In Dewey, no stickers identifying quarantine homes

Confusion ensued May 8 after a Dewey Beach commissioner said stickers would be placed on houses occupied by people from out of state.

About two hours into council’s live-streamed May 8 meeting, during discussion on the budget and staffing revisions based on the impact of COVID-19, Commissioner Paul Bauer said Police Chief Sam Mackert told him how quarantined homes are identified.

“If you’re coming in from out-of-state, our police will put a sticker on the house saying this is a house that has somebody coming in from out-of-state who has to quarantine for two weeks,” Bauer said.

Brow furrowed, Mayor Dale Cooke asked, “We actually have that procedure?”

“I talked to the chief about that,” Bauer answered. “That’s what he explained is our procedure on that.”

The Town of Dewey Beach issued a statement May 9, which read: “The Town of Dewey Beach would like to correct some misleading information regarding out-of-state visitors coming to the town. The town is NOT placing stickers or any markers on houses if someone from out of state is staying at their second home. If there is a complaint, the police will advise people of the need to quarantine in accordance with the governor's declaration. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused due to prior statements that were made.”

Reached by phone May 9, Town Manager Scott Koenig said he did not know the details of Bauer’s conversation with Mackert, or what led Bauer to believe stickers were being placed on homes. He said he did not have that conversation with the chief.

“It’s not even remotely correct,” Koenig said. “We don’t have a way to enforce that at all. We have a lot of out-of-state property owners. The last thing I’d want to do is put stickers on homes related to that.”

Koenig said there are many vehicles in town with out-of-state tags belonging to workers, military and property owners. He said there are no plans to put stickers or any markings on homes because of quarantine requirements.

He said the only stickers the town requires on homes are those issued to property owners with residential rental licenses; in those cases, a business license sticker must be displayed on the front door or window.

“That’s the only sticker we have related to any type of business license or rental license requirement,” Koenig said. 

Neither Bauer nor Mackert could be reached for comment.