Public Health Announces 76 Additional Positive COVID-19 Cases Among Delawareans; 5 New Deaths

SMYRNA (May 31, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing five additional fatalities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is providing an update on the number of positive cases and recovered individuals. All data reported through the daily updates are based on data received as of 6:00 p.m. the previous day.

DPH is sharing information regarding the following upcoming community testing events:

The State will conduct a saliva-based testing event on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Beacon Middle School, 19483 John J Williams Highway, Lewes. People are strongly encouraged to pre-register at delaware.curativeinc.com to reserve your place and reduce wait time for this viral test. Limited on-site registration will be available. Individuals are asked not to eat, drink, or brush your teeth for 20 minutes prior to taking the test.

Health care systems and hospitals continue to schedule testing at their free standing sites. Information regarding the free-standing testing sites, as well as additional community testing sites as they are scheduled, will be listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.

Additionally, starting Monday June 1, 2020, DPH Community Health employees will begin conducting contact tracing and case investigations in the community. DPH field teams of two will personally visit individuals for whom DPH has no phone number to advise them they have a positive test result for COVID-19, or have been identified as a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. The DPH employees will have state employee identification and most likely be wearing a shirt which identifies them as a DPH employee. They will also be wearing a mask, gloves, and may even wear a face shield. They will request permission to ask the person a series of questions, but will not request to enter the home unless they are unable to maintain the individual’s privacy outside the home. Contact tracers do not ask for bank account or Social Security information. An individual’s information will not be shared with any person or organization, and will only be used to help DPH monitor a person’s health status through additional phone calls to that person and help stop the spread of the disease. DPH does not release any personal information to the public. For additional information about contact tracing, visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/contact-tracing/.

In total, 366 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 21 to 103 years old. Of those who have died, 192 were females and 174 were males. A total of 170 individuals were from New Castle County, 63 were from Kent County, and 133 were from Sussex County.

The most recent deaths announced today ranged in age from 65 to 93. Two of the individuals were female and three were male. Four were New Castle County residents, and one was a Sussex County resident. All five individuals had underlying health conditions and were residents of long-term care facilities.

To protect personal health information, DPH will not confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently.

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m., Saturday, May 30, include:
• 9,498 total positive cases
• New Castle County cases: 3,758
• Kent County cases: 1,436
• Sussex County cases: 4,253
• Unknown County: 51
• Females: 5,220; Males: 4,234; Unknown: 44
• Age range: 0 to 103
• Currently hospitalized: 160; Critically ill: 30 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
• Delawareans recovered: 5,266
• 51,173 negative cases**
*Data are provisional and subject to change.
**Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.

Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and rates information by ZIP code, can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal.

Delaware is considering patients fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms. Three days after symptoms resolve, patients are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice strict social distancing for the remaining four days before returning to their normal daily routine.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste. Other symptoms such as headache or digestive symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite) have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation. If you are sick and need essential supplies, ask someone else to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy to get what you need.
If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions – including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment – may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Individuals who have complaints about out-of-state individuals violating the Governor’s State of Emergency Order, or violating the public gathering restrictions, should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: COVID.DOJ@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses reopen should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov.

Individuals with questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

In addition, the Division of Public Health asks any Delaware health care, long-term care, residential, or other high-risk facility with questions or concerns to email: DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call the DPH Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 and press ext. 2.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.


Public Health Announces 186 Additional COVID-19 Positive Cases Among Delawareans; 5 New Deaths

SMYRNA (May 30, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing five additional fatalities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is providing an update on the number of positive cases and recovered individuals. All data reported through the daily updates are based on data received as of 6:00 p.m. the previous day.

Health care systems and hospitals continue to schedule testing at their free standing sites. Information regarding the free-standing testing sites, as well as additional community testing sites as they are scheduled, will be listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.

DPH is sharing information regarding the following upcoming community testing events:

The State will conduct a saliva-based testing event on Tuesday, June 2, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Beacon Middle School, 19483 John J Williams Highway, Lewes. People are strongly encouraged to pre-register at delaware.curativeinc.com to reserve your place and reduce wait time for this viral test. Limited on-site registration will be available. Individuals are asked not to eat, drink, or brush your teeth for 20 minutes prior to taking the test.

In total, 361 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 21 to 103 years old. Of those who have died, 190 were females and 171 were males. A total of 166 individuals were from New Castle County, 63 were from Kent County, and 132 were from Sussex County.

The most recent deaths announced today ranged in age from 60 to 80. Three of the individuals were female and two were male. Three were New Castle County residents, one was a Kent County resident, and one was a Sussex County resident. All five individuals had underlying health conditions and three were residents of long-term care facilities.

To protect personal health information, DPH will not confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently.

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m., Friday, May 29, include:
• 9,422 total positive cases
• New Castle County cases: 3,723
• Kent County cases: 1,432
• Sussex County cases: 4,215
• Unknown County: 52
• Females: 5,176; Males: 4,203; Unknown: 43
• Age range: 0 to 103
• Currently hospitalized: 174; Critically ill: 32 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
• Delawareans recovered: 5,205
• 49,907 negative cases**
*Data are provisional and subject to change.
**Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.

Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and rates information by ZIP code, can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal.

Delaware is considering patients fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms. Three days after symptoms resolve, patients are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice strict social distancing for the remaining four days before returning to their normal daily routine.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste. Other symptoms such as headache or digestive symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite) have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation. If you are sick and need essential supplies, ask someone else to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy to get what you need.

If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions – including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment – may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Individuals who have complaints about out-of-state individuals violating the Governor’s State of Emergency Order, or violating the public gathering restrictions, should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: COVID.DOJ@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses reopen should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov.

Individuals with questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

In addition, the Division of Public Health asks any Delaware health care, long-term care, residential, or other high-risk facility with questions or concerns to email: DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call the DPH Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 and press ext. 2.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

 


DE Dept. of Labor Disburses Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Payments

For Immediate Release Friday, May 29, 2020: Wilmington, DE:
The Delaware Department of Labor, in its effort to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, reached another milestone this week by paying the first Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claims to eligible Delawareans. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program provides benefits for independent contractors and self-employed workers in the state of Delaware.

The new PUA system was launched on May 16, 2020 and since its launch over 6,000 claims have been filed, reflecting more than $24 million dollars in benefits requested.

In response to the recent rise of unemployment fraud in many states throughout the country, the testing of Delaware’s new PUA system was extended. Our focus in the coming weeks is to improve the speed with which claims are processed, reviewed, and paid. Next week and in the weeks to come, more claimants will begin to receive this long awaited and much needed assistance.

If you have registered for (PUA) benefits, please continue filing your weekly certifications to ensure your benefits are processed and disbursed as soon as possible.

For questions, or if you require more information regarding your PUA benefit claim, please visit https://PUA.delawareworks.com,
or call 302-368-6600 | 302-739-5461 | 302-856-5611

 

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Contact:
Kenneth Briscoe
Director of Communications
kenneth.briscoe@delaware.gov
Delaware Department of Labor


Forest Campsites and Redden Lodge to Stay Closed

The Delaware Forest Service will implement a new fee-based online reservation system for camping and the historic Redden Lodge later in the summer. Camping and lodge rentals will not be available until the system is operational.

DOVER, Del. – Effective June 1, in accordance with Delaware’s Phase 1 Reopening Plan, outdoor gatherings of more than 25 people will be permitted at Delaware’s state forests, subject to compliance with the Delaware Division of Public Health’s “Guidance on Outdoor Gatherings.”

While the state’s ban on short-term rentals will be lifted on June 1, camping at Blackbird State Forest and Redden State Forest, as well as the Redden Lodge, will be closed to the public until further notice. Plans are underway to implement a new online, fee-based reservation system expected to be operational later this summer. There is no fixed date on the launch of the new system.

The Delaware Forest Service has been working to create additional campsites at both Blackbird and Redden, which will be open when the registration system goes live. The new system will also handle advance bookings for the popular and historic Redden Lodge. Users will be able to make camping and lodge reservations for future dates, receive electronic confirmations, and make payments and receive refunds via credit card.

Assistant State Forester Kyle Hoyd says the plan is to improve the overall camping experience and provide greater access.

“Our main goal is to be able to increase reservation efficiency and ease for the general public. The new registration system will allow us to better manage this resource we provide. The minimal fees we are charging will go towards upkeep and maintenance, as well as enhanced amenities such as new fire rings, camping grills, improved sites and parking areas. Visitors will be able to enjoy more than 65 miles of state forest trails that are available for public access,” Hoyd said.

Delaware State Forests (Blackbird, Taber, and Redden) remain open for hiking, horseback riding, outdoor recreation, and other uses – subject to guidance from the Division of Public Health on proper social distancing, use of face coverings. There are currently no access fees to visit a state forest and use the trails.

State Forest offices will also remain closed to public visitors until further notice.

The Delaware Forest Service will honor only planned outdoor events scheduled prior to the COVID-19 shutdown. Outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people in an unenclosed space, such as weddings, may only be carried out if there is strict adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, including: proper hand hygiene, adequate social distancing, face coverings, and other measures outlined in the Phase 1 Plan.

For more information, contact Kyle Hoyd at kyle.hoyd@delaware.gov.

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Governor Carney Releases Guidance on Summer Camp, Summer School Programs

Camps must develop a written plan for enforcing social distancing and other basic health precautions

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Friday issued guidance for summer camps and summer school as Delaware continues a rolling reopening of the economy. Recreational camps must develop a written plan for enforcing social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and other basic public health precautions.

Those plans should be available upon request by the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH).

Read the State of Delaware’s guidance on summer camps and summer school programs.

Summer camps and summer school programs will be permitted to open in accordance with Delaware’s guidance effective Phase 2 of the economic reopening.

“As we continue to gradually reopen our economy, and get Delawareans back to work, it’s important that everyone remember that this virus has not gone away,” said Governor Carney. “It’s up to all Delawareans and visitors to take basic health precautions to limit community spread of COVID-19. Act with a sense of community and protect others. Wear a face covering in public settings. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Maintain social distance – at least six feet – from anyone outside your household. Don’t let up.”

DPH strongly encourages camps and summer school programs to limit groups to 15 children, plus staff. Guidance on masks for youth is forthcoming.  Children 2-years-old and younger SHOULD NOT wear a face covering due to the risk of suffocation.

If feasible, DPH also recommends conducting daily health checks – such as temperature screening or symptom checking of staff and students. Health checks should be conducted safely in accordance with privacy laws. Camps and summer school programs should consider special precautions to protect vulnerable staff members and children who are at higher risk for severe illness.

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, should call Delaware 2-1-1, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medical-related questions related to testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov

The Division of Public Health will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

For details about Delaware’s economic reopening, visit de.gov/economy.

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