DOVER (July 2, 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, July 1, 2021.

A total of 109,820 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 increased to 25 as of Thursday, July 1.

As of Tuesday, June 29, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 1.2%, an increase from 1% as of Tuesday, June 22. 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, 31 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, an increase of eight from last week. Three of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, down three from last week.

A total of 1,695 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Two deaths were reported in the last week; both individuals were unvaccinated. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 range in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 848 were female and 847 were male. A total of 847 individuals were from New Castle County, 349 were from Kent County, and 499 were from Sussex County.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

On Thursday July 1, Delaware achieved President Biden’s 70% vaccination goal of individuals 18+ receiving at least one dose of the vaccine. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 70.2% of Delawareans ages 18+ have received at least one dose of the vaccine. As of 12:01 a.m. July 2, a total of 1,014,628 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Among Delawareans 12+, 508,077 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 449,746 Delawareans are fully vaccinated. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

Vaccines are the best protection we have against COVID-19 and circulating variants.  For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccination rollout in Delaware, visit de.gov/covidvaccine.

Protect Yourself During the Fourth of July Weekend:

With the holiday weekend upon us and many people taking to our beaches, enjoying fireworks and gathering with others outside of our household for Fourth of July celebrations, it is important to remind those who are not vaccinated that the best protection against COVID-19 is to continue to wear a mask and to get vaccinated as soon as possible if eligible. Delaware has seen an increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations in the last week and with variants on the rise across the country, all Delawareans should make the necessary effort to protect themselves against the virus. Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent infection, but if someone is not able or unwilling, mask wearing and staying six feet away from others is the key to protecting yourself against contracting and spreading COVID-19.

DE Wins! Update

This week was the final week for DE Wins! drawings.  All of the Grand Prize drawing winners have been contacted, and have claimed their prizes. The winners will be announced within the next two weeks. Winners of DE Wins weekly prize drawings who have claimed them since last week and agreed to have their names shared include: 

• Brian LeBlanc, Wilmington – $5,000
• Nelson Gee, Newark – $5,000
• Edsony Diaz, Dover – Delaware State Park Pass

In addition, one more $5,000 prize winner and the winner of the second Funland Prize Package have claimed their prizes.

Since the DE Wins! Vaccine Incentive Program launched on May 25, 14 individuals, not including those just mentioned, have claimed their prizes including $5,000, prize packages, vacation packages, State Park passes, and tickets to events.  Additionally, some of the businesses offering incentives will continue to do so.  A list of winners, and participating businesses in the DE Wins! program can be found at DEWins.org. 

Summer Travel:

If you are planning summer travel, consider the following information regarding post-travel testing and quarantine. The CDC strongly discourages travel for unvaccinated people, especially for international trips. If you are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s travel recommendations for domestic trips: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html and international trips: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html#unvaccinated-people.

International travel poses additional risks, and even fully vaccinated travelers might be at increased risk for getting and possibly spreading some COVID-19 variants. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html. All travelers need to pay close attention to the conditions at their destination before traveling. For more information regarding specific destinations, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html.

Fully vaccinated travelers are less likely to get and spread COVID-19. Get your vaccine before you get your tickets! Visit [de.gov/getmyvaccine]de.gov/getmyvaccine for a list of vaccine locations near you.

DPH COVID Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH in partnership with the Delaware National Guard (DNG) has launched mobile units to offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities. Medically trained DNG staff are offering the Pfizer vaccine (for ages 12+) and the J&J vaccine (for persons 18+).  These mobile units are visiting communities with low vaccination rates in an effort to eliminate potential barriers to access. The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties next week.

Tuesday, July 6

Courtney Square, Dover, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Lowes, North Dover, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 7

 Adams Four Shopping Center, Wilmington, 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 8

Laurel Junction, Laurel, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Woodbridge Early Childhood Education Center, Greenwood, 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Friday, July 9

Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Aquatic Center, Wilmington, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

Update on COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware

As of Friday, July 2, the Division of Public Health has identified the following COVID-19 variants in Delaware through routine surveillance of test specimens. These variants are based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list of Variants of Concern and Variants of Interest.  

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory has sequenced 3,230 specimens for COVID-19 variant strains to date, including 41 within the past week.

Virus mutation is common. Public health approach and treatments are currently not any different, but as these variants may be more contagious, it is even more important that individuals who are not fully vaccinated remain vigilant and continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus – wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid gatherings.

The science is clear that the vaccines are extremely safe and effective – and Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection and serious illness. We would encourage all Delawareans to get vaccinated – de.gov/getmyvaccine.

For more information regarding CDC variant classifications, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html.

Breakthrough Cases

Vaccination significantly reduces the chance to developing COVID-19 or becoming seriously ill from it. To date, 449,746 Delawareans have been fully vaccinated. Of those, there have been 405 breakthrough cases of COVID-19, less than one-tenth of 1 percent.

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more – although it does not mean that the infection actually occurred after vaccination. Nineteen of the reported breakthrough cases involved hospitalizations, five individuals passed away, although it does not mean COVID was the cause of death. Breakthrough cases are extremely rare, and the science is clear, the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

Long-term Care Statistics

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 1, there have been a total of 2,748 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 759 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Symptoms and Testing

It’s especially important for unvaccinated persons, to be aware of, and self-monitor for, the symptoms of COVID-19.  Even fully vaccinated persons should get tested if they develop symptoms. 

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.

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

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.

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:

Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

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

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.

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