SMYRNA – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing one additional fatality related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and is providing an update on the number of positive cases and recovered individuals.

In total, 16 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The most recent death involves a 67-year-old male from Sussex County who had underlying health conditions and was hospitalized. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 66 to 94 years old.

As hospitals continue to see an increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19, the Division of Public Health will now report the total number of individuals hospitalized and those considered to be in critical condition in Delaware hospitals, including both Delaware and non-Delaware residents. The remaining categories of case statistics reported by DPH represent Delaware residents only.

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics, cumulatively since March 11, include:
• 928 total laboratory-confirmed cases
• New Castle County cases: 571
• Kent County cases: 147
• Sussex County cases: 210
• Males: 415; Females: 497; Unknown: 16
• Age range: 1 to 97
• Currently hospitalized: 147; Critically ill: 52  (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital, and is not cumulative.)
• Delawareans recovered: 144
• 7,628 negative cases*
*Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.

DPH epidemiologists are transitioning to a new data reporting system. During the transition period, not all fields (sex) have complete information.

To protect personal health information, DPH will not disclose additional information about the individuals who passed away, nor will DPH confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently.

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.

Widespread community transmission is occurring throughout the state, which means COVID-19 is actively circulating in the community. If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, or digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite. 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 think 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 – might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Answers to frequently asked questions related to testing for COVID-19 in Delaware are available online at de.gov/coronavirus.

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. Individuals awaiting test results, should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.

DPH began a new collaboration this week with the United Way of Delaware to triage incoming calls related to COVID-19. Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or text your 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.

Health-related 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.

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Smryna – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the State Health Operations Center (SHOC) are announcing today the plan for an additional alternate care site (ACS) to support Kent and Sussex Counties.  This plan is to accommodate overflow patients from Delaware hospital systems as they begin to experience a surge in patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19).  This mobile hospital will join the two previously designated: the first on the campus of Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and the second at Governor Bacon Health Center.

The site will be a collaborative effort between Bayhealth, Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, and Beebe Healthcare.  The three healthcare systems are coordinating their surge plans with county and state officials.  The primary goal is to maintain the surge within current hospitals.  If needed, the state has offered to set up a mobile hospital as an alternate care site.  Triggers have been identified as well as potential locations dependent on surge.  Site evaluations were performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Delaware National Guard in the weeks preceding.  The Delaware National Guard will provide crucial assistance with preparing, building, and operating this facility.  The field hospital was utilized during a 2016 exercise and the Delaware National Guard stands ready to deploy the unit as previously trained.  The mobile hospital can potentially treat 50-60 patients who do not have COVID-19.  If the site is used for COVID-19 patients that number would be reduced.  Numerous buildings were surveyed, however proximity to existing health care facilities and the accompanying resources are crucial to a successful mission.

The hospitals are managing the patients now with their current staffing but we are preparing for the expected increase in the coming days.  This location, like the New Castle County sites, will be opened to alleviate the surge on hospitals when needed.  We are grateful for the efforts of our partners in the health care systems within the state, the Division of Public Health, and the Delaware National Guard for their continued support.

For more information on COVID-19, http://de.gov/coronavirus

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/delawareemergencymanagementagency

Follow Delaware Emergency Management Agency on Twitter, https://www.twitter.com/delawareema

Contact: Jeff Sands, Delaware Emergency Management Agency, 302-659-2211.

Premium paybacks, elimination of commercial exemptions during COVID-19 praised by Commissioner Trinidad Navarro

Automobile insurers in Delaware are taking a number of consumer-friendly actions in light of COVID-19, the Delaware Department of Insurance announced today. On Monday, Allstate announced it would embark on a premium payback program resulting in $1.5 million going back to Delaware residents. Multiple insurers have also temporarily removed their commercial use exemptions on their private passenger automobile plans to allow policyholders to comfortably gain income as delivery drivers using their personal vehicles, putting income into the pockets of thousands of eligible residents.

“As we all do our part to stay home and flatten the curve, our vehicles aren’t being used, and it makes sense for premiums to decrease or be paid back as fewer auto accidents and issues occur. Allstate’s implementation of a premium payback should be seen as a model for auto insurers serving Delawareans, and residents across the country,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro, adding, “I urge all auto insurers to be responsive to the COVID-19 crisis and enact consumer-friendly policies like these.”

Allstate announced Monday that they will file an endorsement to enact a shelter-in-place payback that will distribute more than $600 million to their personal auto insurance customers nationwide, including $1.5 million to Delaware residents. Paybacks will equal 15% of a customer’s March and April premiums, payable in April and May respectively.

“It’s no secret that fewer cars are on the road,” Allstate stated, “With costs going down, Allstate is working to do what’s right for policyholders…We are trying to respond quickly and decisively to get money to customers when they need it most – now.”

The company has also offered a special payment plan for individuals facing financial hardship and is offering Allstate Identity Protection to all residents through the end of the year to combat the rise of COVID-19-related scams. Allstate has extended coverage for customers using personal vehicles to deliver food and supplies during the COVID-19 crisis, a recommendation of the Delaware Department of Insurance.

In an April 1 Bulletin to Insurers, the department encouraged companies remove a typically-seen commercial use exemption from their auto insurance policies throughout the pandemic to allow residents to gain income from delivering goods using their personal vehicles. Insurers including Allstate, Farmers, Geico, Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Progressive, State Farm, and USAA have taken this action. Residents are encouraged to check their auto insurance company COVID-19 policies before beginning to provide delivery services. While encouraging insurers to take these steps, the department is waiving notice filing fees and has committed to reviewing provided notices within 24 hours of submission.

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SMYRNA (April 6, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing one additional fatality related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and is providing an update on the number of positive cases.

In total, 15 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The most recent death involves an 84-year-old male from Kent County who had underlying health conditions. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 66 to 94 years old.

As hospitals continue to see an increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19, the Division of Public Health will now report the total number of individuals hospitalized in Delaware hospitals, including both Delaware and non-Delaware residents. The remaining categories of case statistics reported by DPH represent Delaware residents only.

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics, cumulatively since March 11, include:

• 783 total laboratory-confirmed cases
• New Castle County cases: 496
• Kent County cases: 128
• Sussex County cases: 159
• Males: 356; Females: 415; Unknown: 12
• Age range: 1 to 97
• Currently hospitalized: 140; Critically ill: 25
• Delawareans recovered: 71
• 6,851 negative cases*

*Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis. 

DPH epidemiologists are transitioning to a new data reporting system. During the transition period, not all fields (sex) have complete information, and some categories of data (critically ill, Delawareans recovered) are reflective of statistics as of April 5, 2020.

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.

To protect personal health information, DPH will not disclose additional information about the individuals who passed away, nor will DPH confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently.

Today DPH began a new collaboration with the United Way of Delaware to triage incoming calls related to COVID-19. Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1, 1-800-560-3372, 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

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.

Widespread community transmission is occurring throughout the state, which means COVID-19 is actively circulating in the community. If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, or digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite. 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 think 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 – might be at 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. Individuals awaiting test results, should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.

Health-related 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.

Tenth update to emergency order also closes additional businesses to fight COVID-19

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Monday issued the tenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, banning all short-term rental units – including vacation home rentals, hotels, motels, and condo rentals – to help fight the spread of COVID-19.

Commercial lodging in Delaware will remain closed through May 15, or until the public health threat is eliminated. The order exempts certain Delawareans and essential workers who may need access to short-term rental units. That list of exemptions includes caretakers with family members nearby, health care providers, journalists, and Delawareans with public housing vouchers.

Victims of domestic violence who need alternative shelter also are exempted.

Monday’s order places additional restrictions on businesses, banning door-to-door solicitation and closing pawn shops, video game stores, and other electronics retailers.

Click here to read the full text of Governor Carney’s tenth modification.

Governor Carney’s updated order takes effect at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7.

“All of Delaware’s restrictions are intended to prevent a surge in cases, preserve our hospital capacity, and save lives,” said Governor Carney. “This is not the time for a vacation or tax-free shopping in Delaware. Delawareans also should not go out in public unnecessarily. Stay safe. Stay home. Protect your neighbors. We’ll get through this – but it’s going to take all of us.”

Governor Carney’s emergency order, including its modifications, have the force and effect of law. Failure to comply constitutes a criminal offense. State and local law enforcement agencies are authorized to enforce the provisions of the State of Emergency.

Delaware employers with questions about how they may be impacted can email covid19FAQ@delaware.gov, or call (302) 577-8477 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Emails are encouraged due to potentially high call volume.

Delawareans with general questions about COVID-19 or their exposure risk can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 211, or 711 for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 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, visit de.gov/coronavirus.

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