Kent County Today

Gov. John Carney added a third modification to his emergency declaration on March 21 to close beaches in the state to help combat the spread of the coronavirus.

Citizens aren't allowed on the beach except to exercise or walk their dogs. The Middletown Transcript reports that Rehoboth Beach has closed the boardwalk as well.

The modifications went into effect on March 21. The governor says the restrictions will remain in place until Friday, May 15 unless the public health threat level changes before then.

Carney says that everyone should take this threat seriously. 

“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,” Carney told Middletown Transcript. “This was a difficult decision, but we need folks to follow the rules to keep all Delawareans safe. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily. Wash your hands and disinfect surfaces frequently. Stay home, especially if you feel sick and even if you have mild symptoms. We will get through this together.”