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Mar 30, 2020
In response to recent media inquiries regarding the enforcement of the out of state visitor quarantine mandate, as the department has continuously stated, the members of the Rehoboth Beach Police Department understand and share in the concern over the COVID-19 pandemic. We also understand that in situations such as these, many people have many different questions. One answer that will always remain certain is that the Rehoboth Beach Police Department remains steadfast in its mission of safeguarding the lives and property of the people we serve, reducing the incidence and fear of crime, and working with our diverse community to improve our quality of life even in the face of trying times such as these. Based on information received, analyzed, and strategies developed, we will continually adjust procedures and protocols and take action when necessary with our mission as a primary focus.
Most importantly, we reiterate that we cannot do this alone. It takes the efforts of everyone in our community, as well as, those insistent upon coming here from other states. These mandates are being constantly updated and issued with the welfare of everyone, residents and visitors alike, in mind. With that said, we urge out of state visitors to, first and foremost, remain in their primary residences, but secondarily if they do visit, adhere to the mandated 14-day self-quarantine.
It is our sworn duty to advise everyone that the current State of Emergency is enforceable by penalty of criminal arrest. If necessary, in situations of non-compliance, officers will utilize all means and resources at their disposal, to include conducting traffic stops, to ensure compliance. The specific details of what these traffic stops might entail are not what we should be focusing on in light of the statewide concern over this pandemic. What citizens and visitors MUST focus on is doing their part to bring this pandemic to a swift end by following all the mandates of the current State of Emergency, not just those that are most convenient.
Our officers will continue to strictly enforce restrictions against public gatherings, the operation of non-essential businesses, and the closure of our beach and Boardwalk to everyone, even those exercising and/or walking their dogs. We can now add to that list the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine of out of state visitors who deem it necessary to travel into the City of Rehoboth Beach. We do this, not out of malice, but under the guidance of our State’s prominent healthcare experts to reduce the impact of COVID-19 on our community.
Lastly, and most importantly, we would like to continue to express our gratitude to anyone doing their part to end this pandemic and our appreciation to our community for their understanding during this time of concern and change. We remain steadfast in knowing that this is only temporary.
