Board of Commissioners drops mask requirements

The City of Rehoboth Beach Board of Commissioners voted this afternoon to eliminate the city’s requirement that individuals wear masks on the boardwalk and in public indoor settings and instead adopted guidelines consistent with Governor John Carney’s 29th modification to the State of Emergency Declaration.

The state’s current mask regulations, which became effective today, follow guidance issued by the CDC and provide that fully vaccinated people may stop wearing masks in most outdoor and indoor places, except in crowded settings, including public transit, planes, schools, health care facilities, and congregate settings such as prisons and homeless shelters. Those who are not fully vaccinated should continue to wear masks when around others outside of their immediate household.

“The City of Rehoboth has been thoughtfully cautious in its response to the pandemic in order to ensure the safety of our residents, visitors, and businesspeople,” says Mayor Stan Mills. “And we thoughtfully have arrived at the conclusion, following guidance from the CDC and the state, that now is the time to lift most of our restrictions and gleefully get back to regular summertime activities. With the summer season upon us, we welcome visitors to our beach and community and encourage those who are not vaccinated to continue to take measures to protect themselves and others.”

The City of Rehoboth’s new guidelines, as outlined in the sixth modification to the city’s proclamation of civil emergency, which was adopted today, are effective immediately.