DPH Marks Two-Years Since First COVID-19 Case, Praises Delawareans’ Resilience

DOVER, DE (March 11, 2022) – It was two years ago today that Delaware announced its first COVID-19 case. Since then, the state has reported 258,024 positive cases, 2,753 deaths, and at its peak in January 2022, 759 hospitalizations. The Division of Public Health (DPH) recognizes the great losses suffered by Delawareans of friends, family members and other loved ones. Yet, these numbers would be far worse had it not been for Delawareans’ action and resilience.Nearly 600,000 residents (599,204) stepped up and became fully vaccinated.  Of those, 292,788 have received a booster or additional dose.  Countless others complied with masking requirements, social distancing, isolation and quarantine guidelines, and took advantage of testing opportunities statewide. This is a clear demonstration of the dedication Delawareans have for one another.

DPH is grateful for all who have stepped up to do what is necessary to control the spread of COVID-19, including its staff, and is especially grateful for our partners at all levels in the health care and medical fields, state and local governments, and community-based organizations.  DPH continues to encourage residents to use the tools available to them to reduce their chances of contracting COVID-19, and be mindful of those who are increasingly susceptible to contracting the virus due in part to underlying conditions.

COVID-19 Prevention Tools:

  • Get vaccinated and then boosted when eligible
  • Mask up during times of high COVID-19 transmission
  • Get tested when you have symptoms
  • Stay home when sick

COVID-19 Temporary Testing Site Closures Starting Week of March 14

DPH is announcing the following temporary testing site closures beginning the week of March 14 to allow for staffing changes. Some sites may be down for several days so check de.gov/gettested to confirm testing availability at the below sites, or to identify other sites near you. The following sites will be closed starting:

  • Tuesday March 15 – Modern Maturity
  • Wednesday March 16 – Claymont State Service Center  
  • Thursday March 17 – Northeast State Service Center
  • Friday March 18 – Laurel State Service

DPH update on COVID-19 statistics in Delaware, as of Thursday, March 10, 2022 

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: 

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 258,024 
  • 7-day average of new positive cases: 80.0, a decrease of 22.9 positive cases from last week. 
  • 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 3.3%, a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from last week. 
  • Hospitalizations: 54, a decrease of 22 from last week; critically ill: 4, a decrease of 5 from last week.  
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,753* deaths in last week’s release were incorrectly listed as 2,713
  • Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 2

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

  • Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,699,147 
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 72% 
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.3%  
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.8% 
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.9%  

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. Booster vaccinations are available at any locations that offer the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. Visit de.gov/boosters for more information. 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 reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Feb. 28 – Mar. 6. 

 

Weekly Overview(2/28/22 – 3/6/22)

Unvaccinated Cases

Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases

335

Total Cases

673

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases

50%

Hospitalizations

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases

9

Total Hospitalized Cases

23

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases

39%

Deaths

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths

1

Total COVID-19 Deaths

3

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths

33%

   

Weekly Overview(2/28/22 – 3/6/22)

Non-boosted Cases

Total Non-boosted Cases

515

Total Cases

673

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

77%

Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

18

Total Hospitalized Cases

23

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

78%

Non-boosted Deaths

Total Non-boosted Deaths

1

Total COVID-19 Deaths

3

Percent of Non-boosted Deaths

33%

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, March 10, there have been a total of 3,476 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 921 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

There were 43 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 27-March 5. As of March 5, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 733 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 462 individuals from New Castle County, 103 from Kent County and 168 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab. 

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. 

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov. 

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.    

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Decline; Guidance For Those Who Want To Wear Masks Included

DOVER, DE (March 4, 2022) – With new positive cases and hospitalizations continuing to decline in Delaware, mask mandates for schools and state buildings were lifted earlier this week across the state, consistent with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC guidance is based on county or community levels of spread and the level of hospitalizations. Even with the end of mask mandates, there are times when it is still recommended or even required, to wear a mask:

  • During isolation and quarantine per CDC guidance (recommended)
  • In hospitals and certain other health care facilities, long-term care facilities and public transportation (required)

The Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds the public that people may choose to mask at any time, and encourages you to consider your personal risk for contracting or serious outcomes from the virus when making the decision.

Consider masking up:

·        If you are unvaccinated, including children ages 2 through 4

·        If you are immunocompromised, or live, work or are visiting someone who is

·        If you are at higher risk for severe illness (older and pregnant people)

·        When community levels of COVID are high (see CDC County Check tool)

DPH is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, March 3, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 257,065
  • 7-day average of new positive cases: 102.9, a decrease of 24.1 cases from last week.
  • 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 4.2%, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points from last week.
  • Hospitalizations: 76, a decrease of 22 from last week; critically ill: 9, a decrease of 2 from last week.
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,713.

  • Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 7, including 2 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

  • Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,693,944
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.7%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.1%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.6%
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.7%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. Booster vaccinations are available at any locations that offer the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. Visit de.gov/boosters for more information. 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 reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Feb. 21 – Feb. 27.

Weekly Overview
(2/21/22 – 2/27/22)

Unvaccinated Cases

Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases

380

Total Cases

727

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases

52%

Hospitalizations

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases

25

Total Hospitalized Cases

41

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases

61%

Deaths

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths

8

Total COVID-19 Deaths

9

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths

89%

Weekly Overview
(2/21/22 – 2/27/22)

Non-boosted Cases

Total Non-boosted Cases

573

Total Cases

727

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

79%

Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

34

Total Hospitalized Cases

41

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

83%

Non-boosted Deaths

Total Non-boosted Deaths

9

Total COVID-19 Deaths

9

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

100%

Breakthrough Cases:

DPH will no longer provide breakthrough case updates in the weekly press releases.  The weekly summary of the vaccination status and non-boosted cases are better indicators of effectiveness of vaccines in preventing disease, hospitalizations and deaths.  Breakthrough information that is cumulative since vaccine rollout began can be found on the Overview section (landing page) of My Healthy Community: https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/locations/state.  Data is updated every Friday.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, March 3, there have been a total of 3,353 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 914 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 29 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 20 – Feb. 26. As of Feb. 26, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 687 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 449 individuals from New Castle County, 92 from Kent County and 146 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab.

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov.

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.

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

 

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


Get Boosted: DPH Urges Delawareans to Reinforce Vaccine Protection Against COVID-19

DOVER, DE (February 11, 2022) – 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 Thursday, Feb 10, 2022. Over the past month, the state has seen a significant decrease in the average percentage of tests that are positive, declining from 32% on Jan. 11, 2022, to 10% on Feb. 10, 2022. The declining trends present a bright spot for the pandemic, however, DPH continues to reinforce the importance of infection prevention and vaccination, particularly the role of boosters in providing increased protection against COVID-19. 

Between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6, 2022, 82% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Delaware had not received a booster. The same was true for 81% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study from April to December of 2021 showed people who were not vaccinated had five times higher risk of getting COVID-19 than adults who had been fully vaccinated and received a booster. Another CDC study showed getting a booster reduces the chance of needing to go the emergency room or being hospitalized by 94%, compared with being unvaccinated. 

“We know that getting vaccinated and boosted is key to reducing the chance of getting sick,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. She adds “Boosters are effective and extremely important for preventing infections but, more importantly, hospitalizations and deaths. Unfortunately, we surpassed 2600 COVID-19 related deaths this week. We have lost more than 400 Delawareans since Thanksgiving, most who were not up to date with their vaccines.” Booster vaccinations are available at any locations that offer the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. 

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: 

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 253,010
  • 7-day average of new positive cases: 378.7, a decrease of 228 from last week.
  • 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 10.2%, a decrease of 5.3 percentage points from last week
  • Hospitalizations: 202, a decrease of 120 from last week; critically ill: 21, a decrease of 15 from last week
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,601
  • Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 38, including 12 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

  • Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,669,853
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 70.8%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.4%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.9%
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 66.8%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. For information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. 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 reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Jan. 31 – Feb. 6. 

Weekly Overview(1/31/22 – 2/6/22) 

Unvaccinated Cases 

Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases 

1838 

Total Cases 

3294 

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases 

56% 

Hospitalizations 

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases 

61 

Total Hospitalized Cases 

101 

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases 

60% 

Deaths 

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths 

22 

Total COVID-19 Deaths 

29 

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths 

76% 

Weekly Overview(1/31/22 – 2/6/22) 

Non-boosted Cases 

Total Non-boosted Cases 

2699 

Total Cases 

3294 

Percent of Non-boosted Cases 

82% 

Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases 

Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases 

82 

Total Hospitalized Cases 

101 

Percent of Non-boosted Cases 

81% 

Non-boosted Deaths 

Total Non-boosted Deaths 

25 

Total COVID-19 Deaths 

29 

Percent of Non-boosted Cases 

86% 

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

  • Total breakthrough cases: 21,004, or 3.56% of fully vaccinated individuals
  • Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 240
  • Total breakthrough deaths: 230

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more.  

*Please note, these data may be updated as additional information is received. 

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:   

The Division of Public Health this week launched a COVID-19 variant chart on its My Healthy Community COVID-19 data dashboard. The data show the weekly proportion of sequenced cases identified as Delta or Omicron over time. Because this data is now easily accessible through the data dashboard, DPH will discontinue this section of the weekly update going forward. The public is encouraged to visit [de.gov/healthycommunity]de.gov/healthycommunity for the latest variant data for Delaware.   

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, Feb 10, there have been a total of 3,052 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 897 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

There were 10 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 30 – Feb. 5. As of Feb. 5, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 626 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 432 individuals from New Castle County, 84 from Kent County and 110 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab. 

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine. 

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov. 

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.    

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  Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations. 


DPH Community Assessments Underway to Inform Future COVID-19 Response Efforts and Improve Health

DOVER, DE (Jan. 25, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) will conduct a series of community health assessments to better understand the concerns and needs of Delaware communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and to improve the overall health in Delaware in the future. As part of Delaware’s State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP), DPH has partnered with the University of Delaware’s Partnership for Healthy Communities and Epidemiology Program to conduct a survey in each of Delaware’s three counties.

Households who have been randomly selected to participate in the voluntary survey will receive a postcard in the mail followed by a survey packet with instructions on how to complete the survey online or by mail. Incentives will be provided for completed surveys. The first set of survey packets will be mailed to Kent County households this week. In late February, teams of students and community volunteers will canvas Kent County neighborhoods to knock on the doors of those selected households who haven’t completed the survey by mail or online. Similar assessments will occur for New Castle and Sussex counties over the next two months. The dates for survey mailings and canvassing by county are:

  • Kent County – week of Jan 24
  • New Castle County – week of Feb. 7
  • Sussex County – week of Feb. 21

  • Kent County – Feb. 25
  • New Castle County – March 11
  • Sussex County – March 25

The SHIP helps to prioritize areas, such as chronic disease, maternal and child health, mental health, and substance use disorder, where more work is needed to make Delawareans healthier.

“Delaware’s current five-year State Health Improvement Plan covers 2018 through 2023 and was initially developed prior to the pandemic,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Community assessments related to COVID-19 and broader conditions now impacting the health of Delawareans are critical to helping inform the current plan and guide the next state health needs assessment and planning process.”

“We are grateful that our students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience by conducting a Community Assessment for Public Health Emergency Response (CASPER), in Delaware for the first time,” said Dr. Jennifer Horney, founding director of the Epidemiology Program at University of Delaware. “It is important that these students, who are the State’s future public health workforce, embrace working directly with residents and communities to collect data that can be used for decision-making by public health leaders and emergency managers.”

In addition to community assessments being conducted at the household level to assess COVID-19 mitigation efforts, perceptions of risk, and preventative actions taken by Delaware households, two series of Community Conversations are also being planned to learn more about broader health impacts on communities. 

“These community conversations are being planned at a time when the federal government is making unprecedented investments in state, territorial, Tribal, and local governments” said Rita Landgraf, director of the Partnership for Healthy Communities at University of Delaware. “Never have communities had access to direct, flexible dollars at this scale. Not only can these resources assist with recovery from the pandemic, but they can also support communities in creating more equitable conditions for health and renewal. Working in collaboration with local partners across the state, we believe that it is possible to engage communities in dialogues that amplify their voices, increase equity, and inform community investments differently.”

The purpose of the Delaware State Health Improvement Plan is to describe how the Division of Public Health and the community it serves will work together to improve the health of Delaware’s population. The SHIP helps to prioritize areas, such as chronic disease, maternal and child health, mental health, and substance use disorder, where more work is needed to make Delawareans healthier. The National Public Health Accreditation Board explains, “Communities, stakeholders, and partners can use the SHIP to set priorities, direct the use of resources, and develop and implement projects, programs, and policies.” Effective state health improvement plans also continuously incorporate new information or data into the state health needs assessment and make updates as needed.

To learn more about Delaware’s State Health Improvement Plan, visit www.DelawareSHIP.org

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


Weekly COVID-19 Update – Jan. 21, 2022: DPH Reports Promising COVID-19 Data Trends

DOVER, DE (Jan. 21, 2022) – 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 Thursday, Jan 20, 2022. DPH reports a welcomed decrease in new positive cases and hospitalizations over the last week, however, both cases and hospitalizations remain elevated statewide. 

While there has been a decline in new positive cases and hospitalizations in the past week, it is important that Delawareans take important steps to keep themselves and others safe to maintain positive new data trends: 

  • Get vaccinated and boosted. COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer the best protection against infection, hospitalization, and death.
  • Wear a well-fitting mask in public and when around others outside of your household. Make sure your mask fits properly over your nose and mouth. Review the face covering guidance from DPH.
  • Stay home if you have symptoms or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Avoid non-essential in-person social gatherings.
  • Go to the emergency room if you have a true emergency, but do not go to the ER only for a COVID-19 test. Our hospitals are strained, and emergency departments need to be preserved for life-threatening emergencies.

You should get tested: 

  • If you have symptoms, especially if unvaccinated or have an underlying health condition. 
  • If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. You should get tested 5 days after exposure if possible. 
  • If you are unvaccinated (you should get tested once a week).  
 
COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: 
  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 236,022
  • 7-day average of new positive cases: 2,006.6, down from 3,187.6 last week.
  • 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 27.2%, down  from 31% last week
  • Hospitalizations: 606, a decrease of 123 from last week; critically ill: 64, a decrease of 5 from last week
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,457
  • Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 61 including 21 from a review of vital statistic records

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

  • Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,620,971
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who received at least one dose (CDC data) 84.2%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 89.5%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 91.5%
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 65.7%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. For information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. 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 reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Jan.10 – Jan.16. 

 

Weekly Overview(1/10/22- 1/16/22) 

Non-boosted Cases 

Total Non-Boosted Cases 

16657 

Total Cases 

18910 

Percent of Non-boosted cases 

88.1% 

Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases 

Total Non-boosted Hospitalized cases 

390 

Total Hospitalized Cases 

432 

Percent of Non-boosted hospitalized Cases 

90.3% 

Weekly Overview
(1/10/22- 1/16/22)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases 10663
Total Cases 18910
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases 56%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases 263
Total Hospitalized Cases 432
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases 61%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths 23
Total COVID-19 Deaths 35
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths 66%

 

  

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

  • Total breakthrough cases: 16,469, or 2.84% of fully vaccinated individuals
  • Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 197
  • Total breakthrough deaths: 176

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more.  

*Please note, these data may be updated as additional information is received. 

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:   

Of the samples collected during the week of Dec. 31 – Jan. 6, the Omicron variant represented 94.5% of cases sequenced for a variant of concern, variant of interest, or variant being monitored. The remaining 5.5% of sequenced cases were identified as Delta. 

As a reminder, DPH is now providing variant data based on sample collection date rather than sequencing date, due to the length of time between sample collection (when a person is tested) and when samples are sequenced by laboratories, which can be lagged by two weeks or longer. This will more accurately reflect the proportion of specific variants that are circulating in the community at various points in time.  

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory and other laboratories regularly monitor for the presence of COVID-19 variants, including Delta and Omicron, through routine genomic sequencing of test specimens. Genome sequencing is a public health surveillance tool used to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 variants; it is not used to diagnose individuals with a specific strain of COVID-19, as treatment recommendations do not differ based on variant strains. COVID-19 tests identify current infection of COVID-19, but do not identify a specific variant of the virus the individual might have. 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, Jan. 20, there have been a total of 3,040 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 892 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

There were 15 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 9 – Jan. 15. As of Jan. 15, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 595 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 414 individuals from New Castle County, 77 from Kent County and 104 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab. 

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.  

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov. 

  

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 Apple 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.  

  

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

  

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.