DOVER (July 30, 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 29, 2021.

A total of 111,275 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 89.9 as of Thursday, July 29.

As of Tuesday, July 27, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 3.5%, an increase from 2.5% as of Tuesday, July 20. 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, 32 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, a decrease of four from last week. Three of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, a decrease of one from last week.

A total of 1,830 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. One hundred thirty-two deaths were reported in the last week, including 130 from a review of death certificate records from the Delaware Vital Events Registration System (DelVERS). The 130 additional COVID-19 deaths occurred between mid-May 2020 and late June 2021. Of the 130 deaths, 128 were not fully vaccinated, and of the two newly reported deaths, both were not fully vaccinated.  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, 927 were female and 903 were male. A total of 903 individuals were from New Castle County, 382 were from Kent County, and 545 were from Sussex County.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 72.3% of Delawareans ages 18+ have received at least one dose of the vaccine. As of 12:01 a.m. July 30, a total of 1,055,977 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Among Delawareans 12+, 527,185 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 469,873 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 the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccination rollout in Delaware, visit de.gov/covidvaccine.

DPH COVID Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have 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 these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties next week.

Monday, August 2

North Dover Elementary, Dover, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, August 3

North Dover Elementary, Dover, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 4

Jazz Festival, Wilmington, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

North Dover Elementary, Dover, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, August 5

Jazz Festival, Wilmington, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

North Dover Elementary, Dover, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Friday, August 6

Jazz Festival, Wilmington, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

North Dover Elementary, Dover, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, August 7

Jazz Festival, Wilmington, 12:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Peace on The Streets, Wilmington 10 a.m. – 5:00 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 30, 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. Thirty-five percent of the test results sequenced over the last week were positive for a variant strain of COVID-19.  Of the 47 variant-positive samples, the Delta variant was the predominant variant making up 51% of the variant strains.

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory has sequenced 3,499 specimens for COVID-19 variant strains to date, including 136  within the past week. In aggregate, the cases include 1,197 adults ranging in age from 18- 98, as well as 263 individuals under the age of 18. One thousand and ninety-eight individuals were from New Castle County, 188 were from Kent County and 174 were from Sussex County.

Virus mutation is common. Sequencing for variants is a complex process and not used for diagnosing COVID-19. It is used after a positive case of COVID-19 has been identified for surveillance purposes, or in identifying the presence of a variant strain in the community. When variant strains are identified, public health approaches and treatments do not currently change. But because these variants may spread more easily, it is even more important that unvaccinated individuals who are more susceptible to getting COVID-19 continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus – wearing a mask, washing your hands, and being cautious when attending large gatherings.

The science is clear that the vaccines are extremely safe and effective even against variants – 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, 469,873 Delawareans have been fully vaccinated. Of those, there have been 567 breakthrough cases of COVID-19, occurring in approximately .1 percent of vaccinated individuals.

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. Twenty-two of the reported breakthrough cases involved hospitalizations, eight 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 29, there have been a total of 2,785 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 825 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19. This is an increase of 65 due to the review of death certificate records from the Delaware Vital Events Registration System (DelVERS) reported today. The deaths occurred between mid-May 2020 and late June 2021.

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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