Monday marks Phase 1 of Delaware’s economic reopening, businesses to open at 30 percent with public health guidance in place
The Delaware Division of Small Business on Sunday shared resources for small businesses and employers in advance of Phase 1 of Delaware’s economic reopening on June 1.
Read the State of Delaware’s Phase 1 economic reopening guidance (revised May 28, 2020).
Governor Carney announced during a press briefing on Friday that the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Delaware Division of Small Business assembled approximately 5,000 one-time personal protective (PPE) “starter kits” to support small businesses with necessary safety equipment they need initially to reopen. The kits include hand sanitizer, face coverings, and surface cleaner.
The State partnered with the following individuals and organizations to locally distribute the kits to small businesses in need:
- Members of the Delaware General Assembly
- Main Street Organizations
- Chambers of Commerce throughout Delaware
- State Office of Supplier Diversity
“It's important to remember that COVID-19 is still active in Delaware, even as we take steps to reopen Delaware's economy and get Delawareans back to work,” said Governor Carney. “Delawareans and visitors should follow basic health precautions to protect themselves and others. Maintain social distance - at least six feet away from anyone outside your household. Wear face coverings in public settings. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Stay home if you’re sick. Following these public health precautions will help keep Delawareans, and our economy, healthy.”
The State of Delaware also created downloadable materials for businesses that display public health guidance, including printable signs for doors and windows of businesses, to remind individuals to help prevent the spread by washing their hands and wearing a face covering in public. Signage also shows how to wear a face covering properly and encourage patrons not to enter a business if they are sick or have been in contact with someone who was sick in the last two weeks. Additionally, flyers, banners for websites and social media graphics are available with “Summer Safely,” “Work Safely,” “Play Safely,” “Shop Safely,” “Live Safely” and “Dine Safely” messages in English and Spanish under Resources for Businesses on de.gov/
“As businesses throughout Delaware reopen, we know they are going to need assistance to get restarted as quickly and safely as possible,” said Damian DeStefano, Director of the Division of Small Business. “Providing small businesses with PPE kits to get them going and the signage they need is a great addition to that effort.”
The State of Delaware has created a Business to Business Toolkit for businesses seeking supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE) as they reopen, including masks, gloves, cleaning supplies and face shields, among other items. Suppliers included on the site were companies that responded to the Coronavirus Community Call to Action and self-reported that they have PPE available. Businesses should conduct appropriate due diligence to verify the vendor information prior to contracting for products or services.
The Division of Small Business has also developed COVID-19 Customer Protection Standards. Businesses that follow these standards and submit their checklist can get a free window sticker 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. The COVID-19 Customer Protection Standards is a voluntary, self-reporting program.
Phase 1 will allow retail establishments, restaurants and other businesses to open at 30 percent of stated fire capacity with social distancing requirements and other public health guidance in place. Several industries must comply with sector-specific guidance.
Read the State of Delaware’s Phase 1 economic reopening guidance (revised May 28, 2020).
As Delaware enters Phase I, Delawareans must still wear face coverings in public settings. Delawareans and Delaware businesses also must adhere to strict social distancing requirements, and follow basic hygiene practices, including frequent hand washing. Vulnerable Delawareans should continue to shelter in place during Phase 1.
For details about Delaware’s economic reopening, visit de.gov/economy.
