DOVER, Del. (March 17, 2023) -  The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) saw a decrease in case rates and hospitalizations from COVID-19 over the past month and urges residents to remain vigilant and use the tools proven successful in the fight against the virus to continue these trends.

While rates are down from the peak of the pandemic, individuals are still being hospitalized at a concerning rate from COVID-19. From October 8, 2022 through the end of February 2023, 3,570 people were newly admitted to Delaware hospitals with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. The daily total of new admissions was highest on January 6, 2023, when 62 people were newly admitted to the hospital that day.

Treatment is a proven tool available to individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and meet certain requirements to help reduce symptoms and prevent severe illness and hospitalization. It is available via oral medication (pills that can be taken right at home) or IV infusion, depending on what is best for the individual and their condition. Treatment is most effective if started within five days of symptoms beginning, so getting it early is key. If an individual who tests positive is over age 50, is unvaccinated, or has pre-existing medical conditions, they should contact their health care provider or visit a test-to-treat location to see if treatment is right for them. For more information on treatment options and test-to-treat locations throughout Delaware, visit de.gov/covidtreatments.

The other tools that have proven successful against COVID-19 include staying home if sick and getting tested if showing symptoms or exposed to someone with COVID-19; wearing a mask if cases are high or if in contact with an immunocompromised individual; and staying up-to-date with vaccinations and boosters. Individuals who are unsure about whether they are current on their vaccinations should visit de.gov/boosters to access a simple, easy-to-use chart outlining all current vaccination situations and age groups and detailing any action that should be taken.

As the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19 is expected to end on May 11, 2023, the State of Delaware and those at DPH prepare for the many changes that will come with such action. The Division of Public Health has been working to update its data collection methods and determine which data sets will be available and most accurate for analysis following the end of the Public Health Emergency.

Full data on the impact of the pandemic in Delaware since its onset and current analysis continues to be available on the MyHealthyCommunity portal at https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/home.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 332,526
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 55.7, a decrease of 89.4 average new positive cases reported since last month.
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 6.7 percentage points, a decrease of 6.3 percentage points from last month.
• Hospitalizations: 78 current hospitalizations, 7 critical hospitalizations
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,342 – an increase of 54 from last month.
  *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 higher than what is reported because of the use of at-home test kits.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware (CDC data): 2,160,480
• Percentage of Delawareans who have completed the primary vaccine series (CDC data): 73.4%
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who have received an updated bivalent booster dose (CDC data): 21.9%

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 March 6, 2023 – March 12, 2023.

Not up-to-date: Case – Hospital – Death

Weekly Overview
(03/06/23 – 03/12/23)

Not up-to-date Cases

Total Not up-to-date Cases — 396

Total Cases — 440

Percent of Not up-to-date Cases — 90%

Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases

Total Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases — 196

Total Hospitalized Cases — 244

Percent of Not up-to-date Cases — 80%

Not up-to-date Deaths

Total Not up-to-date Deaths — 0

Total COVID-19 Deaths — 2

Percent of Not up-to-date Deaths — 0%

Note:
Case and Hospitalization Count: based on RTS (Report to State Date)
Death: based on patient DoD (Date of Death)
Not up-to-date: all cases that are not completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and/or have not received the most recent booster dose recommended by CDC. (CDC’s guidance updated March 2nd 2023)

DE resident only*

 

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Tuesday, March 14, 2023, there have been a total of 1,041 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 5,663 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 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 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.

Emergency Cash Benefits for Eligible TANF, General Assistance Households Continue until May

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 24, 2023) – The Delaware Division of Social Services will issue emergency benefits for February to eligible households as part of the State’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Due to a recent change in federal law passed in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, this will be the final emergency benefits payment as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Emergency benefits paid as part of two cash assistance programs – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA) – will continue until the end of the federal Public Health Emergency in May.

The SNAP emergency food benefit will be available on recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards Tuesday, Feb. 28. Eligible TANF and GA households will receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Tuesday, Feb. 28.

Beginning March 1, 2023, SNAP households will receive their regular monthly food benefit amount on the normal issuance date and will no longer receive additional emergency food benefits on their EBT cards at the end of each month. More information and resources around this change can be found at de.gov/snapchanges.

“Delaware families needed these emergency food benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic to help put healthy food on the table,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik. “We know the need for help is still there even as the federal emergency payments are coming to an end. There are community resources that may be available to those in need and we are working with our partners to prepare for this change.”

DHSS encourages Delawareans in need of food assistance to contact Delaware 2-1-1 by calling 2-1-1 or visiting delaware211.org to find the nearest food closet or pantry or visit the Food Bank of Delaware’s website at fbd.org.

Through the end of February, all households with open SNAP cases will receive at least $95 in emergency food benefits, to be issued as follows:

1. SNAP households receiving the maximum food benefit amount for their household size or a prorated initial benefit will receive $95 in emergency food benefits.
2. SNAP households with a calculated emergency food benefit amount less than $95 will have their emergency benefit increased to $95.
3. SNAP households with a calculated emergency benefit amount of $95 or more will continue to receive the calculated emergency benefit amount to increase the household’s monthly benefit up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size.

The emergency assistance for TANF and GA families increases a household’s monthly benefit for each program up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size. Households that already receive the maximum TANF or GA benefit amount or that have a prorated benefit in the month of February are not eligible for the February emergency cash funds. Emergency cash benefits will continue through May 2023 when the federal COVID-19 public health emergency expires.

DHSS has issued emergency benefits each month to eligible households since March 2020.

How the monthly emergency benefit is calculated: A household’s monthly emergency benefit equals the current maximum benefit amount for the household size minus the household’s current monthly benefit amount. For example, based on current USDA limits for SNAP benefits, if a household of one gets $100 in regular monthly benefits, that household will receive $181 in emergency benefits ($281 maximum benefit minus $100 monthly benefit).

Here are the current maximum monthly benefit amounts per household size for SNAP, TANF, and General Assistance:

Emergency SNAP Benefits

Number in SNAP Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$281
2	$516
3	$740
4	$939
5	$1,116
6	$1,339
7	$1,480
8	$1,691
Each Additional Person	$211

An estimated 60,800 Delaware households will receive the emergency SNAP allotment in February, totaling about $12.9 million in emergency food benefits for the month.

Emergency Cash Benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Number in TANF Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$201
2	$270
3	$338
4	$407
5	$475
6	$544
7	$612
8	$681
9	$750
10	$819

General Assistance (GA)

Number in GA Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$79
2	$107
3	$144
4	$169
5	$209
6	$239

An estimated 190 households will be eligible to receive emergency cash assistance benefits in February, totaling about $ 25,000 in emergency benefits for the month.

In addition to the emergency benefits, households will receive their regular benefits for February on the usual issuance dates.

Households should report to DSS any recent changes in address, household size, employment, income, and expenses (such as rent/mortgage, utilities, and child care). Households can report changes by logging in to Delaware ASSIST, calling 1-866-843-7212, or contacting their local DSS office.

For more information about DSS’s benefit programs in response to the pandemic, go to the division’s webpage. To screen for and apply for benefits, go to DHSS’ online application portal Delaware ASSIST or call 1-866-843-7212.

DOVER, DE (Jan. 27, 2023) –   The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the closure of the COVID-19 call center and the vaccine call center due to a low volume of calls. The Call Centers’ last day of operation will be Tuesday, January 31.  Delawareans may still access critical COVID-19 information on the website at de.gov/coronavirus, where questions can be submitted via the contact form at coronavirus.delaware.gov/contact. General questions about COVID-19 will still be answered by calling 2-1-1 or by emailing DPHCall@delaware.gov, or Vaccine@delaware.gov for vaccine-specific questions. 

“The COVID-19 call center has provided an invaluable service to Delawareans throughout the pandemic who had so many questions about this new disease,” said Interim DPH Director Dr. Rick Hong. “We started with multiple call center operators, even having to open a separate Vaccine Call Center when the vaccine program rolled out. However, significantly lower call volume concerning COVID-19 as the pandemic wanes and evolves is allowing us to re-allocate personnel to other critical health work. Most people are accessing information through the web however, we remain dedicated to answering COVID-19 related questions through our email resource boxes, which will continue to be monitored. We will also continue to communicate COVID-19 information to Delawareans using media and community partners, to encourage them to practice health safety by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu, staying home when sick, and wearing a mask in public areas if they feel sick and must go out.” 

The COVID-19 call center was launched on March 4, 2020, under the leadership of former DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. The creation of the COVID-19 call center stemmed from the tremendous number of calls DPH was receiving about the novel coronavirus. At the time of launch, Delaware reported no coronavirus cases in the state. The call center provided critical information to schools, medical providers, state agencies and community organizations. A second call center was opened on Dec. 19, 2020, to field questions about COVID-19 vaccines.

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.    

For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.     

    

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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH 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. 

    

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

DOVER, DE (Jan. 13, 2023) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is seeing an increase in post-holiday COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, though the increase is not nearly as high as the 2022 post-holiday surge. Still, DPH encourages individuals to take specific action steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus, such as staying home when sick, testing when symptoms appear or when exposed to someone with COVID-19, staying up to date with vaccinations and boosters, and considering wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

This time last year, Delaware reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic at 3,666 reported on Jan. 6, 2022, and 759 hospitalizations on Jan. 12, 2022. As of the latest data posted to the My Healthy Community dashboard Wednesday, there were 266 new cases on Jan. 6, 2023, and 202 hospitalizations for Jan. 10, 2023. While the reduced number of cases reported does not take into account the large number of likely positive results from at-home testing, which are not reported to DPH, the fact that hospitalizations remain so much lower is a good indicator that there is not as much serious illness being caused by COVID-19 infection. Even with new emerging variants, the tools available to successfully fight COVID-19 have become increasingly effective.   

Viruses constantly mutate and evolve, and sometimes these mutations result in new variants of the virus. The updated bivalent booster provides the best level of protection against serious illness and hospitalization as it strengthens the antibody response against two strains of COVID-19:  the original strain of the virus and the Omicron variants. Health experts say if has been eight (8) months or more since your last vaccine, your protection is limited.  If you are 5+ and it has been at least two months or more since you completed your primary series, haven’t had a recent infection since July, or haven’t been boosted since August, you are eligible for an updated booster. Learn more about where to get a booster at de.gov/boosters.   

Treatment also remains one of the most effective tools for preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19. If an individual tests positive, especially if they are more likely to get very sick from the virus due to a health condition, treatments are available that reduce the risk of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Those who test positive should contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if treatment is appropriate. Most treatments must be started within five days of when symptoms first appear, and the sooner treatment is started, the sooner it begins working to fight the virus.   

Individuals should ask about treatment if they test positive for COVID-19 and are either: 

• 50 years or older (especially over 65, as risk increases with age) 
• Unvaccinated 
• Listed as having certain medical conditions – such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and more. 

More information, including test-to-treat sites and locations where treatment is available with a prescription, can be found at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/covid-19-treatment-options/. 

In comparison to COVID-19 data released on Dec. 15, Delaware has seen an increase in the 7-day daily average of new positive cases, hospitalizations and critical hospitalizations.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:    

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 324,137*   
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 221.3, an increase of 62.2 average new positive cases reported since Dec. 15, 2022     
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 15.5 percentage points, an increase of 6.1 percentage points reported since Dec. 15, 2022     
• Hospitalizations: 202 current hospitalizations, 24 critical hospitalizations  
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,220 – increase of 35 from last month including 29 from vital statistic review between Oct – Dec.
  *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 higher than what is reported because of the use of at-home test kits.    

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 2,099,714  
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.2%     
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.3%     
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 82.9%     
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 73.1%     

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 Jan. 2, 2023 – Jan. 8, 2023.    

  

1. Not up-to-date: Case – Hospital – Death  

Weekly Overview (01/02/23 – 01/08/23)
Not up-to-date Cases
Total Not up-to-date Cases	1,232
Total Cases	1,448
Percent of Not up-to-date Cases	85%
Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases
Total Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases	290
Total Hospitalized Cases	357
Percent of Not up-to-date Cases	81%
Not up-to-date Deaths
Total Not up-to-date Deaths	2
Total COVID-19 Deaths	2
Percent of Not up-to-date Deaths	100%

    

Note:   

Case and Hospitalization Count: based on RTS (Report to State Date) Death: based on DoD (Date of Death) Not up-to-date: all cases that are not completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and/or have not received the most recent booster dose recommended by CDC. (CDC’s guidance updated Dec 9^th, 2022)
DE resident only*   

     

Long-term Care Statistics:     

As of Thursday, Jan. 10, 2023, there have been a total of 5,278 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 1,016 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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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH 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.

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

DOVER, DE (20 de Diciembre de 2022) – La División de Salud Pública de Delaware (DPH) anuncia cambios en el acceso a las pruebas de COVID-19 en Delaware. Según las necesidades operativas, el valioso socio de DPH Curative, decidió no renovar su contrato de pruebas con el estado cuando finalice en las siguientes dos semanas. Como resultado, el Miércoles 28 de Diciembre será el último día para la recolección de sitios de prueba en Curative. Otros sitios de Curative, tal y como el ubicado en la Universidad de Delaware, ya ha cerrado. El último día para las pruebas curativas en los Centros de Servicio del Estales de Delaware será el Viernes 23 de Diciembre.

“Nosotros apreciamos demasiado el increíble apoyo y servicio que Curative ha brindado a los residentes de Delaware durante la pandemia,” dijo el Director Interino de la DPH el Dr. Rick Hong. “Reconocemos que algunas personas pueden estar preocupadas por este cambio, pero queremos asegurarles a los habitantes de Delaware que sigue habiendo un amplio acceso a las pruebas de COVID-19 en el estado. La DPH continuará apoyando los programas federales que facilitan las pruebas y los tratamientos, continuará ofreciendo pruebas gratuitas en las clínicas de salud pública e informará al público sobre cómo obtener kits de pruebas caseras, en la mayoría de los casos, de forma gratuita. Las pruebas siguen siendo una herramienta crítica para detectar COVID-19 en pacientes, lo que lleva a un tratamiento más rápido. A través de nuestros socios comunitarios, continuaremos satisfaciendo las necesidades de salud pública. Vacunarse sigue siendo la forma más efectiva de ayudar a protegerse a sí mismo contra enfermarse gravemente y la muerte a causa de COVID-19, y alentamos a los habitantes de Delaware a que hablen con su proveedor de atención médica para examinar las opciones disponibles.”

Aún hay muchas opciones de pruebas de COVID-19 disponibles en Delaware:

1. Busque en nuestro localizador de pruebas en línea en de.gov/gettested para conocer otros lugares de prueba disponibles, como farmacias, centros de salud Calificados por el Gobierno Federal u oficinas de proveedores. *

*La mayoría de los sitios requerirán que la persona muestre su tarjeta de seguro. A los que no tengan seguro se les cobrará. A menudo, las pruebas médicamente necesarias no tienen costo, pero las pruebas que no son médicamente necesarias pueden costar $130 o más para las personas que no tienen seguro. Comuníquese con el sitio con anticipación para confirmar los requisitos del seguro.

Quienes necesiten los resultados de las pruebas para viajar deben buscar en el localizador de pruebas para averiguar qué sitios ofrecen pruebas de PCR, ya que las pruebas rápidas de antígenos no se aceptan para satisfacer los requisitos federales de viaje. La DPH sugiere que las personas se comuniquen directamente con la ubicación para obtener más información sobre los tiempos de respuesta de los resultados.

1. Contacte su proveedor de salud primaria. 
2. Aquellos que no están asegurado o que tienen seguro insuficiente pueden visitar a DPH Public Health Clinic para pruebas gratis. 
3. Asegure un kit de prueba casera. 

1. 1. La Casa Blanca acaba de anunciar que está enviando hasta cuatro pruebas gratuitas caseras por hogar disponibles en Covidtest.gov. Las pruebas se enviarán por correo a su hogar después del registro.
   2. Las personas aseguradas son elegibles para hasta ocho pruebas gratuitas caseras por miembro cubierto cada mes. La mayoría de las personas con un plan de salud pueden ir en línea, a una farmacia o a una tienda para hacerse una prueba de COVID-19 casera sin costo, ya sea mediante reembolso o sin cargo a través de su seguro. Conozca más detalles aquí.
   3. Recipientes de Medicare Parte B  – Los residentes de Delaware con Medicare Parte B, incluidos los inscritos en un plan Medicare Advantage, tienen acceso a pruebas de COVID-19 de venta libre sin costo alguno. La iniciativa continúa hasta que finalice la emergencia de salud pública por el COVID-19. Las personas con Medicare pueden obtener hasta ocho pruebas por mes de calendario de las farmacias y proveedores de atención médica participantes.
   4. Organizaciones Comunitarias – Pueden ordenar cajas de pruebas caseras gratis de la DPH para distribuir en sus comunidades al llenar esta forma: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/177/2020/10/SHOC-Resource-Request-Form.pdf y enviando un correo electrónico a dhss06sg_shoc_operations@delaware.gov. Si las organizaciones tienen preguntas sobre cómo completar el formulario, pueden enviar un correo electrónico al personal de operaciones de SHOC utilizando la dirección de correo electrónico indicada para enviar el formulario, y el personal los ayudará.
   5. Los kits de pruebas caseras están disponibles para la compra en farmacias, supermercados y muchos otros lugares en todo el estado. La mayoría caen en el rango de entre $10 y $25.

La DPH le recuerda al público que no debe ir al Departamento de Emergencias (ED) de un hospital solo para hacerse una prueba de COVID. Los hospitales están manejando grandes volúmenes de visitas de pacientes por influenza y otros virus respiratorios y una prueba de COVID en sí misma no se considera una emergencia. Debe visitar un ED si tiene dolores en el pecho o dificultad para respirar, quemaduras graves o huesos rotos. Si necesita una prueba de PCR para que le receten un tratamiento contra el COVID, visite visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/covid-19-treatment-options/ y obtenga más información sobre los recursos de Prueba para Tratar en el Estado.

Recursos:    

Individuos con preguntas generales sobre COVID-19 deberían de llamar Delaware 2-1-1, individuos que son sordos o con dificultades auditivas puede mandar un mensaje de texto con su código postal al 898-211, o enviar un correo electrónico a delaware211@uwde.org. Las horas de operación son:    

• Lunes – Viernes: 8:00 a.m. a 9:00 p.m.    
• Sábado: 9:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.    

Las preguntas médicamente relacionadas con las pruebas, síntomas y la orientación relacionada con la salud se pueden enviar por correo electrónico a DPHCall@delaware.gov.   

Si usted esta pasando por una emergencia medica, por favor marque o envié un mensaje de texto al 9-1-1.

DPH continuará actualizando al público a medida que haya más información disponible. Para conocer lo último sobre la respuesta de Delaware, vaya a de.gov/coronavirus.

 

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