DOVER (Feb. 27, 2021) – Governor John Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) are preparing for a shipment as early as next week of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Janssen COVID-19 vaccine that was granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration Saturday evening. The J&J vaccine is the world’s first single-dose vaccine available to combat COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is currently scheduled to meet Sunday to review scientific data related to the vaccine and vote on recommendations for its use. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky must still approve the advisory committee’s recommendations, which is expected to occur Sunday as well. The ACIP recommendation and CDC sign-off are the final steps in the approval process before states can begin vaccinating residents.

Delaware is estimated to receive 8,000 initial doses of the J&J vaccine as early as the end of the week beginning March 1.  However, ongoing allocations of J&J are expected to be more limited, and while vaccine supply to the state has increased recently, there is still not enough to meet the large demand.

“We are thrilled to be able to have access to a third safe and effective vaccine in our state,” said Governor John Carney. “There is light at the end of the tunnel, but we are not out of the woods yet. Let’s all do what works until we can vaccinate enough Delawareans. Continue to wear face masks. Avoid gatherings. Wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Stay vigilant.”

DPH is still developing its plans to distribute the vaccine once received but has posted a position paper, reviewed by the State Ethics Advisory Group, at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/177/2021/02/DE-DPH-JJ-Vaccine-Position-Paper_2.26.21_final.pdf which outlines the agency’s position. DPH will continue to offer all available vaccines equally to eligible populations, and not target any particular population for use of the J&J vaccine.

The J&J Janssen, Pfizer BioNTech, and Moderna vaccines are all 100% effective at preventing hospitalization and death from COVID-19, and all similarly effective at preventing severe disease from COVID-19. The J&J Janssen vaccine is reported to be 85% effective in U.S. trials at preventing moderate to severe COVID disease, and it is 72% effective in preventing symptomatic infection. The vaccine works by inserting a small piece of the coronavirus’s genetic material into a weakened version of a common cold virus called an adenovirus. The immune system responds by switching on the cells’ alarm systems to activate immune cells nearby. The immune cells then spot the intruder proteins of COVID-19 to fight the infection. The vaccine does not cause coronavirus disease in persons receiving the vaccine.

“Vaccination is a critical tool in bringing this unprecedented pandemic to an end, and I encourage all eligible individuals to get vaccinated with the first vaccine available to you,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Having different types of vaccines available for use, especially ones with different storage and handling requirements and dosing recommendations, can offer more options and flexibility for vaccine providers. We remain committed to vaccinating as many eligible Delawareans, as quickly as possible.”

The J&J vaccine has similar storage requirements as Moderna, and is likely to be approved for use by individuals 18 and older, like Moderna as well. The potential side effects from the J&J vaccine are similar to those experienced by people who received the other two vaccines, with the most common being injection site pain, headache, fatigue, and body aches.  J&J reported no serious side effects from the vaccine, and there were no deaths directly linked to the vaccine itself. The FDA and CDC will continue to monitor the COVID-19 vaccine for safety and effectiveness and any long-term or rare side effects. The J&J vaccine may not be used to complete the vaccine series for other vaccines.

Those with vaccine-related questions can contact the DPH Vaccine Call Center at 1-833-643-1715 or email their questions to Vaccine@Delaware.gov. Individuals can also visit de.gov/covidvaccine for up-to-date information and Myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/ for vaccine-related data.

DOVER (Feb. 26, 2021) – 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. Thursday, February 25, 2021.

A total of 86,098 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020. The seven-day average of new positive cases decreased to 274.7 as of Thursday, Feb. 25.

The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 as of Thursday, Feb. 25, was 21.4%, an increase from 18.9% as of Thursday, Feb. 18. DPH publishes both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its COVID-19 data portal. As of Tuesday, Feb. 23, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 5.2%, and increase from 4.8% as of Tuesday, Feb. 16. 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, 156 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, which is a decrease of 17 as of this time last week. Twenty-six of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, up 6 from last week.

A total of 1,418 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 75 additional deaths since last week’s update. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranges in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 705 were female and 713 were male. A total of 692 individuals were from New Castle County, 295 were from Kent County, and 431 were from Sussex County.

To date, the Division of Public Health has identified 12 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, in Delaware through routine surveillance of test specimens. This variant is the same one that was first discovered in England in December and is also commonly referred to as the UK Variant. The cases include 11 adults ranging in age from 18-65, as well as a child under the age of 10. Eight individuals were from New Castle County and four were from Kent County.

Virus mutation is common. Preliminary data suggests the UK variant, as well as Brazilian and South African variants, may spread more easily and quickly, which could lead to increased cases. The public health approach and treatments are not any different, but as this new variant may be more contagious, it is even more important that individuals remain vigilant and continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus – wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid gatherings.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:
As of 12 a.m. Feb. 26, a total of 204,389 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. A total of 227,520 doses have been delivered to the state, and 45,305 doses have been delivered as part of the federal pharmacy programs. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

Long-term Care Statistics:
As of 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25, there have been a total of 2,406 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 697 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 (23)
Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (23)
Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (36)
Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (5)
Brookdale Dover, Dover (15)
Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (17)
Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (21)
Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (11)
Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (33)
Cadia Healthcare Pike Creek, Pike Creek (2)
Churchman Village, Newark (20)
Country Rest Home, Greenwood (16)
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (15)
Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar (2)
Dover Place, Dover (6)
Foulk Manor South, Wilmington (14)
Forwood Manor, Wilmington (5)
Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (45)
Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (47)
Hillside Center, Wilmington (8)
Ingleside Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (9)
Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (9)
Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (6)
ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (20)
ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (27)
Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
Millcroft, Newark (3)
Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (48)
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 (37)
Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Hockessin (14)
Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (9)
Seaford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (3)
Shipley Manor, Wilmington (12)
Silver Lake Center, Genesis Healthcare, Dover (2)
Somerford House and Place, Newark (5)
Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
The Center at Eden Hill, Dover (6)
The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (4)
Westminster Village, Dover (23)
WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House, Seaford (12)
WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village, Hockessin (4)
Three other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)
One other Kent County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)

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 18 or older 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.

As a reminder, DPH recently announced it has created a pathway for the public to submit complaints if they believe a COVID-19 vaccination provider is violating vaccination requirements. Those complaints can be directed to HSPContact@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.

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced the list of community testing sites throughout Delaware next week. Testing locations listed below include pop-up and Curative trailer sites, as well as community sites hosted by New Castle County and Henrietta Johnson Medical Center.

“We were proud to put the ‘Vax Machine’ out on the road this week to reach communities across the state. And we are working hard to distribute the vaccine in a way that’s fast and fair.” said Governor Carney. “In the meantime, we need to keep following the basic health precautions. Get tested, wear a mask, wash your hands and practice social distancing, even if you have been vaccinated.”

DEMA has coordinated community sites this week in addition to sites at Walgreens and at various hospitals and health care locations. Delawareans can view a full list of COVID-19 testing locations at de.gov/gettested.

Delawareans are encouraged to check the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram) for testing location updates due to inclement weather.   

New Castle County Pop-Up Testing Locations

• Monday, March 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Frawley Stadium (801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Tuesday, March 2 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Warner Elementary School (801 W 18^th Street, Wilmington, DE 19802) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, March 3 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Middletown High School (120 Silver Lake Rd, Middletown, DE 19709) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, March 3 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: St. Joseph Church (1012 N French Street, Wilmington, DE) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, March 3 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.: ChristianaCare Hospital, Wilmington 601 Parking Lot (601 Delaware Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, March 3 from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801)  Register by calling 302-655-6187
• Thursday, March 4 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Wilmington University Brandywine Campus (10 Beaver Valley Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, March 4 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Hockessin United Methodist Church (7250 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, DE 19707) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, March 4 from 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801)  Register by calling 302-655-6187
• Friday, March 5 from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.: Thomas Edison Charter School (Indoor Walk Up – 2200 Locust St, Wilmington, DE 19802) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, March 5 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Delaware Park (777 Delaware Park Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19804) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, March 5 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: University of Delaware Laird Campus Lot #6 (David Hollowell Dr, Newark DE 19716) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, March 5 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801)  Register by calling 302-655-6187
• Saturday, March 6 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.: University of Delaware STAR Campus (540 S College Avenue, Newark, DE 19713) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Saturday, March 6 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Henrietta Johnson Medical Center (601 New Castle Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19801)  Register by calling 302-655-6187

Kent County Pop-Up Testing Locations

• Monday, March 1 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Hartly Fire Company (2898 Arthursville Rd, Hartly, DE 19953) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Tuesday, March 2 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Caesar Rodney High School (239 Old North Road, Camden, DE 19934) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, March 4 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Bethel AME Smyrna (229 E Commerce Street, Smyrna, DE 19977) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, March 5 from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.: Milford High School (1019 N Walnut Street, Milford, DE 19963) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, March 5 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Power in Praise Ministries (14 Clark Street, Harrington, DE 19952) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com

Sussex County Pop-Up Testing Locations

• Monday, March 1 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Selbyville Fire Company (30 N Main St, Selbyville, DE 19975) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Wednesday, March 3 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Laurel Elementary School (815 South, N Central Ave, Laurel, DE 19956) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, March 4 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: Antioch AME Church (194 Clayton Avenue, Frankford, DE 19945) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Thursday, March 4 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.: Blades Fire Company (200 E 5^th Street, Blades, DE 19973) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, March 5 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Lord Baltimore Elementary School (120 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View, DE 19970) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com
• Friday, March 5 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.: Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center (400 Governors Avenue, Greenwood, DE 19950) Register: delaware.curativeinc.com

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. 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.    

Download COVID Alert DE in the App Store or Google Play.   

Report a business for COVID-19 non-compliance using this form.  

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

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Taking aim at greenhouse gases and accelerating the state’s engagement in working to curtail global warming, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today that a new hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) regulation will be published March 1 in the state’s Register of Regulations with requirements for reducing harmful HFCs that go into effect Sept. 1, 2021.

The new regulation establishes a schedule for the state to phase down specific HFCs used in air conditioning/refrigeration equipment, aerosols and foams. HFCs are hundreds to thousands of times more potent per unit of mass than carbon dioxide (CO2) in contributing to climate change. Emissions of HFC emissions are growing at a rate of 8% per year, and the regulation will address the critical need to phase down their use.

“The HFCs targeted by this regulation are gases that are highly potent in terms of global warming potential,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn Garvin. “The adoption of these prohibitions will expand and strengthen Delaware’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the effects of climate change.”

The phase-down schedule and the requirements contained in the new HFC regulation were informed by a strong stakeholder engagement process. Through it, industry, non-government organizations, and industry association representatives worked with DNREC to tailor the regulation to reflect technology feasibility and additional environmental, industrial and economic considerations. The phase-down schedule – detailed in the regulation – begins Sept. 1, 2021, for specific HFC end-uses.

In concert with the regulatory effort for reducing greenhouse gases, the DNREC Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy has developed the “Cool Switch” Low Impact Refrigerant Program that offers incentives to offset the initial costs of switching to new equipment or retrofitting existing equipment to use a low-global warming potential refrigerant. The Cool Switch program complements the regulation to accelerate the state’s transitioning away from HFCs – and is a voluntary program available to Delaware businesses and non-residential consumers that use at least 50 lbs. of refrigerant. For comparison, 50 lbs. of refrigerant in a system might be used by the typical convenience store for effective cooling, with grocery stores and schools examples of non-residential consumers that use much more than 50 lbs. at a given time for their refrigerant needs.

The Cool Switch program launched in early 2020 and has since been recognized as one of the Top 100 Climate Policy Breakthroughs by Apolitical, a social network that promotes sharing innovative ideas and best practices among government agencies. The Buccini/Pollin Group, Giant Foods and Sea Watch International are among Delaware businesses that already are participating in the program to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Delaware.

More information about the new HFC regulation can be found on DNREC website. Details about the Cool Switch HFC program can be found on the website.

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 Air Quality monitors and regulates all emissions to the air. The Division of Climate, Coastal and Energy uses science, education, policy development and incentives to address Delaware’s climate, energy and coastal challenges. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced an agreement today with Croda Inc., that requires the company to take actions protective of human health and the environment in addressing recent violations at Croda’s Atlas Point facility near New Castle.

In November 2020, DNREC announced violations at the ethylene oxide (EO) plant, including excess emissions of EO. In January 2021, Croda restarted the facility in order to conduct stack testing. While testing showed that the company was back in compliance with the EO emissions, it revealed violations for nitrogen oxide (NOx) at the ethanol dehydration furnace (EDF). Further violations were detected at the catalytic combustion unit (CCU) for carbon monoxide (CO), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM). Additionally, the agreement with DNREC addresses violations at the Atlas Point facility that Croda disclosed in its July 2020 semiannual report.

According to the settlement agreement between Croda and DNREC, Croda will meet a schedule to complete construction to remove the hotwell as a source of emissions and re-route emissions from the EO scrubber to minimize or eliminate emissions from this source. Croda will apply to increase emissions at the EDF and all increases will be offset with concurrent permitted decreases at a 1:1.3 ratio. Prior to restarting the EO Plant, Croda will replace the catalyst at the CCU to improve operation of this unit and return to compliance. They will install a flue gas analyzer to measure carbon monoxide (CO) to continuously confirm catalyst performance within 30 days of the EO plant restart. Additional stack testing will be conducted within 60 days of restarting the EO plant to set operating conditions and ensure compliance with emissions limits.

In addition, Croda will pay a penalty of $300,000 and install a community alarm system to the north of Interstate-295, expanding the environmental emergency notification range should the facility be responsible for hazardous releases in the future. The agreement between DNREC and Croda can be found on the DNREC website at https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/secretarys-orders/enforcement/.

A virtual public information session will be held March 3 by DNREC to answer questions and take community comments about Croda’s operations and about the agreement with DNREC. Questions from the public can be emailed in advance to daqpermittinginfo@delaware.gov. Registration for the public information session can be made on the DNREC website. Croda intends to restart the plant no sooner than the end of next week.

DNREC previously posted a list of questions/answers following a November 2020 public information session – they are available on the DNREC website, as is the Nov. 11, 2020 Notice of Violation issued to Croda.

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. For more information, visit the website and connect with DNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov; Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov

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