Gov. John Carney has lifted the 10 p.m. curfew placed on restaurants and bars. Health officials said other restrictions remain in place including the wearing of face coverings unless eating and limiting seating at individual tables to only members of the same household.

Restaurants are limited to 30 percent maximum capacity indoors with allowances for outdoor seating.

Winter high school sports are underway with restrictions. Only one person per athlete is allowed to attend an event and gymnasium maximum capacity of 30 percent must be adhered to, which include athletes, officials, coaches and staff. Athletes are required to wear face masks.

“As we come out of the winter holiday season, we are keeping these restrictions in place so that we can protect Delaware’s hospital capacity and protect lives,” Carney said. “We are balancing the need for a healthy community and a healthy economy, but we can’t let our guard down. Let’s all do our part, and do what works. Wear a mask. Don’t gather socially with friends or family outside your household. Stay vigilant.”

In his most recent order, Carney urged Delawareans to stay home as much as possible and only interact with immediate family members.

“Residents are advised and strongly encouraged to stay home as often as possible and to only leave home to go to work or school, or for necessary needs such as medical care, going to the grocery store or pharmacy or picking up food,” he said.

Drive-through vaccine clinics

In an effort to speed up Phase 1A of the state COVID-19 vaccination plan, Delaware Division of Public Health officials will start a series of weekend drive-through vaccination sites at Delaware's Department of Motor Vehicles facilities, including Georgetown. The clinics will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.

Phase 1A includes healthcare personnel with direct contact with ill patients or infectious material, emergency medical services agencies, long-term care staff and long-term care residents. Officials are especially reaching out to home health, dialysis and healthcare workers serving those with intellectual disabilities.

In addition, over the next two weeks, several pharmacies and stores with pharmacies will offer vaccinations. Included are some Rite Aid and CVS pharmacies and some Walmart, Acme, Giant and Safeway stores.

Health officials say Phase 1A should be completed by the end of January.

Questions can be directed to the Vaccine Call Center at 1-833-643-1715 or emailed to Vaccine@Delaware.gov.

January sees rise in COVID-19 cases in Sussex

During the first week of January, according to data provided by the Delaware Division of Public Health, Sussex County has become a hot spot for increases in positive COVID-19 cases. Increases in positive cases, which are averaging nearly 13 percent of those tested, have taken place in nearly every ZIP code in the county, especially in the 19947 and 19966 areas. The state average has been 9.8 percent for positive tests. In addition, daily hospitalizations are rising.

A virtual General Assembly

The 151st General Assembly got underway virtually on Jan. 12; Legislative Hall remains closed to the public. For links to meetings, go to legis.delaware.gov.