Governor John C. Carney, Jr. and Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Delaware Forest Service and honored the wildfire crew that just returned from two weeks battling blazes in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. The crew, which left the First State on July 8 and returned on July 23, first tackled the 700-acre Wilson Fire near Meeker, Colorado – started by lightning on July 7. The firefighters then moved on to the Grizzly Fire before finishing up on the Dragon Fire – located just south of Rangely, Colorado. Delaware’s team included 17 state and federal firefighters from Delaware and three from West Virginia. "The Forest Service has done unbelievable work over 90 years," Governor Carney told the audience. "As we celebrate 98 years of the Delaware State Fair, we've got a lot of other milestones that are happening, including the recognition of Delaware's state forestry service for 90 years of operation and their tremendous work."

Governor John C. Carney, Jr. presided over the Delaware Forest Service's 2018 Arbor Day Celebration at DNERR St. Jones Reserve in Dover on Friday, May 4. Joined by Rep. Harvey Kenton, Rep. David Wilson, Agriculture Secretary Michael T. Scuse, and DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin, Governor Carney honored the winners of the Delaware Forest Service's Arbor Day School Poster Contest, including Statewide Winner Amelia Meyer of Southern Delaware School of the Arts in Selbyville. The 2018 poster contest theme was "Trees are Terrific... and Perfect for Pollinators!" The Governor also recognized representatives from some of Delaware's 17 Tree City USA communities, including Dover Air Force Base and Arden. The event culminated with the planting of two new hawthorn trees, part of a new "science garden" at the reserve, in keeping the 2018 poster contest theme and its focus on pollinators.

Online tool helps Delawareans understand, visualize farmland preserved in all three counties DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney and the Delaware Department of Agriculture announced on Thursday a new, interactive dashboard to help Delawareans better understand farmland preservation. Delaware’s statewide program made its first round of easement purchases in 1996, and has since preserved 22 […]

Senate Bill 230 addresses first recommendation of Behavioral Health Consortium’s Action Plan WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday signed Senate Bill 230 beside members of the General Assembly, Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long and the Behavioral Health Consortium, and other mental health and addiction advocates. “I am proud to sign this bill into law, a […]

Order will create subcommittee focused on bettering health care spending, quality across the state WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Tuesday signed Executive Order #25 establishing health care spending and quality benchmarks. This Executive Order will form a subcommittee of the Delaware Economic and Financial Advisory Council to focus on reducing the cost of health […]

Executive Order creates commission focused on reentry reform, and new office at DOC to oversee implementation WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday signed Executive Order #27, which focuses on improving reentry procedures for incarcerated individuals in Delaware. The Executive Order creates a commission focused on reentry reform, policies, and procedures, with a goal […]

Senate Bill 25 would raise the legal age to purchase tobacco products from 18 to 21 DOVER, Del. – Surrounded by members of the General Assembly, advocates, students, and health care professionals, Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced his support for Senate Bill 25 – legislation that would raise the legal age for sales of […]

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the following statement on the Senate’s vote to confirm the Governor’s nomination of Claire DeMatteis to serve as the next Commissioner of the Delaware Department of Correction: “Thank you to the members of the Delaware Senate for confirming Claire DeMatteis as Commissioner of the Department of […]

Applications for rising 11th or 12th grade student seat are due March 20, 2020  DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney announced on Thursday the application period for the student seat on the State Board of Education is open through March 20, 2020. The application can be found on the State Board of Education website. Governor […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday announced his intention to nominate New Castle County Superior Court Judge Charlie Butler as Superior Court Resident Judge, New Castle County. Judge Butler – who since 2012 has served as a judge on the Superior Court in New Castle County – would replace Resident Judge of Superior […]

WILMINGTON, Del. –  Governor John Carney on Friday authorized all meetings of public bodies to be conducted electronically until further notice. Governor Carney on Thursday issued a State of Emergency declaration to prepare for the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19). The emergency declaration allows the State of Delaware executive branch agencies to conduct public meetings electronically to […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney announced on Monday that the State of Delaware Government Efficiency & Accountability Review (GEAR) public meetings planned in each county over the coming weeks will be postponed until further notice. The town halls were originally scheduled for March 19, 24, and 30.   Delawareans with questions about COVID-19 or their […]

Updated emergency declaration also bans gatherings of 50+ people statewide, and closes gaming in Delaware casinos WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday modified his March 12 emergency declaration to limit Delaware restaurants, taverns and bars to take-out and delivery service only to help prevent spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Governor Carney’s updated emergency […]

Governor to U.S. Small Business Administration: Make low-interest loans available to DE small businesses, nonprofits affected by COVID-19 WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday submitted an application formally requesting the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to provide Delaware an Economy Injury Declaration, which makes loans available to small businesses and nonprofit organizations in […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – As Delaware continues to respond to the spread of the Coronavirus and inform as many residents as possible, DelDOT’s WTMC Radio will rebroadcast at 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. today the audio of Governor John Carney’s virtual town hall with Delaware’s Secretary of Health and Social Services Dr. Kara Odom Walker that […]

Hospitality businesses will be eligible for immediate financial assistance, unemployment benefits for workers expanded WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday announced the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP) to provide financial relief for restaurants, bars and other hospitality industry businesses that employ thousands of Delawareans. “Restaurants, bars, hotels, and other hospitality-related businesses, and their workers, are […]

Second update provides support to restaurant industry WILMINGTON, Del. –  Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued a second modification to his emergency declaration that allows any restaurant, brewpub, tavern or taproom with a valid on-premise license to sell alcoholic beverages as part of transactions for take-out food or drive through food service. Alcohol sales cannot […]

Order will allow flexibility to provide child care options for Delaware families, health care workers WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday signed Executive Order #38, which will allow the State of Delaware and providers flexibility to provide child care options for Delaware families and health care workers due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).  Read […]

DOVER, Del. – Governor John Carney, along with the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), announced on Friday a coordinated statewide plan to ensure individuals with symptoms consistent with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have access to safe and efficient testing in Delaware. Tests will be administered at no cost to the patients. Through […]

MILTON, Del. – The State of Delaware and Dogfish Head Craft Brewery are partnering to make more, much-needed hand sanitizer available to the state government. Dogfish Head, one of Delaware’s best-known businesses, began distilling spirits in Delaware in 2002 and has now committed part of its operations to also make hand sanitizer. As it ramps […]

Delaware beaches closed to help slow spread of coronavirus REHOBOTH, Del. – Governor John Carney on Saturday issued a third modification to his emergency declaration. The new orders close Delaware beaches to help slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). The public is prohibited from accessing the beach except to exercise or walk their dogs […]

 Governor John Carney on Sunday issued the fourth and fifth modifications to his State of Emergency declaration, ordering Delawareans to stay at home whenever possible and closing all non-essential businesses in Delaware to help fight the spread of COVID-19.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday declared a Public Health Emergency and released a more robust Order to assist with Delaware’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) issued a companion order focused on strengthening Delaware’s health care workforce in response […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday ordered all Delaware schools to remain closed through at least Friday, May 15 to fight the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).  Read a letter that Governor Carney sent Monday night to families, educators, and school leaders. “On March 13, after significant discussion with superintendents and charter school leaders, I […]

Sixth SOE modification also protects Delawareans from evictions, foreclosures    WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday issued a sixth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, moving Delaware’s presidential primary to June 2, and suspending residential foreclosures and evictions during the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). The order goes into effect at 8:00 a.m. on […]

All Non-essential businesses ordered closed at 8 a.m. Tuesday WILMINGTON, Del. –  Governor John Carney on Tuesday provided additional guidance from the State to help employers better understand the fourth and fifth modifications to his State of Emergency declaration, which ordered Delawareans to stay at home whenever possible and closed all non-essential businesses in Delaware to help […]

State requests vendors help supply products and services to assist with COVID-19 response WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday announced the State of Delaware requests assistance from vendors throughout the state in the effort to combat coronavirus (COVID-19). In response to Governor Carney’s State of Emergency Declaration, the State of Delaware received many vendor […]

H.E.L.P. to include more industries and additional small businesses WILMINGTON, Del. –  Governor John Carney on Thursday announced the expansion of the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (H.E.L.P.) to provide financial relief for additional industries impacted because of coronavirus (COVID-19). The expansion makes personal care services businesses – such as barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, and beauty shops […]

Up to $1,500 in assistance available to Delawareans struggling to pay rent or electric bills due to COVID-19 WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi on Thursday announced a new program to provide emergency housing assistance to renters affected by shutdowns, closures, layoffs, reduced work hours, […]

WILMINGTON, Del. –  Governor John Carney on Sunday signed the seventh modification to his State of Emergency declaration, ordering all out-of-state travelers into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days to fight the spread of COVID-19. Under Sunday’s order, anyone who enters Delaware from another state must immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. The 14-day period […]

State buildings, essential businesses to screen workers, visitors WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday signed the eighth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, which allows child care programs in Delaware to be designated as emergency child care sites in an effort to assist essential personnel during the coronavirus crisis. Read the full […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday signed the ninth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, further limiting public gatherings and ordering essential businesses to take specific steps to enforce social distancing and fight the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19). Governor Carney’s modified emergency order limits public gatherings to 10 people through […]

Community call-to-action issued for emergency materials, supplies WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney issued a community call-to-action on Thursday, urging all Delaware citizens, businesses and nonprofits to offer their assistance in Delaware’s fight against coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The State of Delaware launched an online tool at de.gov/coronavirus to connect Delawareans offering materials and supplies with organizations, medical […]

Tenth update to emergency order also closes additional businesses to fight COVID-19 WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday issued the tenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, banning all short-term rental units – including vacation home rentals, hotels, motels, and condo rentals – to help fight the spread of COVID-19. Commercial lodging […]

Governor teams up with popular social network to keep Delawareans informed of the latest on the neighborhood level   WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday formally extended the State of Emergency declaration in place to limit the spread of COVID-19, and announced a partnership with the social network Nextdoor to keep Delawareans informed on […]

Community call-to-action issued for workforce support WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney expanded his community call-to-action on Saturday morning, urging all Delaware citizens with health care and child care experience to offer their expertise in Delaware’s fight against COVID-19. Last week, Governor Carney urged citizens, businesses and nonprofits with access to emergency materials and supplies […]

Council Will Include One Health Expert, One Economic Development Expert and Respective Chiefs of Staff from Each State Council Will Develop a Fully Integrated Regional Framework to Gradually Lift the States’ Stay at Home Orders While Minimizing the Risk of Increased Spread of the Virus New Effort Builds on the States’ ongoing Regional Approach to […]

Updated emergency order seeks to protect residents, workers in nursing facilities WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday issued the eleventh modification to his State of Emergency declaration, requiring stricter guidelines to prevent COVID-19 infections in nursing facilities and other long-term care facilities. Click here for Governor Carney’s eleventh modification to the State of Emergency. Governor Carney’s […]

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday announced a partnership with the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, Westside Family Healthcare, local hospital systems, poultry industry employers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and trusted community partners […]

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney on Thursday announced a statewide public engagement strategy focused on Delaware’s economic reopening and recovery effort due to COVID-19.  Visit de.gov/economy to learn more and to help shape Delaware’s economic recovery effort. Starting on Monday, the Delaware Division of Small Business and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership will host virtual Recovery Town […]

Twelfth modification allows the Public Health Authority to activate additional workers WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday issued the twelfth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, which will allow the Public Health Authority to activate more out-of-state health care workers to assist in Delaware’s fight against COVID-19.        Read Governor Carney’s updated State […]

Children 2-years-old and younger should not wear face coverings due to suffocation risk WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Saturday issued the thirteenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, requiring Delawareans to wear face coverings in public settings, including in grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and on public transportation. Governor Carney’s […]

Governor John Carney on Tuesday declared Sussex County a hot spot for COVID-19 in Delaware and announced the initial schedule for the State of Delaware’s Coordination and Care community testing sites. Testing and outreach will occur in several Sussex communities that are at the center of Delaware's COVID-19 epidemic. Governor Carney first announced the community testing and outreach partnership among the state, hospital systems, and others last week, with an initial focus on Sussex County.

Modification provides additional protections for Delaware renters WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday issued the fourteenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, providing additional protections for Delaware renters during the COVID-19 pandemic, and extending the application deadline for Delaware’s Senior School Property Tax Credit Program until June 1.  Click here to read the full text […]

States Will Aggregate Demand for PPE, Medical Equipment and Testing on a Regional Basis Regional Supply Chains Will Help Realize Better Pricing, Delivery and Reliability of PPE and Medical Equipment for States   WILMINGTON, Del. – Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Delaware Governor John Carney, New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, […]

Retail, hair dressers able to resume limited services while maintaining health guidelines WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced a series of interim steps allowing small businesses to resume limited operations effective 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8. The goal of the interim steps is to provide economic relief to Delaware citizens and […]

All eligible Delaware voters will receive absentee ballot applications by mail WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday signed the fifteenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, rescheduling Delaware’s presidential primary for July 7. The Delaware Department of Elections will mail absentee ballot applications to all registered Democrats and Republicans in the State of […]

In cooperation with partners, Delaware will have capacity to test 80,000 Delawareans each month WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday announced a significant expansion of Delaware’s statewide testing program for COVID-19 as Delaware moves toward Phase I of an economic reopening. The plan will be implemented in partnership with Delaware’s hospital systems, primary […]

Governor announces rolling reopening; State of Emergency extended through May 31 WILMINGTON, Del. – In coordination with public health experts at the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), Governor John Carney on Friday announced June 1 as the target date for Phase I of Delaware’s economic reopening. Governor Carney has extended Delaware’s State of Emergency declaration, […]

WILMINGTON, Del. –  Governor John Carney announced on Friday that Secretary Robert Coupe – a longtime leader in Delaware law enforcement – will step down from his current role as the head of the Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security next month to join the Office of the Attorney General. “There are few people […]