Gov. Carney announces vaccination requirements for healthcare employees

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services have announced that starting September 30, staff in long-term care and other health facilities will be required to provide proof of vaccination or undergo regular testing for COVID-19.

This requirement will be formalized by the end of this month and will cover the following:

• Long Term Care Facilities – nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, immediate-care facility for persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities, neighborhood homes, group homes for persons with serious and persistent mental illness, group homes for persons with HIV/AIDS, family care homes, rest residential facilities, intensive behavioral support and educational residences
• Acute and Outpatient Providers –  adult day cares, free-standing birthing centers, free-standing emergency departments, free-standing surgical centers, home health agencies (aide only – non-skilled), skilled home health agencies, hospitals, prescribed pediatric extended care centers, hospice, personal assistance service agencies, office-based surgery

“There’s no better way to protect our most vulnerable neighbors from this virus than getting the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Governor Carney. “If you haven’t gotten your COVID-19 vaccine yet, consider it. Vaccination is how we’ll make sure our communities get healthier and continue to build a great future in our state.”

In addition, Governor Carney announced that starting September 30, State of Delaware employees will also be required to provide proof of vaccination or undergo regular testing for COVID-19.

Governor Carney and the Division of Public Health are also encouraging private employers to impose similar requirements to encourage vaccinations. State requirements will offer employees the choice between getting vaccinated or tested, but federal guidance allows employers to require vaccinations.