As of 5 am this morning, all of Delaware is under a Level 2 Driving restriction, which means only essential personnel are to be on the roads. In reality, with most businesses closed, all schools closed, all courts closed, it means “Stay home fool.”
Governor Markell stayed on Twitter for most of last night answering Delawarean’s questions about various storm related topics, including trash collection, power issues, bridge closings, but he had this to say about the driving restrictions: “Driving restriction keeps as many people safe as possible. Even with a waiver, employers should exercise good judgement.” Hey businesses, that is the Governor telling you to shut down and keep your employees safe. Indeed, the Governor just posted this to Facebook:
Many people have expressed concerns about being forced to report to work. Please note:The law protects employees who do not report to work from adverse employment actions if there is a State of Emergency with a Level 3 driving ban or a Level 2 driving restriction. 20 Del. C. 3116(a)(12).
The law does not apply to first responders and, in the case of level 2 driving restriction, it does not apply for some employers, such as those providing healthcare services or food and fuel deliveries, or those essential employees designated by employers with a waiver from DEMA. Contact your employer for information about how these driving restrictions affect you.
Complaints by employees that an employer took action against them would be handled by the Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Law Enforcement, Wage and Hour section at 302-451-3404, once state agencies are open again.
Please use this thread to report all your storm observations and news, for as long as you have power. But most importantly, stay safe out there.
For the latest news, follow the #SandyDE thread on Twitter.
Another good source of information is WhereinDE’s 1Source.