Weekly COVID-19 Update – Jan. 14, 2022: New Positive Cases, Hospitalizations Continue to Trend Upward

DOVER, DE (Jan. 14, 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 13, 2021. DPH reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic with 4,771 positive cases reported to the state Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. In addition, the total number of current COVID-19 hospitalizations surpassed the record high this week with 759 individuals hospitalized as of Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022.

Delaware is experiencing a surge in cases and hospitalizations. It is important that Delawareans take important steps to keep themselves and others safe:

  • 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.
  • 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.

Tests are in high demand. Get tested if:

  • You have symptoms.
  • It has been five days after you were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • You are unvaccinated (those not vaccinated should be tested once per week).

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 221,811
  • 7-day average of new positive cases: 3,153.1, an increase from 2,738.4 last week.
  • 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 32%, an increase from 28.3% last week.
  • Hospitalizations: 729, an increase of 37 from last week; critically ill: 69, an increase of 6 from last week.
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,396.
  • Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 66, including 20 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

  • Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,599,196
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 82.9%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 88.2%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 90.2%
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 65%

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. 3 – Jan. 9.

Weekly Overview
(1/3/22- 1/9/22)

Unvaccinated Cases

Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases: 11,832

Total Cases: 22,173

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases: 53%

Hospitalizations

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases: 241

Total Hospitalized Cases: 405

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases: 60%

Deaths

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths: 23

Total COVID-19 Deaths: 32

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths: 72%

 

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

Total breakthrough cases: 14,801, or 2.5% of fully vaccinated individuals
Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 179
Total breakthrough deaths: 155

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. 24 – Dec. 30, the Omicron variant represented 93% of cases sequenced for a variant of concern, variant of interest, or variant being monitored. The remaining 7% 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. 13, there have been a total of 3,037 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 886 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 28 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 2 – Jan. 8. As of Jan. 8, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 579 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 405 individuals from New Castle County, 73 from Kent County and 101 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.


Delaware Surpasses 1,000 Total Deaths Related to COVID-19; New Positive Cases Remain Elevated

DOVER (Jan. 15, 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, January 14, 2021.

A total of 1,002 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 45 additional deaths since last week’s update. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranges in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 511 were female and 491 were male. A total of 499 individuals were from New Castle County, 186 were from Kent County, and 317 were from Sussex County.

“On this day that we pass the heartbreaking milestone of 1,000 COVID-related deaths in Delaware, our hearts go out to all the families and friends who have lost a loved one to this disease,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Even as our response continues to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to increase the pace of our vaccinations, we pause today to remember all of the precious souls lost to COVID-19. May their memory be a blessing to their families and friends.”

A total of 68,727 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 decreased to 755.3 as of Thursday, Jan. 14.

The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 as of Thursday, Jan. 14, was 23.5%, a decrease from 27.3% as of Thursday, Jan. 7. DPH publishes both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its COVID-19 data portal. As of Tuesday, Jan. 12, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 8.6%, a decrease from 10.3% as of Tuesday, Jan. 5. 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, 451 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, which is the same number of hospitalized individuals reported as of this time last week. Fifty-six of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, down three from last week.

As of midnight, Thursday, Jan. 14, 36,634 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity. Additional information about COVID-19 vaccine rollout is available at de.gov/covidvaccine. Questions can be directed to the Vaccine Call Center at 1-833-643-1715. People who are deaf and hard of hearing should call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211. Individuals can email their questions concerning the vaccine to Vaccine@Delaware.gov.

Update on COVID-19 Outbreaks in Long-term Care Facilities:

The Division of Public Health continues to investigate COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities throughout the state. The following facilities have experienced significant outbreaks since late September. Resident and staff tallies represent cumulative case totals between Sept. 25, 2020, and Jan. 14, 2020, and may not represent the number of active cases at each facility at this particular point in time:

  • Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation & Health Center in Millsboro; 30 residents and 26 staff
  • Brookdale in Dover; 58 residents and 36 staff
  • Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow in Middletown; 20 residents and 29 staff
  • Cadia Healthcare Renaissance in Millsboro; 40 residents and 23 staff
  • Cadia Healthcare Silverside in Wilmington; 66 residents and 48 staff members
  • Cadia Healthcare Capitol in Dover; 60 residents and 38 staff
  • Cadia Healthcare Pike Creek in Wilmington; 15 residents and 32 staff
  • Churchman Village in Newark; 64 residents and 47 staff
  • Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar; 42 residents and 38 staff
  • Dover Place in Dover; 39 residents and 23 staff
  • Foulk Manor South in Wilmington; 30 residents and 30 staff
  • Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lewes; 63 residents and 25 staff
  • Hillside Center in Wilmington; 26 residents and 21 staff
  • Kutz Senior Living in Wilmington; 33 residents and 20 staff
  • Lofland Park in Seaford; 20 residents and 19 staff
  • ManorCare Health Services in Wilmington; 11 residents and 24 staff
  • Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare in Milford; 49 residents and 15 staff
  • Oak Bridge Terrace at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 16 residents and 14 staff
  • Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Hockessin; 90 residents and 45 staff
  • Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington; 74 residents and 48 staff
  • Seaford Center Nursing Home in Seaford; 26 residents and 22 staff
  • The Moorings at Lewes in Lewes; 17 residents and 40 staff
  • Westminster Village in Dover; 47 residents and 30 staff
  • WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House in Seaford; 44 residents and 36 staff
  • WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 13 residents and 15 staff

*Staff members may include health care and non-health care personnel, such as facility vendors or other individuals working in the long-term care facility who may not be full-time facility employees. Facilities listed represent those that have had a cumulative total of more than 10 cases among residents and more than 10 cases among staff to date since the beginning of the outbreak monitoring period, Sept. 25, 2020. As facility outbreak investigations close, they will be removed from this list.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of 6 p.m. Thursday, January 14, there have been a total of 1,996 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 531 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 (18)
  • Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (18)
  • Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
  • Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (5)
  • Brookdale Dover, Dover (9)
  • Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (13)
  • Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (19)
  • Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (11)
  • Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (27)
  • Churchman Village, Newark (7)
  • Country Rest Home, Greenwood (11)
  • Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (13)
  • Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar (2)
  • Dover Place, Dover (4)
  • Foulk Manor South, Wilmington (7)
  • Forwood Manor, Wilmington (2)
  • Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
  • HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
  • Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (24)
  • Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (43)
  • Hillside Center, Wilmington (4)
  • Ingleside Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
  • Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (8)
  • Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (3)
  • Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
  • Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (6)
  • ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (14)
  • ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (24)
  • Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
  • Millcroft, Newark (2)
  • Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (40)
  • New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center, New Castle (12)
  • 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 (12)
  • Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (8)
  • Somerford House and Place, Newark (2)
  • Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
  • Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
  • The Center at Eden Hill, Dover (2)
  • The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (4)
  • Westminster Village, Dover (20)
  • WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House, Seaford (7)
  • WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village, Hockessin (2)
  • Four other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)
  • Two other Kent County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)

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.

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.

Information about testing events, including community testing sites, permanent fixed 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 de.gov/gettested.

Delawareans over the age of 18 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.

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 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.

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. 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


Relief Fund’s Community Resiliency Fund Applications Due Nov. 15

NEW CASTLE (Nov. 13, 2020) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is reminding community- and faith-based 501c3 charitable organizations that primarily serve low-income and/or racial or ethnic minority populations in Kent or Sussex counties that CARES Act Relief funds are available for expenses incurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The deadline is Nov. 15, 2020, for eligible organizations to apply through the Community Resiliency Fund, part of the $100 million Health Care Relief Fund that Gov. John Carney and DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik announced in October.

Applicants will need to provide their organizational information and a brief overview of all funds requested for reimbursement, as well as how projected expenses through Dec. 30, 2020, will be spent. All expenses must comply with U.S. Treasury Department guidance.

For eligibility requirements and the online application, go to DHSS’ Health Care Relief Fund webpage.


Weekly COVID-19 Update – Aug. 21, 2020: New Daily COVID Cases, Hospitalizations, Recoveries Remain Steady

DOVER (Aug. 21, 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, August 20, 2020.

A total of 16,770 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020, including 8,839 individuals who are considered recovered. For the second week in a row, the number of new daily COVID-19 cases remained below 100 per day. The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 increased slightly from 4.1% as of August 13, to 4.4% as of Thursday, Aug. 20. In addition, 37 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, down one from 38 reported as of last Friday’s update. Ten of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, which is the same total reported last week.

In addition, DPH is also announcing that after once again completing a review of death certificate records from the Delaware Vital Events Registration System (DelVERS) and comparing that information to epidemiological surveillance data, DPH epidemiologists have identified five (5) additional COVID-19 deaths that occurred in July, but were not previously reported to DPH through standard reporting procedures. These deaths should be classified as confirmed or probable deaths, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) case definition. Of the five deaths added to the state’s total death count, all are classified as confirmed due to there being a positive lab result of COVID-19 in DPH’s surveillance system.

As stated previously, the epidemiology team at the Division of Public Health shared its COVID-19 death data with DPH’s Bureau of Health and Vital Statistics. To ensure the highest quality of data, the bureau’s staff performed a review of the death certifications in the Delaware Vital Events Registration System that list either COVID-19, or SARS CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) as a cause of death or a significant condition contributing to death. The purpose of this review was to ensure that DPH is accurately capturing the total number of COVID-19-related deaths based on both epidemiology surveillance and death certificate data.

The Division of Public Health will continue to conduct periodic reviews of its Vital Records data to identify additional COVID-19 deaths, which could lead to ongoing increases in the state’s total number of COVID-19 deaths.

With the five additional COVID-19 related deaths added to the state’s statistics, 600 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 21 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 318 were female and 282 were male. A total of 297 individuals were from New Castle County, 109 were from Kent County, and 194 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:

Email Results Notification Now Available at Walgreens Pilot Testing Sites – Beginning today, those tested through one of the three Walgreens pilot testing sites in Middletown, Dover and Bridgeville will be able to receive results via email from Labware when an email address is provided. This enhanced service will reduce the time for those tested to receive their test results.

Participating Walgreens locations currently include:
• New Castle County – Walgreens, 700 S. Ridge Ave., Middletown, DE 19709
• Kent County – Walgreens, 1215 S. State St., Dover, DE 19901
• Sussex County – Walgreens, 9202 Commercial Centre Drive, Bridgeville, DE 19933

Data Quality Review: To ensure the highest quality of data, the Division of Public Health’s epidemiology team is currently conducting a data quality review of the state’s COVID-19 case records to identify any duplicate records that may exist in the DPH surveillance system. While duplicate records are regularly identified and subsequently removed from the statistical file, this broad data review will ensure accuracy in the state’s data reporting. As a result of this review, the public may notice a decrease in the cumulative number of positive cases displayed on the My Healthy Community data portal over the coming days early next week. Members of the media and the general public are highly encouraged to view the “New Positive Cases” graph on the My Healthy Community dashboard for the most accurate data trends based on the date cases are reported to DPH.

Delaware COVID-19 data:
The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m. Thursday, August 20, include:

• 16,770 total positive cases
• New Castle County cases: 7,737
• Kent County cases: 2,529
• Sussex County cases: 6,235
• Unknown County: 269
• Females: 8,964; Males: 7,780; Unknown Sex: 26
• Age range: 0 to 104
• Currently hospitalized: 37; Critically ill: 10 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
• Delawareans recovered: 8,839
• 201,238 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 1,236 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 364 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 (17)
• Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
• Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (2)
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (10)
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (12)
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (8)
• Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (5)
• 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 (35)
• 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 reopen 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, DPH 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.


Delaware SNAP to Issue Additional Emergency Benefits Starting June 30

Existing clients may receive additional benefits to support food needs

NEW CASTLE (June 28, 2020) – Emergency benefits will be issued to participants of Delaware’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for June as part of the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020.

En Espanol.

Under this federal act signed into law March 18, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) will issue emergency benefits to any household not already receiving the maximum monthly SNAP benefit. SNAP households that already receive the maximum monthly benefit will not receive additional funds.

The emergency benefits will be released Tuesday evening, June 30, and will automatically load to recipients’ SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for use starting Wednesday, July 1. The emergency benefits will allow the household’s monthly allotment to increase to the maximum amount for a household of that size, as follows:

 

Number in SNAP
Household
Maximum Benefit Amount
1 $194
2 $355
3 $509
4 $646
5 $768
6 $921
7 $1,018
8 $1,164
Each additional person $146

 

SNAP households will receive their regular June benefits on their usual issuance dates.

Many SNAP households also received emergency benefits in March, April and May. “We are grateful that this additional assistance continues to be available to Delaware families who are struggling to meet their food and nutritional needs because of the devastating impact of COVID-19 on our economy,” said Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services. “DHSS continues to work with our fellow state agencies and community partners to help reduce the number of individuals and families who are worried about going hungry.”

More than 120,000 Delawareans receive SNAP benefits. The average size of a SNAP household in Delaware is 2.04 individuals and the average monthly benefit amount is $233. Individuals seeking to apply for SNAP benefits in Delaware may apply online through Delaware ASSIST or by phone at 1-866-843-7212.

 

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