DOVER (Dec. 31, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

A total of 57,456 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020. The number of new daily cases this week has remained elevated with a seven-day average of 637.6 as of Wednesday, Dec. 30.

The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday, Dec. 30 was 23.9%, an increase from 22.5% as of Wednesday, Dec. 23. DPH publishes both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its COVID-19 data portal. As of Monday, Dec. 28, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 9.1%, a decrease from 9.8% as of Monday, Dec. 21. There is a two-day lag for presenting data related to percent of tests that are positive to account for the time delay between the date of the test and the date that DPH receives the test result.

In addition, 411 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, a decrease of 15 from the total as of last Thursday’s update. Fifty-eight of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, down two from last week.

A total of 926 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 38 additional deaths since last week’s update, including two as a result of a review of Vital Statistics records. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranges in age from 21 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 474 were female and 452 were male. A total of 462 individuals were from New Castle County, 167 were from Kent County, and 297 were from Sussex County.

To protect personal health information, DPH will not confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently. Additional data can be found at de.gov/healthycommunity.

Additional Updates:
Total Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines Administered in Delaware: As of midnight, Thursday, Dec. 31, Delaware has administered 11,274 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can now be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

As health experts continue to learn how the COVID-19 vaccine works under real-world conditions, everyone will need to continue to practice precautions such as wearing a mask over the mouth and nose, social distancing, frequent handwashing, and other hygiene measures to help reduce spread of the disease in the community. The combination of getting vaccinated and following recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.

As a reminder, DPH has set up a Vaccine Call Center, which can now be reached at 1-833-643-1715. People who are deaf and hard of hearing should call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211. Individuals can email their questions concerning the vaccine to Vaccine@Delaware.gov and visit de.gov/covidvaccine for more information. The call center will be closed on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2021.

Update on COVID-19 Outbreaks in Long-term Care Facilities: The Division of Public Health continues to investigate COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities throughout the state. The following facilities have experienced significant outbreaks since late September. Resident and staff tallies represent cumulative case totals between Sept. 25, 2020, and Dec. 30, 2020, and may not represent the number of active cases at each facility at this particular point in time:

• Cadia Healthcare Silverside in Wilmington; 52 residents and 44 staff members.
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington; 74 residents and 47 staff
• Lofland Park in Seaford; 19 residents and 17 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol in Dover; 47 residents and 34 staff
• Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar; 38 residents and 37 staff
• The Moorings at Lewes in Lewes; 17 residents and 37 staff
• Oak Bridge Terrace at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 16 residents and 13 staff
• Brookdale in Dover; 58 residents and 36 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow in Middletown; 20 residents and 24 staff
• Churchman Village in Newark; 59 residents and 41 staff
• Foulk Manor South in Wilmington; 29 residents and 30 staff
• Hillside Center in Wilmington; 21 residents and 17 staff
• Kutz Senior Living in Wilmington; 25 residents and 18 staff
• Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Hockessin; 90 residents and 41 staff
• Westminster Village in Dover; 46 residents and 28 staff
• Brandywine Assisted Living at Seaside in Rehoboth Beach; 39 residents and 15 staff
• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare in Milford; 46 residents and 14 staff
• Seaford Center Nursing Home in Seaford; 20 residents and 19 staff
• WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House in Seaford; 41 residents and 33 staff
• WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 13 residents and 14 staff
• Dover Place in Dover; 27 residents and 18 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance in Millsboro; 16 residents and 12 staff
• Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lewes; 47 residents and 17 staff

*Staff members may include health care and non-health care personnel, such as facility vendors or other individuals working in the long-term care facility who may not be full-time facility employees. Facilities listed represent those that have had a cumulative total of more than 10 cases among residents and more than 10 cases among staff to date since the beginning of the outbreak monitoring period, Sept. 25, 2020. As facility outbreak investigations close, they will be removed from this list.

Long-term Care Statistics:
As of 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 30, there have been a total of 1,916 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 499 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

The locations and number of deaths involving residents of long-term care facilities are:
• Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center, Millsboro (18)
• Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (18)
• Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
• Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (4)
• Brookdale Dover, Dover (8)
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (12)
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (18)
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (10)
• Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (25)
• Churchman Village, Newark (7)
• Country Rest Home, Greenwood (11)
• Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (13)
• Dover Place, Dover (3)
• Foulk Manor South, Wilmington (3)
• Forwood Manor, Wilmington (2)
• Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
• HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
• Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (23)
• Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (43)
• Hillside Center, Wilmington (4)
• Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (8)
• Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (3)
• Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
• Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (6)
• ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (14)
• ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (23)
• Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
• Millcroft, Newark (2)
• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (40)
• New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center, New Castle (12)
• Newark Manor Nursing Home, Newark (11)
• Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wilmington (26)
• Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Health Center, Smyrna (24)
• Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Hockessin (11)
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (8)
• Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
• Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
• The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (4)
• Westminster Village, Dover (13)
• WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House, Seaford (2)
• Seven other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)
• Three other Kent County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)
• One other Sussex County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)

Aggregate K-12 School-Related COVID-19 Statistics:
The Division of Public Health is providing statewide aggregate data on the total number of COVID-19 positive cases among students and staff who were in-person at a school or child care facility while potentially infectious, reported to DPH since Sept. 1, 2020. To determine the start of the infectious period, or when others may have been exposed to someone infectious, DPH looks 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms or 48 hours prior to testing for those individuals who had no symptoms. These data only indicate potential exposure to COVID-19 in these settings, not whether exposure actually occurred. Please note, these figures do not indicate that the infections were caused from being in the school setting.

Total number of COVID-19 positive students and staff, statewide, who were in-person at a school or child care facility while potentially infectious, reported to DPH between Sept. 1, 2020, and Dec. 30, 2020**:

*To protect personal health information, totals less than 10 are not shown.
**Data is preliminary and subject to change.

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, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache or congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider. 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.

DPH reminds Delawareans that 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.

Information about testing events, including community testing sites, permanent fixed testing sites, and free-standing sites operated by the health care systems and hospitals, will be listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at de.gov/gettested.

Delawareans over the age of 18 are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. 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.

Individuals who have complaints about individuals violating public gathering restrictions should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: HSPContact@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

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

The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that the new 2nd Street on-ramp to I-95 southbound in Wilmington has opened during the overnight hours on Wednesday, December 30. This was the first project related to the upcoming I-95 corridor rehabilitation project and was opened on schedule by contractor R.E. Pierson.

This nearly $20 million project, which began on April 15, 2020, removed the previous I-95 southbound on-ramps and bridge structures for the 2nd Street and Jackson Street ramps and built a new ramp configuration for access to I-95 southbound.

Additional left turn lanes have also been added on Lancaster Avenue to Adams Street and 2nd Street to the new reconfigured on-ramp. This new ramp will provide access to I-95 southbound for traffic leaving the city throughout the duration of the I-95 rehabilitation project while other ramps are closed for construction.

Traffic impacts for the I-95 rehabilitation project are scheduled to begin on Friday, February 12, 2021, with construction on the multi-year project beginning in March. For more information on the project visit restorethecorridor.com

DOVER (Dec. 30, 2020) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is reminding Delawareans that as we continue to deal with COVID-19 infections, influenza is still with us as well. Sadly, DPH announces the first flu-related death of the 2020-2021 season. A 56-year-old Kent county male infected with influenza B, who also had underlying health conditions, passed away last week.

As of Dec. 19, 2020, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been five laboratory-confirmed cases of the flu in Delaware for the current season. Two cases each are to residents of Kent and New Castle counties, and one resident is from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely much higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab.

“This tragedy reminds us that while we are diligently fighting COVID-19, we cannot forget about influenza as it also can be extremely dangerous and deadly, particularly to individuals who already have weakened immune systems,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We are keeping this person’s family in our thoughts as well as everyone battling illness in this difficult time. We encourage Delawareans to get their flu vaccines if they have not done so already and to make sure everyone in their family gets theirs, too. The vaccine will lessen your likelihood of getting the flu and can lower the severity of your symptoms if you catch it. You should also take antiviral medicines if your primary care provider prescribes them.”

In addition to getting a flu vaccine and taking antiviral medication as directed, DPH recommends that you:

• Stay home if you have cold or flu-like symptoms.
• Practice social distancing to reduce your chance of catching the flu from someone else.
• Wear a face covering if you have to go out in public to a doctor’s appointment or pharmacy.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, and dispose of tissues immediately; if no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into your inner elbow.

Additionally, those sick with the flu should stay home from work, school, and other gatherings and not return until they have been free of fever – with a temperature less than 100 degrees F (37.8 degrees C) without the use of fever-reducing medications – for at least 24 hours. They should avoid close contact with well people in the household and stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other clear liquids. Over-the-counter medicines can provide symptom relief, but if you suspect you have influenza, call your primary care provider as he or she may decide to provide antiviral medications to help hasten recovery and prevent serious complications. This is particularly important for those who feel very sick, are pregnant or have chronic medical conditions.

Flu symptoms come on suddenly, and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches and body aches, chills and fatigue. Some people get complications including pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections. People with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes and asthma are more susceptible to catching the flu.

Flu vaccines are still available at many pharmacies and grocery stores, and through primary care physicians and some specialists. To find participating stores, enter your ZIP code in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s flu vaccine finder at www.cdc.gov/flu/. Flu shots continue to be available at DPH clinics located within the Department of Health and Social Services’ State Service Centers. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all State Service Centers are requiring appointments for flu vaccines:

• Porter State Service Center, 509 W. Eighth St., Wilmington. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 302-515-3174 to schedule an appointment.
• Hudson State Service Center, 501 Ogletown Road, Newark. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 302-283-7570 to schedule an appointment.
• Williams State Service Center, 805 River Road, Dover. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 302-857-5140 to schedule an appointment.
• Milford State Service Center – Riverwalk, 253 N.E. Front St., Milford. For ages 9 years and older. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 302-424-7130 to schedule an appointment.
• Anna C. Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave., Seaford. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 302-628-6772 to schedule an appointment.
• Adams State Service Center, 544 S. Bedford St., Georgetown. For all ages, including children age 6 months and older. Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 302-515-3174 to schedule an appointment.For more information about the flu, visit flu.delaware.gov or call DPH at 1-800-282-8672.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com. 

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Numerous Hunting and Trapping Seasons Continue

Firearm deer hunting seasons opening in January and continuing archery deer seasons provide the last chance for hunters to harvest deer during the 2020/21 hunting season. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective deer hunting season, with more information available from the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control at de.gov/sundayhunt. Hunters are encouraged to harvest does (female deer) to help manage the size and quality of the deer population.

Successful deer hunters who wish to donate venison to those in need are encouraged to participate in Delaware’s Sportsmen Against Hunger Program. Field-dressed deer may be donated at participating butchers or self-serve, walk-in coolers maintained by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife, with additional information and participating butcher and cooler locations found at de.gov/sah. All donated deer will be processed free of charge to the hunter, and the meat will be distributed to participating charitable organizations serving those in need. Last year, hunters donated 25,406 pounds of venison that provided over 100,000 meals to Delawareans in need.

Deer hunting seasons opening in January include:

• January handgun season*: Jan. 2, Jan. 4 to 9, which excludes Sunday, Jan. 3**
• January shotgun season*: Jan. 16 to 24, including Sundays
• January muzzleloader season: Jan. 25 to Jan. 31, including Sundays

* Straight-walled, pistol-caliber rifles are allowed during the January handgun and shotgun deer seasons.
**Hunters may only use archery equipment, including crossbows, to hunt on Sunday, Jan. 3.

Continuing hunting seasons include:

• Bobwhite quail: through Jan. 2, 2021
• Canada goose (migratory): through Jan. 18, 2021
• Woodcock and common snipe: through Jan. 19, 2021
• Ducks, coots and mergansers: through Jan. 30, 2021
• Sea ducks in the Special Sea Duck Area: through Jan. 30, 2021
• Brant: through Jan. 30, 2021
• Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): through Jan. 30, 2021
• Snow goose: through Jan. 30, 2021, and Feb. 6, 2021
• Mourning dove: through Jan. 30, 2021
• Archery and crossbow deer: through Jan. 31, 2021, including all Sundays
• Gray squirrel: through Feb. 6, 2021
• Ring-necked pheasant (male only): through Feb. 6, 2021
• Cottontail rabbit: through Feb. 27, 2021
• Coyote (hunt): through Feb. 27, 2021
• Red fox (hunt): through Feb. 27, 2021
• Raccoon and opossum (hunt): through Feb. 27, 2021***
• Beaver: through March 20, 2021, private land only
• Crows: through March 27, 2021, and June 24 to 26, 2021 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
• Groundhog: through June 30, 2021

***Special hunting hours for raccoon and opossum during the January handgun, January shotgun and January muzzleloader deer seasons are 7 p.m. until midnight (reference the hunting and trapping guide for these deer season dates).

Continuing trapping seasons include:

• Muskrat, mink, otter, raccoon, opossum and nutria:
  ○ New Castle County: through March 10, 2021 (March 20 on embanked meadows)
  ○ Kent and Sussex counties: through March 15, 2021
• Red fox and coyote: through March 10, 2021
• Beaver: through March 20, 2021, private land only

The Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas. For more information, including wildlife area maps and rules, visit de.gov/hunting. Sunday deer hunting information specific to individual wildlife areas is available at de.gov/sundayhunt.

A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters require a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp and a federal migratory bird (duck) stamp. All migratory game bird hunters except crow hunters, including duck, goose and dove hunters, also need a free Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which can be obtained through the DNREC ePermitting system or by calling toll free 1-855-DEL-HUNT (1-855-335-4868). If using the ePermitting system, hunters should either create a profile or use the “Quick Hunting Registration” option.

Registered motor vehicles used to access designated wildlife areas owned or managed by the Division of Fish and Wildlife are required to display a Conservation Access Pass (CAP). Hunters can opt to receive one free annual CAP with the purchase of any Delaware hunting license. To obtain a CAP, hunters will need the registration card for the vehicle to which the pass will be assigned.

Delaware hunting licenses, Delaware waterfowl stamps and Conservation Access Passes can be purchased online using the DNREC ePermitting system or from hunting license agents statewide. New this year, hunters obtaining a LEN should create a profile using the ePermitting system or at a hunting license agent. Federal migratory bird (duck) stamps are available for purchase at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges and online.

More information on hunting seasons and wildlife areas is available in the 2020/2021 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide or by calling the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. More information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/hunting or by calling the Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Recreational Licensing office at 302-739-9918.

Hunting opportunities also are available in some Delaware State Parks, with more information at destateparks.com.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 65,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov

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DOVER (Dec. 29, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has finalized its recommendations for Phase 1b, the next groups who will be considered eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These groups include frontline essential workers and persons 65 and older.  Currently, the state is in Phase 1a of vaccine rollout which includes vaccinations for ​health care personnel with direct contact ​with ill patients or infectious material, emergency medical services agencies, and long-term care staff and residents. Vaccination for Phase 1b groups is expected to begin by the end of January.  In early December, DPH announced it would make the vaccine available in several phases.  Important determining factors for each phase would include determining who is at greatest risk for death and illness from the virus, ensuring equitable distribution of the vaccine, and maintaining the functioning of critical health care systems.  How many does of the vaccine each group would be able to get is dependent upon vaccine supply.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted on Dec. 20, 2020, that Phase 1b should include frontline essential workers and persons 75 years and older.  ACIP defines frontline essential workers as: First Responders (Firefighters, Police), Education (teachers, support staff, child care staff), Food and Agriculture, Manufacturing, Corrections workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, public transit workers, and grocery store workers.  As is currently the case with health care workers to whom the vaccine has been distributed, leaders in these industries will be asked to identify which of their staff should receive the vaccine before others based on factors such as frequent close contact with the public, and inability to social distance consistently at work. DPH is already working with several of these groups to assist them in their planning to secure vaccination partners. Frontline essential workforce leaders in these categories who have not heard from DPH are encouraged to visit the Agencies, Organizations, and Businesses section of de.gov/covidvaccine and complete the Planning Survey for Organizations with Essential Workforces.

On Dec. 22, the State Ethics Advisory Group voted to recommend adopting the ACIP Phase 1b approach.  However, DPH decided to lower the age the state would consider eligible in Phase 1b from 75 to 65 based on statewide COVID-related deaths.  While the median age for deaths among White and Asian persons is 82 and 83 respectively, the median age for deaths among Blacks is 74 and it is 66 for Hispanic individuals.

“Making this small change from the ACIP recommendations is the right thing to do for all people in our state,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay.  “Doing so provides us the opportunity to vaccinate and protect many more Delawareans, especially those who are already disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 to begin with due to a variety of factors.”

The State Ethics Advisory Group did not address any other groups​, but it is expected to vote on a Phase 1c group soon. Vaccine is estimated to begin to be available for some individuals in Phase 1b groups in mid​- to late January; DPH will provide updates on timing as they become available.  Due to limited supplies of the vaccines, they may not be available to everyone in Phase 1b initially.  Individuals 65+ will be asked to contact their health care provider directly near the end of January to discuss their options for receiving the vaccine.  The next phases after 1b could see vaccine availability in mid​- to late February, and it likely will be April before there is more widespread availability based on current supply.  However, timelines are flexible as more supply could be available if additional vaccines are approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Since Dec. 15, 8,422 vaccine doses have been administered in Delaware, and a total of 28,400 combined doses of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines have been received.  All of the state’s hospital systems have received vaccine for staff, as have the Federally Qualified Health Centers. Some long-term care facilities began vaccinating in the last two weeks, while waiting for the federal pharmacy partnership program in Delaware to kick off this week.  Last week, Kent County EMS vaccinated some of its staff, while more will be vaccinated this week.  Both New Castle County and Sussex County EMS have plans to vaccinate staff this week as well.

DPH has set up a Vaccine Call Center at 1-833-643-1715. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing should call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211.  DPH’s Vaccine Call Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday. Individuals can email their questions concerning the vaccine to Vaccine@Delaware.gov. Individuals can also visit de.gov/covidvaccine for up-to-date information.