Carney and Hall-Long are going virtual for 2021 inauguration

Catch the inauguration ceremonies from your couch this year.

Delaware’s Gov. John Carney and Lieutenant Gov. Bethany Hall-Long have decided, due to COVID-19 concerns, to host a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 10 a.m., with a livestream from Legislative Hall in Dover. Both will be sworn in for their second terms after winning reelection in November.

“For the past two decades, Delawareans have trusted me with the responsibility and privilege of representing them as Lieutenant Governor, in the U.S. Congress and now as Governor,” Carney said in a written statement. “In a second term, I promise to continue working hard, every single day, on the issues that are important to the people of our state. Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Governor.”

Hall-Long also issued a statement thanking constituents.

“I am thankful for the honor to serve as your Lt. Governor for another term,” she said. “2020 was a challenge for our nation, state, communities, and families. I look to 2021 with hope, confidence and optimism knowing we will face the challenges that confront us by working together to build a safer, healthier and stronger Delaware.”

Following the inauguration, on Tuesday, Jan. 26, Carney will virtually deliver his 2021 State of the State Address at 2 p.m. from the Senate Chamber at Legislative Hall. He will then present his recommended Fiscal Year 2022 budget at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28.

Events will be livestreamed at de.gov/live and livestream.com/stateofdelaware.

And then, of course, there’s President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday, Jan. 20. While the event is still scheduled to take place outside the U.S. Capitol, the public is “strongly encouraged to refrain” from attending in person, due to public health concerns. The swearing-in ceremony and other inauguration events will be livestreamed, with details to be released in the coming days. Follow @BidenInaugural and bideninaugural.org for updates.