DELAWARE OFFERS STATEWIDE SPEED SURVEY AND SPEED TEST

Information gathered will be used to address broadband challenges

DOVER, Del. — In an effort to improve broadband services across the entire state, the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is partnering with CTC Technology and Energy to conduct a statewide speed survey. Over the next 45 days residents can visit SpeedSurvey.Delaware.gov to test the speed of their computers, tablets and smart phones or to report a lack of service. Persons without access to internet service can also report that information by calling (302) 739-9701.

“Having reliable and affordable access to the internet is as essential now more than ever ‒ for education, work, healthcare, and the list goes on,” said Acting CIO Jason Clarke. “As we move forward to eliminate broadband deserts throughout the state, we need to be working with the most accurate data possible. The more people who participate in this speed test or report lack of internet availability, the more real-time information we have to make educated, strategic decisions that best serve Delaware.”

This information will be used to develop a statewide strategic plan to address rural and urban broadband challenges. For more information about the State of Delaware’s broadband efforts, please visit broadband.delaware.gov.

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Delaware Continues to See Increase in New Daily COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations, Deaths

DOVER (Sept. 11, 2020) – 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, September 10, 2020.

A total of 18,559 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020, including 10,045 individuals who are considered recovered. The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 increased from 4.6% as of Sept. 3, to 5.8% as of Thursday, Sept. 10. In addition, 66 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, up eight from 58 reported as of last Friday’s update. Sixteen of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, the same number of critically ill patients as last week.

A total of 613 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported seven additional deaths since last week’s update. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 21 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 323 were female and 290 were male. A total of 305 individuals were from New Castle County, 111 were from Kent County, and 197 were from Sussex County.

To protect personal health information, DPH will not confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently.

Additional Updates:

Governor Carney Announces Updates to Statewide Testing Sites

Governor John Carney, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced today updates to the State of Delaware’s testing strategy, expanding access to free COVID-19 statewide and providing consistent options for Delawareans to get tested. See the full press release here: https://news.delaware.gov/2020/09/11/governor-carney-announces-updates-to-statewide-testing-sites/

Delaware COVID-19 data:

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m. Thursday, September 10, include:

18,559 total positive cases
New Castle County cases: 8,880
Kent County cases: 2,747
Sussex County cases: 6,471
Unknown County: 461
Females: 9,973; Males: 8,555; Unknown Sex: 31
Age range: 0 to 104
Currently hospitalized: 66; Critically ill: 16 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
Delawareans recovered: 10,045
239,364 negative cases**
*Data are provisional and subject to change.
**Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.

Generally, Delaware is now considering patients recovered after at least 24 hours have passed since the resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and/or improvement in symptoms, and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Individuals who tested positive who have not had any symptoms are considered recovered after at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 test with no subsequent illness.

Long-term Care Statistics:

Information related to positive cases and deaths among residents at long-term care facilities will be updated weekly each Friday, using information reported as of 6 p.m. Thursday. There have been a total of 1,233 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 369 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 (17)
Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (18)
Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (2)
Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (10)
Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (13)
Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (9)
Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (6)
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (11)
Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (20)
Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (40)
Hillside Center, Wilmington (3)
Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (13)
ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (20)
Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
Millcroft, Newark (2)
Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (36)
New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center, New Castle (11)
Newark Manor Nursing Home, Newark (11)
Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wilmington (26)
Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Health Center, Smyrna (24)
Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Hockessin (5)
Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
Westminster Village, Dover (7)
Six other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)

Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and rates information by ZIP code, and information on Delaware’s contact tracing efforts can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal at de.gov/healthycommunity.

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.

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 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: coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.

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.

Individuals with 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. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

In addition, the Division of Public Health asks any Delaware health care, long-term care, residential, or other high-risk facility with questions or concerns to email: DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call the DPH Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 and press ext. 2.

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

AG Jennings, 21 other AGs successful in Census ruling

Court blocks Trump effort to exclude undocumented immigrants from congressional representation

In a victory for the 2020 Census, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York ruled late Thursday that undocumented immigrants must be included in congressional apportionment following the census count. Delaware was one of the suit’s plaintiffs.

“The Constitution is crystal clear: the Census must count everyone,” said Attorney General Jennings. “President Trump’s repeated attempts to sabotage the Census are transparently political efforts to harm millions of Americans by depriving them of accurate representation and federal resources. I’m grateful that the Court saw this for what it was: an unlawful Hail Mary. We will continue to defend the Census against attacks from the White House, and we will continue to win.”

“This is an excellent outcome,” said Latin American Community Center President and CEO Maria Matos, whose declaration was cited in the Court’s decision. “I am proud to have joined forces with Attorney General Jennings to present a strong case against these continued attacks by this administration on our Constitution and on the immigrant community.”

Thursday’s ruling is only the latest blow against the Trump Administration’s efforts to undermine a fair and accurate census count. In June of 2019, the U.S. Supreme Court stopped Trump’s attempt to include a “citizenship question” on the 2020 Census questionnaire. A U.S. District Court also recently issued a temporary restraining order to block Trump’s 11^th-hour attempt to cut the Census short by a full month. Delaware was involved in both legal challenges.

Delawareans can fill out the 2020 Census at www.2020census.gov.

DPH Alienta a lo Asistentes del Evento de Rodeo en Bridgeville a Tomarse una Prueba para el Coronavirus

Dover (Sept. 10, 2020) – La División de Salud Pública (DPH) están alentando fuertemente a los que asistieron al evento del rodeo que no estaba permitido en el Rancho El en Bridgeville el 6 de septiembre 2020 a que se hagan la prueba del coronavirus lo más pronto posible en un lugar que le sea conveniente. Visite el calendario de pruebas en nuestro sitio web: de.gov/gettested.

DPH y la Agencia de Gestiones de Emergencias de Delaware (DEMA) van a realizar un evento gratis de pruebas el viernes, el 11 de septiembre 2020 a las 10:00 a.m. hasta la 1:00 p.m. en Woodbridge Middle School, 307 S. Laws St, Bridgeville. Este evento será abierto al público. Se aconseja preregistrarse, pero no es necesario, y lo puede completar en delaware.curativeinc.com.

“Hay una gran preocupación significativa de que haya una propagación del virus a la comunidad como resultado de este evento,” dijo la directora de DPH, Dra. Karyl Rattay. “Nosotros queremos asegurarnos de que todas las personas que asistieron a ese evento saben que están en riesgo. Es muy importante que cualquier persona que asistió al evento se haga la prueba lo más pronto posible para identificar si ellos están infectados con el virus que causa el COVID-19 y que ellos tomen los pasos necesarios para aislarse y hacer autocuarentena y así proteger a sus amigos y familiares para no contraer la enfermedad.”

Información sobre sitios de pruebas actuales y futuras se encuentran a de.gov/gettested. Los datos actuales de COVID-19 casos y fallecidos se encuentran en el portal de DPH de My Healthy Community a de.gov/healthycommunity.

Si usted está enfermo con cualquiera de los siguientes síntomas, quédese en casa: fiebre, toz, dificultad para respirar, dolor de garganta, dolores musculares, fatiga, resfriado, temblando con resfriado, perdida del olfato o del gusto, nausea o vomitando, diarrea, o dolor de cabeza, congestión o la nariz que moquea sin causa conocida como alergias. Otros síntomas como dolor abdominal o falta de apetito han estado identificados como síntomas potenciales relacionado a COVID-19 y puede resultar que necesite más exámenes, acción, o investigación por parte de su proveedor de atención primaria. Si está enfermo y necesita suministros esenciales, pida ayuda a alguien para que vaya al mercado o la farmacia para conseguir lo que usted necesita.

Si piensa que ha sido expuesto a una persona infectada con COVID-19, o si tiene síntomas del virus, asegurase que se distancie de otras personas, particularmente de personas vulnerables. Adultos mayores y personas de cualquier edad con condiciones médicas preexistentes – incluyendo condiciones graves del corazón, condiciones crónicas del pulmón, incluyendo asma moderada o severa, obesidad severa y a las personas que están inmunocomprometido, incluyendo al tratamiento de cáncer – pueden tener un riesgo alto para enfermarse de gravedad con el COVID-19.

Personas que tienen quejas sobre individuales que están violando las restricciones de reuniones públicas deberían contactarse con los cuerpos policiales estatales o locales. Personas que están preocupadas de que un negocio este violando las restricciones de operación pueden mandar un correo electrónico (email) a HSPContact@delaware.gov. Preguntas relacionadas con la abertura de negocios u operaciones pueden mandar un correo electrónico (email) a COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov.

Personas con preguntas sobre COVID-19 pueden llamar a Delaware 2-1-1, personas con discapacidades auditivas pueden mandar un mensaje de texto con su código postal a 898-211, o manda un correo electrónico (email) a delaware211@uwde.org. Las horas de operación son las 8:00 a.m. hasta las 9:00 p.m. el lunes hasta el viernes, y las 9:00 a.m. hasta las 5:00 p.m. el sábado y domingo. Cualquier pregunta relacionada a su salud con respecto a pruebas o síntomas, se puede mandar un correo electrónico (email) a DPHCall@delaware.gov. Si tiene preguntas sobre reclamos de desempleo, mande un correo electrónico (email) a UIClaims@delaware.gov.

Adicionalmente, DPH pide que todos las instalaciones de cuidado de la salud, cuidado a largo plazo, residencial, u otros de alto riesgo que tienen preguntas o preocupaciones que se mande un correo electrónico (email) a DPH_PAC@delaware.gov o llame al centro de atención telefónica de DPH al numero 1-866-408-1899 y oprima el número 2.

DPH continuara actualizando al público a medida que haya más información disponible. Para noticias mas actualizadas sobre la respuesta del Delaware del coronavirus, visite a de.gov/coronavirus.

Press Release in English: https://news.delaware.gov/2020/09/10/dph-encourages-covid-19-testing-for-attendees-of-bridgeville-rodeo-event/

DPH Encourages COVID-19 Testing for Attendees of Bridgeville Rodeo Event

DOVER (Sept. 10, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is strongly encouraging COVID-19 testing for anyone who attended a rodeo event that took place Sunday, September 6, 2020, at Rancho El 24 in Bridgeville. Individuals who attended this event are advised to get tested as soon as possible at a site most convenient to them by visiting the testing calendar on the state’s coronavirus website at de.gov/gettested.

DPH and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) will hold a free testing event on Friday, September 11, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at Woodbridge Middle School, 307 S Laws St., Bridgeville. This testing event will also be open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, and can be completed at delaware.curativeinc.com.

“There is significant concern for community spread of the virus as a result of this event,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We want to make sure that everyone who attended that event knows they’re at risk. It is important that anyone attending the event get tested as soon as possible to identify if they have been infected by the virus that causes COVID-19 and that they take the steps to isolate and protect their friends and family from also contracting the disease.”

Information about current and future testing sites is available at de.gov/gettested. The latest data on COVID-19 cases and deaths can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal at de.gov/healthycommunity.

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

Press Release in Spanish: https://news.delaware.gov/2020/09/10/dph-alienta-a-lo-asistentes-del-evento-de-rodeo-en-bridgeville-a-tomarse-una-prueba-para-el-coronavirus/