DOVER, DE (July 15, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that COVID-19 cases experienced an uptick in the daily 7-day average for the percentage of positive tests since the previous monthly COVID-19 update released on June 17, 2022.  Since that time, Delaware has also exceeded 3,000 COVID-related deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels data tracker, which was last updated on June 14, case levels in Kent County are considered high, while case levels in New Castle and Sussex Counties are listed as medium.

Many people are expressing concerns about getting vaccinated or boosted now, both because of reported lack of effectiveness against the circulating BA.5 variant and the expected updated vaccines in the fall. Regarding the BA.5 variant, approximately 67% of vaccines sequenced from mid-to late June contained a variant strain, which means that one-third contained the original strain of COVID-19 against which the vaccines are highly effective. Approximately 36% of variants sequenced were BA.5; BA.2 still accounted for more at around 50%. While the current vaccines may be less effective against protecting against infection if you get the BA.5 variant strain, they still offer some level of protection. The vaccines also remain highly effective at preventing more severe consequences like serious illness, hospitalization and death against all variants.  This is where getting a booster when eligible becomes particularly important. As immunity from your initial vaccine doses wane, the boosters become critical to increasing your antibody level and continue to provide your best chances at protection against serious illness. Some people who have not gotten either their first or second booster plan to just wait for the expected updated vaccines in the fall.  The CDC and White House advisors urge people not to wait, indicating that getting your booster now will not exclude you from getting one in the fall.  Better to have all the protection you can get now – and then by getting all the vaccine doses for which you are eligible.

You are eligible for a booster dose if you:

• Are 5+ and it has been 5 months since your second dose of Pfizer.
• Are 18+ and it has been 5 months since your second dose of Moderna.
• Are 18+ and it has been 2 months since your initial dose of Johnson & Johnson.
• Qualified for an “additional/third” dose of Pfizer or Moderna because you have certain immunocompromising conditions.
• You can get your second booster (fourth) dose four months after receiving your initial booster if you are 50+ or are immunocompromised.

Getting vaccinated and boosted when you are eligible remains one of the key ways to Stay One Step Ahead of COVID-19 in our state. View materials that are available for download or ordering free at covidmaterialsde.com.  .

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 289,266*
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 306.7 an increase of 46.8 average new positive cases reported since June 17, 2022
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 17.5 percentage points, an increase of 3.4 percentage points reported since June 17, 2022
• Hospitalizations: 127, current hospitalizations; critically ill: 14
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,008, an increase of 31 since last month, including 25 deaths from a review of vital statistics 

*Case and testing data are based on reporting of lab-confirmed COVID-19 tests only. The number of COVID-19 cases in the community is likely higher than what is reported.

Now some of our youngest Delawareans are eligible to be vaccinated. On June 18, the CDC gave final authorization to both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for children ages 6 months through 5 years old, making vaccines available to everyone ages 6 months and older. Additionally, the following week, the CDC authorized Moderna’s vaccines for children ages 6 – 17. Pfizer’s vaccine for this age group was already authorized. Just this week, the FDA granted full approval for Pfizer’s vaccine for ages 12-15. Information about the vaccine and where you can get your child vaccinated is available at de.gov/youthvaccine

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,855,875
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 74.4% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 78.5%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 80% 
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 70.2%  

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For a location near you, 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 non-boosted cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame of July 04 – July 10, 2022.

 

1.  Non-boosted: Case – Hospital – Death

Weekly Overview (07/04/22 – 07/10/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases	1249
Total Cases	1888
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	66%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	88
Total Hospitalized Cases	135
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	65%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths	0
Total COVID-19 Deaths	2
Percent of Non-boosted Deaths	0%

 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, July 14, 2022, there have been a total of 4,150 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 969 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.  

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.

DOVER, DE (March 18, 2022) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on COVID-19 statistics in Delaware, as of Thursday, March 17, 2022:  

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 258,513
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 63.1, a decrease of 16.9 average new positive cases from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 2.9%, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from last week.
• Hospitalizations: 46, a decrease of 8 from last week; critically ill: 5, an increase of 1 critically ill case from last week.
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,812
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 5, with another 54 coming from a review of Vital Statistics

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,702,887
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 72.1%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.4%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.9%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 68.1%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For a location near you, 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 March 7 – March 13, 2022.  Going forward, DPH will report out only breakdowns for non-boosted cases (which includes the number of cases not fully vaccinated as well), as that is a stronger indicator of vaccine effectiveness in preventing infection, hospitalizations and death.   

 

DPH says Boosted is Better

DPH) is encouraging everyone who is eligible for a booster, but has not yet gotten one to do so. According to the My Healthy Community Vaccine Tracker, while 68.2% of those 65+ have received a booster/additional dose, only one-third (35.7%) of Delaware’s eligible population as a whole has.

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study showing that receiving 2 or 3 doses of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a 90% reduction in risk in needing to be placed on a ventilator or dying.  During Omicron, the risk for those who received a booster dose was reduced to 94%. This data supports a growing body of evidence showing:

• Those who are boosted are much less likely to test positive than even the those who had received just two doses (JAMA, 2022).
• People who were unvaccinated against COVID-19 as the Omicron variant emerged in December had five times higher risk of COVID-19 infections than adults who had received a booster (CDC, 2022).
• Unvaccinated persons are 12 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who are boosted (CDC Data: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#covidnet-hospitalizations-vaccination
  

DPH says now, while cases are low, is the best time to get your booster so that you are prepared in the event of a surprise COVID-19 surge. Additionally, with the upcoming Spring Break and reports of recent COVID-19 surges in Western Europe, South Korea and China, DPH reminds Delawareans that receiving a booster will decrease the chances of citizens bringing the deadly virus back from vacation spots. Spring Break often includes congregating in large groups and increases the chance for a person to contract COVID-19 and then return home to a loved one who may suffer from underlying conditions. Underlying conditions makes people more susceptible to COVID-19.

For more information concerning booster-doses, visit our website at de.gov/boosters. 

Those who are eligible for a booster are recommended to seek one at existing vaccine sites including pharmacies, health care providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for patients), and the following standing DPH Vaccine sites:

• Blue Hen Corporate Center: 655 S. Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
• Georgetown Plaza: 19 Georgetown Plaza, Georgetown, DE 19947
• Canby Park: 1920 Maryland Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805
• University Plaza, 256 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19702

DPH will discontinue services at the DPH Standing Vaccine Sites after March 31. Individuals can still get vaccinated at DPH clinics, updates on new locations for Curative testing will be provided as details become available.  

Changes in Federal Program May Impact Testing for Uninsured

Changes at the federal level set to take effect Monday, March 21, may result in some COVID-19 testing providers deciding to no longer offer free testing to uninsured individuals.  Those without insurance can still access free testing at Division of Public Health clinics. Those who have insurance are encouraged to seek testing at locations outside of DPH.  For a list of testing locations statewide visit de.gov/gettested. You are encouraged to contact the testing site to verify insurance requirements.

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, March 17, there have been a total of 3,642 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 926 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

DPH reminds the public that flu season is not over.  There were 64 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of March 6-March 13. As of March 13, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 797 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 488 individuals from New Castle County, 113 from Kent County and 196 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. There may be technical discrepancies of reporting numbers week to week due to retroactive reporting of cases.

All individuals 6 months and older may still 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.

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. 

DOVER, DE (Jan. 28, 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 27, 2022. DPH reports a 57 percent decrease in the seven-day average of new positive cases reported since the peak of the surge on Jan. 12, 2022. The current seven-day average of new positive cases reported has declined to 1,448 as of Thursday. Jan. 27.

Case totals remain elevated, so Delawareans should continue to take important steps to keep themselves and others safe and 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. 
• 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. 

• 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: 246,037 
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 1448.9, a decrease of 683.2 from last week. 
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 21.6%, a decrease of 6 percentage points from last week 
• Hospitalizations: 453, a decrease of 168 from last week; critically ill: 47, a decrease of 21 from last week  
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,498 
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 48, including 7 from a review of vital statistics records.   

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,642,264 
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who received at least one dose (CDC data) 85% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 90.2%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 92.1% 
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 66.1%  

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.17 – Jan. 23. 

Weekly Overview (1/17/22 – 1/23/22)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	6614
Total Cases	11661
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	57%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases	183
Total Hospitalized Cases	292
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases	63%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	24
Total COVID-19 Deaths	40
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	60%
Weekly Overview (1/17/22 – 1/23/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases	10021
Total Cases	11661
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	86%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	258
Total Hospitalized Cases	292
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	88%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths	33
Total COVID-19 Deaths	40
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	83%

 

  

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 18,698, or 3.2% of fully vaccinated individuals  
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 208 
• Total breakthrough deaths: 191

 

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

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:   

Of the samples collected during the week of Jan. 7 – Jan. 13, the Omicron variant represented 97.4% of cases sequenced for a variant of concern, variant of interest, or variant being monitored. The remaining 2.6% 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. 27, there have been a total of 3,045 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 896 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update:

There were 12 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 16 – Jan. 22. As of Jan. 22, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 607 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 423 individuals from New Castle County, 79 from Kent County and 105 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.