DOVER, DE (February 25, 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 24, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: 

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 256,337 
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 127, a decrease of 105.6 from last week. 
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 5.0%, a decrease of 3.4 percentage points from last week 
• Hospitalizations: 98, a decrease of 45 from last week; critically ill: 11, a decrease of 2 from last week  
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,706 
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 46, including 28 from a review of vital statistics records.   

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,687,413 
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.5% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.9%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.4% 
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.5%  

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. 14 – Feb. 20. 

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 21,924, or 3.68% of fully vaccinated individuals  
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 280 
• Total breakthrough deaths: 256 

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. 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, Feb 24, there have been a total of 3,126 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 908 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

There were 17 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 13 – Feb. 19. As of Feb. 19, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 658 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 441 individuals from New Castle County, 87 from Kent County and 130 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.

This afternoon, DelDOT’s Secretary Nicole Majeski, DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation Director Ray Bivens, Representative Lyndon D. Yearick, City of Dover’s Councilman Andre Boggerty, county and local officials participated in a ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of Phase II-Capital City Trail.

“With each completed phase of work the Capital City Trail we move closer to completing what will ultimately be a nearly 15-mile trail around the city of Dover,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Building this interconnectivity gives our residents a safe and convenient alternative to using a vehicle to get around the city and surrounding areas and we are excited for the benefits this will provide to users of all ages.”

“DNREC has enjoyed and looks forward to continuing a great working relationship with DelDOT in developing trails throughout the state that bring more and more people in touch with Delaware’s natural beauty and recreational resources,” said Ray Bivens, Director of the DNREC Division of Parks and Recreation. “We cannot endorse strongly enough the expansion of the trail network across the state, thus providing public access to more opportunities for both recreational pursuits and alternative transportation.”

Representative Andria Bennett said, “Delaware’s wide array of pristine multi-use trails have proven to be a great success, allowing residents to experience the beauty of our state while enjoying the great outdoors. With the completion of the Capital City Trail, which runs through the heart of historic Kent County, our community will be connected in a way that benefits locals, visitors, and businesses alike. I’m grateful for DelDOT’s commitment to expanding and improving this important trail, which showcases the vitality of our area while providing people of all backgrounds with an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.”

“I want to thank DelDOT’s efforts to improve the pedestrians and bikers’ safety on the road. Throughout the state, we need to make a conscientious effort to improve the safety of our roads, and this is a step forward in central Kent County,” said Representative Lyndon D. Yearick.

Mayor Tracy Torres said, “I think it’s fantastic to have a trail providing accessibility to the parks and historic attractions in this area as well as the Dover Air Force Base. This provides options for those who desire a healthy lifestyle, it’s a safe way for families to explore the area. I’m very happy this connection will soon include Camden.”

Phase II-Capital City Trail is a new multi-use path along Route 10 from Gateway Shopping Center to South State Street for pedestrians and cyclists. This work included the following: sidewalks, transit improvements, ADA curbs, gutters, paving, fencing, signage, and landscaping. The section of this trail is part of the overall Capital City Trail which connects Downtown Dover, Camden/Wyoming, DAFB Housing, Brecknock Park, Caesar Rodney High School, Schutte Park, Danner Campus, and points between.

The entire length of the trail once complete will be approximately 14.5 miles in length. The remaining section of the trail from South State Street to US 13 is scheduled to be constructed in conjunction with the Camden Bypass Project. The pathway is another example of additional to our low stress multi-model network. The next phase of the trail is scheduled to begin next year from South State Street to a connection point with the Camden Bypass. The state of Delaware has more than 500 miles of pedestrian and bicycle trails.

Delaware celebrates Arbor Day

DOVER, Del. — Delaware celebrated Arbor Day in Dover, an annual occasion to highlight the many benefits of trees and encourage communities to plant more of them. The Delaware Forest Service hosted its annual Arbor Day Ceremony at Dover’s Schutte Park, honoring its school poster contest winners and recognizing Dover’s 30th Year as the First State’s longest-running Tree City USA. The event culminated with the planting of more than 30 large trees at six locations, including a zelkova on the historic Green on State Street. Delaware State University also held its Arbor Day event and celebrated its 8th consecutive year as Delaware’s only certified Tree Campus USA, followed by a ceremonial tree planting on campus.

Check out more Arbor Day event photos on Flickr or at the Delaware Forest Service Facebook Page

DOVER – The Delaware General Assembly, the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Delaware Heritage Commission will unveil a new monument this weekend honoring Delawareans who served in World War I and those who supported them on the home front. The monument will be installed on the grounds of Legislative Hall and dedicated with a special ceremony at noon on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Throughout the United States’ engagement in World War I, some 9,000 Delawareans served overseas in the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Of that number, 43 Delawareans were killed in action and 188 were wounded. Many more succumbed to the great influenza epidemic of 1918-1919, bringing the total number of Delaware service personnel lost during the war to 270.

The monument ceremony will follow a veterans’ parade through downtown Dover, featuring the First State Corvette Club, Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, cadets of the First State Military Academy, the Dover High School Band as well as local veterans’ groups. Those interested in participating may call (302) 739-2792 or email sable.vance@delaware.gov for more information.

What:
WWI Monument Dedication and Dover Veterans’ Parade

Who:
Gov. John Carney
Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock
Brig. Gen. Kennard Wiggins Jr. (Del. National Guard, Ret.)
Maj. Gen. Francis A. Ianni (Del. National Guard, Ret.)
Sen. David McBride, President Pro Tempore
Rep. Peter Schwartzkopf, Speaker of the House
Sens. Bruce Ennis and Colin Bonini
Rep. Earl Jaques
Representatives of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs; the Delaware National Guard; Disabled American Veterans; Gold Star Families; and others

When:
Parade – 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4
Monument Dedication – Noon, Saturday, Nov. 4

Where:

The parade will begin at the west end of Loockerman St. and progress through downtown Dover to Legislative Mall.
The monument dedication will take place on the grounds of Legislative Hall, near the corner of Legislative Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. South.

Governor Markell joined state officials and members of the General Assembly to honor the winners of the Delaware Forest Service’s annual Arbor Day Poster Contest, recognize the City of Dover as the First State’s longest-running Tree City USA, and honor Delmarva Power as a Tree Line USA utility and for its volunteer work in underwriting the cost of Arbor  Day observances throughout the state. The Forest Service also thanked the Governor for his continued support during his administration in the areas of forest conservation, open space preservation, urban and community forestry, and its wildland fire program.

Rain Vasey, a fifth-grade student from Water Girl Farm Academy in Lincoln, was honored as the winner of the annual Delaware Forest Service School Poster Contest. She also won the award last year as a fourth-grader. The gallery of winning posters can be seen at http://delawaretrees.com/2016arbordaypostercontest

High-resolution images of the ceremony and captions of the photographs are available at http://delawaretrees.com/2016arbordayceremony

Other high-resolution photographs can be downloaded at the Department of Agriculture Flickr Page: https://flic.kr/s/aHskzKxtL2