Dover is under a curfew until further notice. What does that mean and why?

Dover remains under a curfew imposed Sunday night by city officials after looters took to the Dover Mall at the end of a day of protests in the state's capital.

The curfew is in effect from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. In a statement released by Dover Public Affairs and Emergency Management Coordinator Kay Sass, the city asked residents to voluntarily adhere to the curfew. The statement did not mention enforcement measures beyond voluntary compliance.

"The curfew is a tool to address the kind of behavior that causes fires, property damage and personal injury in the City and not to intrude into people's lives," the statement reads.

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People gathered peacefully at Legislative Hall Sunday afternoon to join cities across the country in protesting the death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin.

The group marched through the city and eventually onto Route 13, many holding signs with phrases like, "Where are the good cops?" and "Black Lives Matter."

As the sun began to set, the Forever 21 by Macy's at the Dover Mall could be seen being looted on several Facebook Live videos. Protesters blocked traffic on Route 13 late into the evening, with some throwing rocks at passing cars.

As Dover Police received backup from state police and multiple local agencies, Dover Mayor Robin Christiansen issued the 9 p.m. curfew around 8:50 p.m.

"While it is with every intent we support the First Amendment right to protest, those rights end when violence and destruction imposes on the rights of their fellow citizens," Christiansen said in a statement.

In a statement released Monday morning, Dover Police said they are committed to working with those who wish to protest in a "lawful manner" and talking about "important issues involving the criminal justice system."

"While we did have some incidents of property damage and looting last night, it represented a small percentage of the crowds that gathered to exercise their First Amendment right to protest the tragic death of George Floyd and the larger issue of social justice & racial inequality," the statement reads.

The curfew will be in effect until further notice and applies to the entire city, but there are some exceptions.

People are allowed to travel to and from work during curfew hours, though verification may be required according to a press release. People going to work are allowed to use ride-sharing apps.

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Businesses are not mandated to close, but the public should not be traveling to businesses like restaurants and retail shops, the release said.

Residents are allowed to seek medical care and can leave their homes if the situation is unsafe. The city listed domestic violence, fire and criminal conduct as potential unsafe circumstances that would warrant leaving home during curfew hours.

The curfew does not apply to law enforcement, firefighters, medical personnel or media.

Contact Brandon Holveck at bholveck@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter @holveck_brandon.