Watch a press briefing on Delaware’s COVID-19 response on Tuesday, May 12 at 1:45 pm with Governor John Carney, Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director, Delaware Division of Public Health, and A.J. Schall, Director, Delaware Emergency Management Agency.

SMYRNA (May 10, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing three additional fatalities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is providing an update on the number of positive cases and recovered individuals. All data reported through the daily updates are based on data received as of 6 p.m. the previous day.

In total, 224 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 22 to 103 years old. Of those who have died, 120 were females and 104 were males. A total of 95 individuals were from New Castle County, 38 were from Kent County, and 91 were from Sussex County.

DPH will provide demographic information for COVID-19-related deaths in aggregate only, and will no longer provide demographics of each individual person who died.

The most recent deaths announced today ranged in age from 86 to 100. All three were female. Two were New Castle County residents, one was a Sussex County resident. All three of the individuals had underlying health conditions. Two of the individuals were residents of long-term care facilities.

To protect personal health information, DPH will not confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently.

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m., Saturday, May 9, include:

• 6,447 total positive cases
• New Castle County cases: 2,331
• Kent County cases: 1,016
• Sussex County cases: 3,059
• Unknown County: 41
• Females: 3,508; Males: 2,910; Unknown: 29
• Age range: 0 to 103
• Currently hospitalized: 285; Critically ill: 53 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
• Delawareans recovered: 2,537
• 24,592 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.

Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and rates information by ZIP code, can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal.

Expanded community testing is occurring in Sussex County. Sites can be found at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/. These sites do not require a physician’s order. These community testing sites are for community members and employees along the Route 113 corridor in Sussex County, including areas as far west as Seaford/Laurel with a focus on employees of essential businesses, at-risk populations and their families, those exposed to someone with COVID-19, or someone caring for a sick family member with COVID-19. The hours of operation for these sites may be limited by the number of supplies available for the specific event.

Delaware is considering patients fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms. Three days after symptoms resolve, patients are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice strict social distancing for the remaining four days before returning to their normal daily routine.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste. Other symptoms such as headache or digestive symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite) have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation. 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.

Statewide testing at standing health facility testing sites require a physician’s order or prescription to be tested (*Bayhealth patients will be pre-screened via phone without needing to see a provider first). These are not walk-in testing sites. Those without a primary care provider can call the DPH Call Center Line at 1-866-408-1899. In New Castle County, individuals can call ChristianaCare at 1-302-733-1000 and Sussex County residents who do not have a provider can call the Beebe COVID-19 Screening Line at 302-645-3200. Individuals awaiting test results should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.

The Governor recently announced a significant statewide expansion of the state’s COVID-19 testing program, in partnership with Delaware’s hospital systems, community health care centers, primary care providers, and long-term care facilities. The new testing program will allow the State of Delaware to conduct 80,000 tests monthly – more than four times the current level of testing statewide.

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

In addition, the Division of Public Health 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.

Questions can also 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.

Modification holds students and educators harmless for shortened school year

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Sunday signed the sixteenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, suspending end-of-year evaluations for educators, professional development requirements and assessments due to the suspension of the school year caused by COVID-19.

Governor Carney’s latest modification holds Delaware’s students and educators harmless for the shortened school year, also waiving the required learning hours for students and teacher days. School districts and charter schools must still complete remote learning plans submitted to the Delaware Department of Education.

Read Governor Carney’s latest modification to the State of Emergency Declaration.

“Students and educators across our state, especially our 2020 senior class, have been significantly affected by this COVID-19 crisis,” said Governor Carney. “These changes in our latest modification will make sure students and educators are not punished because of the shortened school year. Thank you to all of Delaware’s students, educators and school leaders who have really leaned into remote learning during this challenging, unusual time. We are making progress in our fight against COVID-19. But Delawareans can’t let up. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily. Wear a face covering when you need to go out. Wash your hands. Cover your cough. Disinfect surfaces frequently. And stay informed at de.gov/coronavirus.”

Due to extreme hardships that commercial anchored gill net fishers have faced due to COVID-19, Governor Carney’s modification on Sunday also extends the season closing date for the use of anchored gill nets from today, May 10, to midnight on June 1.

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

The Delaware Division of Public Health 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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SMYRNA  – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing eight additional fatalities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is providing an update on the number of positive cases and recovered individuals. All data reported through the daily updates are based on data received as of 6 p.m. the previous day.

In total, 221 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 22 to 103 years old. Of those who have died, 117 were females and 104 were males. A total of 93 individuals were from New Castle County, 38 were from Kent County, and 90 were from Sussex County.

DPH will provide demographic information for COVID-19-related deaths in aggregate only, and will no longer provide demographics of each individual person who died.

The most recent deaths announced today ranged in age from 22 to 100. Five were female and three were male. Two were New Castle County residents, two were Kent County residents, and four were Sussex County residents. All eight of the individuals had underlying health conditions. Six of the individuals were residents of long-term care facilities.

To protect personal health information, DPH will not confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently.

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m., Friday, May 8, include:
• 6,277 total positive cases
• New Castle County cases: 2,275
• Kent County cases: 985
• Sussex County cases: 2,990
• Unknown County: 27
• Females: 3,412; Males: 2,840; Unknown: 25
• Age range: 0 to 103
• Currently hospitalized: 288; Critically ill: 55 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
• Delawareans recovered: 2,450
• 23,019 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.

Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and rates information by ZIP code, can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal.

Expanded community testing is occurring in Sussex County. Sites can be found at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/. These sites do not require a physician’s order. These community testing sites are for community members and employees along the Route 113 corridor in Sussex County, including areas as far west as Seaford/Laurel with a focus on employees of essential businesses, at-risk populations and their families, those exposed to someone with COVID-19, or someone caring for a sick family member with COVID-19. The hours of operation for these sites may be limited by the number of supplies available for the specific event.

Delaware is considering patients fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms. Three days after symptoms resolve, patients are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice strict social distancing for the remaining four days before returning to their normal daily routine.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste. Other symptoms such as headache or digestive symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite) have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation. 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.

Statewide testing at standing health facility testing sites require a physician’s order or prescription to be tested (*Bayhealth patients will be pre-screened via phone without needing to see a provider first). These are not walk-in testing sites. Those without a primary care provider can call the DPH Call Center Line at 1-866-408-1899. In New Castle County, individuals can call ChristianaCare at 1-302-733-1000 and Sussex County residents who do not have a provider can call the Beebe COVID-19 Screening Line at 302-645-3200. Individuals awaiting test results should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.

The Governor recently announced a significant statewide expansion of the state’s COVID-19 testing program, in partnership with Delaware’s hospital systems, community health care centers, primary care providers, and long-term care facilities. The new testing program will allow the State of Delaware to conduct 80,000 tests monthly – more than four times the current level of testing statewide.

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

In addition, the Division of Public Health 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.

Questions can also 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.

NEW CASTLE (5 de mayo de 2020) – El 1 de mayo, la División de Servicios Sociales fue aprobada por el Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA, por sus siglas en inglés) para operar la Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios Debido a la Pandemia (P-EBT, por sus siglas en inglés), un programa nuevo autorizado por la Ley de Respuesta al Coronavirus de las Familias Primero (Families First Coronavirus Response Act) que proporciona asistencia a las familias con niños que sean elegibles para recibir comidas escolares gratuitas o a precio reducido.

El Programa de P-EBT proporciona un beneficio complementario de compra de alimentos a los hogares del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP, por sus siglas en inglés) y un beneficio de EBT nuevo para otros hogares elegibles para compensar el costo de las comidas que de otro modo habrían estado disponibles en la escuela.

Bajo la Ley de Respuesta al Coronavirus de las Familias Primero, los estados pueden presentar un plan al Secretario de Agricultura para proporcionar beneficios de P-EBT para hogares con el SNAP y sin SNAP con niños que han perdido temporalmente el acceso a los alimentos escolares gratuitos o a precio reducido debido al cierre de la escuela a causa de la pandemia. Las agencias estatales pueden operar la P-EBT cuando una escuela está cerrada por lo menos cinco días consecutivos durante una declaración de emergencia de salud pública durante la cual la escuela debería de otra manera estar en sesión.

El Gobernador John Carney declaró un Estado de Emergencia el 13 de marzo, todas las escuelas de Delaware estaban cerradas a partir del 16 de marzo, y el Gobernador Carney anunció el 24 de abril que las escuelas permanecerían cerradas hasta el final del año escolar. Este cierre resultará en un promedio total de la cancelación de 65 días escolares.

Para el año escolar 2019-2020, Delaware tiene aproximadamente 100,000 niños elegibles para las comidas escolares gratuitas o a precio reducido que ahora son elegibles para recibir los beneficios del P-EBT. Los beneficios del P-EBT se entregarán como complemento a los hogares con SNAP en sus tarjetas EBT existentes y a los hogares sin SNAP en una tarjeta EBT nueva, junto con los detalles sobre cómo utilizar la tarjeta. Los hogares que no están recibiendo la SNAP recibirán automáticamente por correo una tarjeta P-EBT por cada niño elegible de su hogar.

“El Programa de Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios debido a la Pandemia es una forma importante para el Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales (DHSS, por sus siglas en inglés) de garantizar que los niños recibirán la nutrición que necesitan, especialmente con el cierre de las escuelas durante el resto del año escolar,” la Secretaria del DHSS, la Dra. Kara Odom Walker, que ejerce como médica de familia dijo: “Estamos agradecidos por la aprobación del programa de Delaware por el USDA.”

Delaware seguirá la guía de beneficios del P-EBT proporcionada por el Servicio de Alimentos y Nutrición del USDA. El monto del beneficio del P-EBT es igual a la tasa de reembolso federal para el desayuno y el almuerzo a una tasa de $5,70 por niño, por día escolar cancelado. Los hogares elegibles recibirán los beneficios del P-EBT de la siguiente manera:

Mes de Entrega del P-EBT Hogares con SNAP Hogares sin SNAP
Marzo y Abril de 2020 Monto: $193.80 por niño
Fecha de Entrega: semana del 11 de mayo Monto: $193.80 por niño
Fecha de Entrega: mediados de mayo
Mayo de 2020 Monto: $119.70 por niño Monto: $119.70 por niño
Junio de 2020 Monto: $57.00 por niño Monto: $57.00 por niño

La implementación de P-EBT en Delaware ayuda a mantener a las familias saludables y a los niños alimentados durante esta emergencia nacional. Los hogares recibirán una notificación por escrito sobre los beneficios del P-EBT.

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El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales está comprometido a mejorar la calidad de vida de los ciudadanos de Delaware promoviendo la salud y el bienestar, fomentando la autosuficiencia y protegiendo a las poblaciones vulnerables.