DOVER (OCT. 29, 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, Oct. 28, 2021.

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 143,563
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 265.9, a decrease from 331.4 last week
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 6.2%, a decrease from 6.9% last week
• Hospitalizations: 160, a decrease of 13 from last week; Critically ill: 26, an increase of two from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,089
• Total COVID-19 deaths since last week: 44 (including 30 from a review of vital statistic reports)

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,269,957
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 79.8%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 81.5%
• Delawareans who are fully vaccinated: 532,524

Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection, serious illness and death. All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report: 

The following report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Oct. 18 – Oct 24. The report highlights the significant percentage of unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated individuals comprising Delaware’s cases and hospitalizations.

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Fully vaccinated Delawareans: 532,524
• Total breakthrough cases: 5,517 or 1% of vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 103
• Total breakthrough deaths: 77

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 occurred after vaccination.

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:

In the last week, 118 test samples were sequenced through routine surveillance of test specimens. Of those test samples, 95 (41.1%) sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were 23 additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Out of the 118variant positive samples, all were identified as the Delta strain. Due to a technical issue, the number of specimens sampled this week was reduced. The issue is being resolved.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated the classifications of known COVID-19 variants. Currently, the Delta variant is the only variant being monitored by the CDC as a “variant of concern” and no other variants are currently classified as “variants of interest.” For more information regarding CDC variant classifications, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html.

DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have launched mobile units to offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities. The flu vaccine will also be available and can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

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. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location.

Monday, November 1

Delmar Wawa, 38711 Sussex Hwy, Delmar, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Laurel Royal Farm, 30983 Sussex Hwy, Laurel, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, November 2

Diamond Court, 35 Diamond Court, Harrington, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Byler’s Store, 17104 S Dupont Hwy, Harrington, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, November 3

Royal Farms, 6538 Hall Town Road, Hartly, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Rose Hill Community Center, 19 Lambson Lane, New Castle, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Calvary Baptist Church, 410 Fulton Street, Dover, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Adams Four Shopping Center, 800 West Third Street, Wilmington, 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Thursday, November 4

Dollar General, 701 N Porter Street, Seaford, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Glasgow Trailer Court, 268 Cornell Drive, Newark, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Friday, November 5

Bethel Market, 7743 Main Street, Bethel, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Capital Park, 1 President Drive, Dover, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Brandywine Apartments, 2726 Jacqueline Drive, Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Saturday, November 6

Tabernacle Full Gospel Baptist Church, 501 North Washington Street, Wilmington, 2:00 p.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.

Long-term Care Statistics: 

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 28, there have been a total of 2,918 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 858 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Resources:

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

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

A white-tailed doe. Photo courtesy of US Fish and Wildlife Service.

 

Deer Hunting Season Peaks, Waterfowl and Other Seasons Open;
Youth and Non-ambulatory Hunter Firearms Deer Hunt on Nov. 6 and 7

Numerous Delaware hunting seasons open next month, including the popular November deer shotgun season which runs from Friday, Nov. 12 through Sunday, Nov. 21, as well as the firearms deer hunt available only to youth and non-ambulatory hunters on Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7, the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced today. Duck, Canada goose and other hunting seasons also open in November.

Hunters are encouraged by the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife to harvest does (female deer) during the various deer hunting seasons to help manage the size and quality of Delaware’s deer population. Deer hunting is allowed on all Sundays through Jan. 31, 2022, using only those hunting methods legal for the respective established deer hunting seasons, with additional information available at de.gov/sundayhunt.

A convenient Deer Harvest Report Card issued to hunters with their hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is now used to record harvested deer, replacing the paper deer tags vulnerable to damage and loss that were previously attached to deer upon harvest in Delaware. Hunters are reminded that they must complete the appropriate section of their Deer Harvest Report Card before the deer is moved from the harvest location and keep the card in their possession. Hunters may obtain a Deer Harvest Report Card at de.gov/digitaldnrec or by calling 302-739-9918 for assistance. Harvested deer must also be registered within 24 hours of harvest in the ePermitting system or by calling toll free at 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868).

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 online 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. Last year, hunters donated over 21,000 pounds of processed venison that provided more than 84,000 meals to Delawareans in need.

In addition to the deer shotgun season, November provides many other popular hunting opportunities, including the opening of the second duck season split, sea duck season in the Special Sea Duck Area and first Canada goose season split.

Hunting season dates opening in November:

• Raccoon and opossum (hunt only): Nov. 1 through Feb. 28, 2022*
• Red fox (hunt only): Nov. 1 through Feb. 28, 2022
• Deer youth/non-ambulatory hunt: Nov. 6 and Nov. 7
• Deer shotgun: Nov. 12 through 21, including all Sundays
• Tundra swan (by special permit ONLY): Nov. 11 through Jan. 31, 2022
• Woodcock (first season split): Nov. 22 through 27
• Ducks, coots and mergansers (second season split): Nov. 22 through 27
• Brant (first season split): Nov. 22 through 27
• Sea ducks in Special Sea Duck Area: Nov. 23 through Jan. 31, 2022
• Bobwhite quail: Nov. 22 through Jan. 1, 2022
• Mourning dove (second season split): Nov. 22 through Jan. 31, 2022
• Ring-necked pheasant (male only): Nov. 22 through Feb. 5, 2022
• Cottontail rabbit: Nov. 22 through Feb. 28, 2022
• Canada goose (first season split): Nov. 24 through 27

*Raccoon and opossum hunting seasons are closed during the November youth/non-ambulatory hunt and November shotgun deer season. Special hunting hours for raccoon and opossum during the December antlerless, 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 hunting seasons include:

• Moorhen, gallinule, sora, Virginia rail, king rail and clapper rail: through Nov. 24
• Common snipe: through Nov. 27
• Snow goose: through Jan. 31, 2022; Feb. 5, 2022
• Deer archery and crossbow: through Jan. 31, 2022, including all Sundays
• Gray squirrel: through Feb. 5, 2022 (closed during November deer shotgun season)
• Coyote (hunting): through Feb. 28, 2022
• Crows: through March 26, 2022, June 23 to 25, 2022 and June 30, 2022 (Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays only)
• Groundhog: through June 30, 2022

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife offers many hunting opportunities on state wildlife areas, with details available at de.gov/wamaps. Information specific to Sunday deer hunting on state wildlife areas is available at de.gov/sundayhunt. For more information about Delaware’s white-tailed deer herd, go to de.gov/deer.

A Delaware hunting license or License Exempt Number (LEN) is required to hunt, and most waterfowl hunters are required to purchase a Delaware waterfowl (duck) stamp and a Federal Duck Stamp. Migratory bird hunters, except crow hunters, also need a Federal Harvest Information Program (HIP) number, which can be obtained through the DNREC ePermitting system or by calling toll free 855-DEL-HUNT (855-335-4868). If using the DNREC 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 at de.gov/huntinglicense or from hunting license agents statewide. Hunters obtaining a LEN are reminded that they should create a profile using the DNREC ePermitting system or obtain a LEN at a hunting license agent if they have not already done so. Federal Duck Stamps are available for purchase at U.S. Post Offices, Bombay Hook and Prime Hook national wildlife refuges and online at 2021/2022 Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp.

Additional information on hunting seasons and wildlife areas is available in the 2021/2022 Delaware Hunting & Trapping Guide or by calling the Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912. Information on hunting licenses, the state waterfowl stamp and the Conservation Access Pass is available at de.gov/huntinglicense or by calling the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife Recreational Licensing office at 302-739-9918.

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 DNREC 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 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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NEW CASTLE (Oct. 28, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Social Services is issuing emergency benefits for October to eligible households as part of the state’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health crisis.

Benefits will be issued as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and two cash assistance programs – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA). The SNAP emergency food benefits were issued Wednesday, Oct. 27, and should be available on recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards Thursday, Oct. 28. TANF and GA households should receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Oct. 27.

All households with open SNAP cases will receive at least $95 in emergency food benefits, to be issued as follows:

• SNAP households receiving the maximum food benefit amount for their household size or a prorated initial benefit will receive $95 in emergency food benefits.
• SNAP households with a calculated emergency food benefit amount less than $95 will have their emergency benefit increased to $95.
• SNAP households with a calculated emergency benefit amount of $95 or more will continue to receive the calculated emergency benefit amount to increase the household’s monthly benefit up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size.

The emergency assistance for TANF and GA families will increase a household’s monthly benefit for each program up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size. Households that already receive the maximum TANF or GA benefit amount or that have a prorated benefit in the month of October are not eligible for the October emergency cash funds.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has issued emergency benefits each month to eligible households as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, which was signed into law in March 2020.

“Month after month, we have seen and heard how critical these emergency benefits are for vulnerable individuals and families in our state,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “These benefits help families struggling because of the economic impact of pandemic, offering them continued support in paying for food and other necessities. We are grateful to be able to provide this even stronger safety net.”

How the monthly emergency benefit is calculated: A household’s monthly emergency benefit equals the current maximum benefit amount for the household size minus the household’s current monthly benefit amount. For example, based on current USDA limits for SNAP benefits, if a household of one gets $100 in regular monthly benefits, that household will receive $150 in emergency benefits ($250 maximum benefit minus $100 monthly benefit).

Here are the current maximum monthly benefit amounts per household size for SNAP, TANF, and General Assistance:

Emergency SNAP Benefits

Number in SNAP Household	Maximum Benefit Amount New increased amount effective 10/2021
1	$250
2	$459
3	$658
4	$835
5	$992
6	$1,190
7	$1,316
8	$1,504
Each additional person	$188

An estimated 55,155 Delaware households will receive the emergency SNAP allotment in October, totaling about $10.2 million in emergency food benefits for the month.

Emergency Cash Benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)   

Number in TANF Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$201
2	$270
3	$338
4	$407
5	$475
6	$544
7	$612
8	$681
9	$750
10	$819

 

General Assistance (GA)  

Number in GA Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$79
2	$107
3	$144
4	$169
5	$209
6	$239

 

An estimated 160 households will be eligible to receive emergency cash assistance benefits in October, totaling about $19,800 in emergency benefits for the month.

In addition to the emergency benefits, households will receive their regular benefits for October on the usual issuance dates.

For more information about DSS’s benefit programs in response to the pandemic, go to the division’s webpage. To apply for benefits, go to DHSS’ online application portal Delaware ASSIST or call 1-866-843-7212. To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, clients are asked to contact the Division of Social Services by phone or online. If clients do need an in-person appointment, they are reminded that face masks are required for all state employees and visitors to state offices and facilities.

Public Urged to Take Precautionary Measures Until Colder Weather Arrives

Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), a mosquito-transmitted disease, has been detected in Delaware for the first time in 2021, at a sentinel chicken station in southwestern Sussex County sampled Oct. 11 by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to monitor for certain mosquito-transmitted diseases. Twenty sentinel chicken stations are sampled weekly throughout the state each summer and fall to help track Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile virus (WNV), the primary mosquito-transmitted diseases that are human health threats in Delaware. Mosquito-transmitted virus detections in DNREC’s sentinel chickens are unrelated to Delaware’s poultry industry.

The first EEE finding in Delaware adds to an active year for WNV, which has been detected in 18 of DNREC’s 20 sentinel chicken stations involving a total of 74 WNV-positive chickens from late July to date. Two WNV-human cases have been reported to date in 2021 by the Delaware Public Health Laboratory, and one WNV-equine case has been reported by the Delaware Department of Agriculture. No EEE cases have been reported in humans or horses to date in 2021.

While EEE is rarer than WNV, both EEE and WNV can adversely affect people and horses. Early symptoms of contracting EEE or WNV can be similar, but EEE often becomes more pronounced and debilitating, manifested by meningitis or encephalitis typically resulting in hospitalizations. EEE has a higher human mortality rate of over 30%, with infants, children and the elderly most vulnerable, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Symptoms of EEE usually start from 4 to 10 days after being bitten by a mosquito infected with EEE. Early EEE symptoms can include headache, high fever, stiff neck, tremors or muscle weakness, with more severe cases progressing to stupor, disorientation, coma, convulsions, paralysis and possibly death. There are no human vaccines for EEE or WNV.

About 80% of people infected with WNV do not show symptoms. About 20% of those infected with WNV develop mild symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, a skin rash on the chest or back and swollen lymph glands. About one in 150 people infected with WNV might develop severe infection indicted by high fever, disorientation, tremors or convulsions, encephalitis or meningitis, all possibly leading to hospitalization and very rarely death. Survivors of severe cases of WNV can have long-lasting medical complications, including lingering paralysis.

Horse owners should contact their veterinarian immediately if they suspect their horse may be showing signs of WNV or EEE. Symptoms of EEE in horses include fever (102.5-104.5°F), loss of appetite, head pressing, depression or personality change, wobbling or staggering, weakness, blindness, convulsions, muscle tremors in the head and neck, and hind-limb weakness. These signs are also consistent with WNV, although a fever may or may not be present with WNV.

Fall is the peak time of year for mosquito-transmitted disease activity, which will continue until colder weather, possibly until early- to mid-November. While the recent EEE and WNV findings are not cause for alarm, Delaware residents and visitors are urged to be vigilant over the next few weeks to avoid or reduce exposures to mosquito bites. People should take precautions when outdoors in mosquito-prone areas, including wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, applying insect repellent containing 10 to 30% diethyl toluamide (DEET) or other EPA-approved insect repellents in accordance with label instructions and avoiding mosquito-infested areas and times of peak mosquito activity around dusk, dawn and at night.

To reduce mosquito-breeding habitat and mosquito populations and chances for disease transmission, DNREC’s Mosquito Control section recommends that property owners drain or remove outdoor items that collect water, such as discarded buckets or containers, uncovered trashcans, stagnant birdbaths, uncovered rain barrels or cisterns, old tires, upright wheelbarrows, flowerpot liners and saucers, depressions in boat tarps, clogged rain gutters, corrugated downspout extenders and unused swimming pools.

In response to EEE and WNV activity, DNREC’s Mosquito Control section has increased mosquito population surveillance efforts in the vicinity of virus-positive findings and initiated targeted mosquito control actions as warranted, based on the mosquito species and numbers encountered.

Additional information about mosquitoes and mosquito-transmitted diseases is available from the following resources:

• For mosquito biology/ecology and control, contact the Mosquito Control section office in Dover at 302-739-9917.
• For requests for mosquito relief in upstate areas from Dover north, contact Mosquito Control’s Glasgow field office at 302-836-2555.
• For requests for mosquito relief in downstate areas south of Dover, contact Mosquito Control’s Milford field office at 302-422-1512.
• For animal health questions, contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Poultry and Animal Health Section at 302-698-4500.
• To report suspected cases of human EEE or WNV, call the Division of Public Health Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology toll-free at 888-295-5156.
• For more information on Eastern Equine Encephalitis or West Nile Virus, visit www.cdc.gov/westnile/index.html.

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 DNREC 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 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

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

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Media Contact:Veronica Marshall
Public Information Officer,
Traffic Safety Outreach Coordinator
Veronica.Marshall@Delaware.Gov

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Plan to Arrive Alive this Halloween

OHS increases DUI patrols October 29 – 31, 2021

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[DOVER, Del.] October 27, 2021 — Spooky season is here. And while some people of all ages celebrate a good scare – the Halloween holiday can present a real danger.

In Delaware:

• In 2020, there were 16 DUI-related crashes and 3 people were injured over the Halloween weekend.
• In 2019, there were 14 DUI-related crashes over the Halloween holiday weekend, resulting in 2 injuries.
• In 2018, there were 13 DUI-related crashes and 5 injuries.
• 31% of all deadly crashes involve alcohol.

Nationally:

• In 2019, 21 vehicle occupants and four pedestrians were killed in drunk driving crashes on Halloween night.
• Adults between the ages of 21 and 34 had the highest percentage (62%) of fatalities in drunk-driving crashes on Halloween night in 2019.
• From 2015 to 2019, 126 people were killed in drunk driving crashes on Halloween night.
• According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), from 2015 to 2019, 41% of all people killed in motor vehicle crashes on Halloween night were in crashes involving a drunk driver.
  

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What we’re doing

The Office of Highway Safety encourages everyone to start the party right – with a plan.

“We want our community to have a fun night out on Halloween, but to also stay safe and make responsible choices. You should never put yourself, or others, at risk because you made the choice to drink and drive. Plan your safe ride home before you start the party,” says Kimberly Chesser, Director, Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “Drivers should also keep an eye out for pedestrians — whether they be children trick-or-treating or adults who have had too much to drink. Walking while intoxicated can also be deadly.”

To help people stay safe this Halloween weekend, the Delaware Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is also teaming up with nearly 30 law enforcement agencies statewide to help remind drivers of the dangers of drunk driving. The extra DUI enforcement begins Friday, October 29th and runs through Sunday, October 31st.

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Celebrate with a plan

It is never okay to drink and drive – so if you plan to drink, plan ahead for a sober driver to take you home. Even if you’ve had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.

If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver. And if it’s your turn to be the designated driver – take that role seriously and do not consume alcohol.

If you see an impaired driver on the road – contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

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About the Delaware Office of Highway Safety

The Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is committed to improving the safety of Delaware’s motoring public by focusing on behavioral traffic safety issues, such as impaired driving, seat belt use, speeding, child passenger safety, pedestrian and bicycle safety, motorcycle safety, and teen driving issues. Follow OHS on ArriveAliveDE.com, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat.