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Governor bans short-term rentals

April 6, 2020

Gov. John Carney has banned all short-term rental units – including vacation home rentals, hotels, motels, and condo rentals – to help fight the spread of COVID-19.

Commercial lodging in Delaware will close at 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, and remain closed through May 15, or until the public health threat is eliminated, he said in a statement. The order exempts certain Delawareans and essential workers who may need access to short-term rental units. That list of exemptions includes caretakers with family members nearby, healthcare providers, journalists, and Delawareans with public housing vouchers. Victims of domestic violence who need alternative shelter are also exempted.

“All of Delaware’s restrictions are intended to prevent a surge in cases, preserve our hospital capacity, and save lives,” Carney said. “This is not the time for a vacation or tax-free shopping in Delaware. Delawareans also should not go out in public unnecessarily. Stay safe. Stay home. Protect your neighbors. We’ll get through this – but it’s going to take all of us.”

The order also places additional restrictions on businesses, banning door-to-door solicitation and closing pawn shops, video game stores, and other electronics retailers.  

Carney’s emergency order and its modifications have the force and effect of law. Failure to comply constitutes a criminal offense. State and local law enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce the provisions of the state of emergency.

Delaware employers with questions about how they may be impacted can email covid19FAQ@delaware.gov, or call 302-577-8477 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Emails are encouraged due to high call volume.

 

 

 

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