DOVER (AUGUST 6, 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, August 5, 2021.  

A total of 112,298 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 147.1 as of Thursday, August 5, 2021.  

As of Tuesday, August 3, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 4.6% an increase from 3.6% as of Tuesday, July 27. 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, 71 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, an increase of 39 from last week. Eight of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, an increase of five from last week.  

A total of 1,833 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. No deaths were reported in the last week. 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, 928 were female and 905 were male. A total of 906 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), 73.2% of Delawareans ages 18+ have received at least one dose of the vaccine. As of 12:01 a.m. August 5, 2021, a total of 1,067,747 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Among Delawareans 12+, 534,132 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 474,050 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 Johnson & Johnson 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 9 

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

Beaver Brook Shopping Center, New Castle, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

Tuesday, August 10 

First Responder Night, Milford, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. 

Wednesday, August 11 

Kirkwood Park, Wilmington, 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

Thursday, August 12 

Laurel Senior Center, Laurel, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. 

Save A Lot, Seaford, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. 

Friday, August 13 

Adams Four Shopping Center, Wilmington, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

Saturday, August 14 

Edna C. Dickey Park, Newark, 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 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. 

Take-Home COVID-19 Test Kits at Delaware Libraries: 

Delawareans now can pick up a free COVID-19 rapid antigen test kit from a Delaware library location statewide (kits not available in Greenwood) to keep at home. These test kits can give you peace of mind in case you, a family member, or another household member develop COVID-19 symptoms and need quick results, which are available in as little as 15 minutes.  Library cards are not required to pick up a take-home test kit, but you can apply for one while there, and take advantage of other library services at the same time. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, do not come to a library for a test kit. Instead, visit one of the other fixed or community testing locations listed at de.gov/gettested. 

Update on COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware 

As of Friday, August 6, 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. Forty-one percent of the test results sequenced over the last week were positive for a variant strain of COVID-19.  Of the 27 variant-positive samples, the Delta variant was the predominant variant making up 89% of the variant strains.  

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory has sequenced 3,557 specimens for COVID-19 variant strains to date, including 58 within the past week. In aggregate, the cases included 1,222 adults ranging in age from 18-98, as well as 265 individuals under the age of 18. The cases involved 1,117 individuals from New Castle County, 190 from Kent County and 180 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, 474,050 Delawareans have been fully vaccinated.Of those, there have been 718 breakthrough cases of COVID-19, occurring in approximately 0.1 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-eight of the reported breakthrough cases involved hospitalizations and nine 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, August 5, there have been a total of 2,789 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.  

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 or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.  

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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