governor Carney joins five governors in a multi-state council (DE, NY, NJ, CT, PA, and RI) to get back to work and restore the economy. The coordinating group – comprised of one health expert, one economic development expert and the respective Chief of Staff from each state — will work together to develop a fully integrated regional framework to gradually lift the states’ stay at home orders while minimizing the risk of increased spread of the virus.
  Read the announcement >
  Learn more about the State's economic recovery plan >

The State released Phase 1 guidance on May 15 for a June 1 reopening.
  Read the full announcement >
  View Phase 1 guidance >

On June 2, the State released Phase 2 guidance set for June 15
  Read the full announcement >
  View Phase 2 guidance >

Delaware Department of Labor Guidelines & FAQs for employers and employees. Download >

US CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The Path Forward program is an initiative to address how Americans and businesses can return to work safely, successfully, and sustainably. The program includes a comprehensive framework of considerations, an event series that will feature diverse viewpoints from the public and private sectors and recommendations on the practices and policies needed to begin a phased process to bring the full American economy back to work.

The US Chamber also launched a Digital Resources Center, which provides the latest state guidelines, sector-specific guidance, small business advice, and other tools and resources to help employers and employees return to work safely and successfully.
  Reopening Business Digital Resource Center >
  Ready to Open: A Playbook for your Small Business >
  Standardized Employee Screening Questionnaire >

DELAWARE STATE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
As we begin to think about reopening Delaware’s economy, businesses need to create a return-to-work plan without jeopardizing employee’s or customer safety. We are pleased to share this guidance on COVID-19 Prevention Best Practices.
Download the guide >

Just as state and health care leaders are dealing with efforts to minimize the impact of the virus on Delawareans, business community leaders are beginning to consider the most effective way to get Delawareans back to work and drive economic recovery in Delaware without a resurgence of the virus. We believe the business community must be full partners in the decision-making process for development and implementation of any and all economic recovery initiatives that are undertaken.
Download the proposal >

BUILD CONSUMER & EMPLOYEE CONFIDENCE
Based on the general guidelines for all businesses in the Phase 1 guidance, the Division of Small Business along with the Division of Public Health developed the COVID-19 Customer Protection Standards. Businesses following the Standards can get a free window cling to put at their front entrance – one per location – as a way to show customers that they are working to follow the State’s safety guidelines.

Learn more >
Download the checklist >

Download printable signage for your business >
Restaurants: Apply for expanded outdoor seating >

resources

BUSINESS-BUSINESS TOOLIKIT
As your business plans for reopening in the recovery, you might be looking for sourcing personal protective equipment (PPE), identifying other businesses to partner with for certain recovery tasks, finding additional funding, and more. Learn more >

DELAWARE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR RETURN TO WORK GUIDELINES
Guidelines & FAQs for employers and employees. Download >