SMYRNA (April 6, 2020) – The Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) and the State Health Operations Center (SHOC) are announcing today the designation of alternate care sites (ACS) in New Castle County to accommodate overflow patients from Delaware hospital systems as they begin to experience a surge in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Sites for the southern part of the state are expected to be announced later this week.

One alternate care site will be Governor Bacon Health Center, the Department of Health and Social Services’ long-term care facility in Delaware City, said DEMA Director A.J. Schall and Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay.

Residents in two units will be transferred over several days this week – along with their current staff – to the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, another DHSS long-term facility in Smyrna. The residents from Governor Bacon will be placed in a separate unit at the DHCI Campus, isolated from current residents of DHCI. If all transferred residents clear the 14-day quarantine period, they will be integrated with the current residents of DHCI, said DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a practicing family physician.

Residents of one unit at Governor Bacon will remain on the second floor for 14 days, with the current staff caring for them. If those residents clear the quarantine period, they also will be transferred to Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill.

The residents’ families and Governor Bacon staff have been notified of Governor Bacon’s alternate care site designation and the impending move, Secretary Walker said. As floors of Governor Bacon are made available, they will be deep-cleaned by DHSS before they are used as an alternative care site, Secretary Walker said. When all residents are moved to Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Dr. Rattay said the State will have the potential of 75 additional beds at Governor Bacon for overflow patients from Delaware’s hospitals. Staffing to care for the potential overflow patients is currently being developed.

“We are grateful to the families of the residents and the staff for understanding why we have to move the residents of Governor Bacon,” Secretary Walker said. “Throughout this crisis, our top priority is the health and safety of our residents and also making sure that our staff who care for our residents are safe and healthy as well.”

Schall and Dr. Rattay said the other alternate care site being announced today by DEMA and SHOC is within Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children. Nemours will only be accepting transfers from Delaware community hospitals of non-COVID-19 adults. 

Nemours duPont Hospital for Children has developed two treatment areas to provide medical care for non-COVID-19 adults. The rehabilitation gym, which is located one floor below the main level and away from pediatric care, has been converted into an alternative care site for low-acuity cases beginning with 38 beds, with possible expansion if needed. A medical intensive care unit will be situated across and separate from the pediatric intensive care unit, and be comprised of 24 beds.   

Nemours’s treatment sites can become operational this week, and will begin providing medical care only once capacity is exceeded within Delaware’s community hospitals. Nemours’ surge sites will remain operational until community hospitals can reabsorb these non-COVID-19 adult patients.

Schall and Dr. Rattay said last week the State worked with Nemours, St. Francis Healthcare and ChristianaCare to identify options for the northern part of the state. After searching multiple possible sites with the Army Corps of Engineers, the Nemours campus was identified as the location that would provide the most efficiencies.  

Nemours has worked diligently over the last week to prep part of its building and this week training will take place with Nemours, ChristianaCare and the Delaware National Guard.

Schall and Dr. Rattay said the State, National Guard and Army Corps of Engineers continue to work with Beebe Healthcare, Nanticoke Health Services and Bayhealth for options to place non-COVID-19 patients from the southern hospitals if surge occurs. Site assessments continue today, with potential options being the old Milford Memorial Hospital and a National Guard field option adjacent to one of the current hospitals. 

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.

Governor Carney, Dr. Karyl Rattay (Director, Division of Public Health), AJ Schall (Director, Delaware Emergency Management Agency) give a briefing on COVID-19

For the latest updates, visit de.gov/coronavirus

Enforcement actions have been initiated throughout state to handle noncompliance

Attorney General Kathy Jennings urges Delawareans to heed Gov. John Carney’s Declarations of a State of Emergency.  The Declaration of a State of Emergency and all its modifications carry criminal punishment and have been enforced throughout Delaware.

“This is a tremendously difficult time for everyone, and the only path forward is for all of us to take this seriously as a community,” said Jennings. “These temporary restrictions are unprecedented, but they are necessary. Everyone’s job right now is to save lives. There is no alternative.  And when people don’t take these orders seriously, we must step in.”

“The overwhelming majority of Delawareans have heeded the Governor’s calls to be diligent and to keep their communities safe.  By obeying the emergency orders, you are saving the lives of your family, your friends and your neighbors.  The message to those who ignore the Orders is simple: You are endangering people’s lives, including law enforcement officers, by forcing unnecessary interaction.”

Some of the enforcement actions to date have included:

• Several individuals have been cited for failure to obey an emergency order, including last week in Newark and elsewhere throughout the state.
• Six businesses have been issued cease and desist orders for operating in violation of the Orders.
• The Department of Justice has received more than two dozen formal complaints regarding price gouging and has initiated communication with those businesses. The Consumer Protection Unit today served a subpoena on the Great Valu at Adams Four related to price gouging allegations after the Department’s initial letter went unanswered.
• Officers throughout our State are enforcing the ban on travelers coming to Delaware from out-of-state and not quarantining. For example, Delaware State Police are operating a checkpoint on Naamans Road in Wilmington, inquiring about out-of-state drivers’ business in Delaware. Additional checkpoints were conducted throughout Sussex County, including the Route 1 corridor in the area of Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, Route 20 in Long Neck, and Route 113 south of Millsboro.
• The Department of State has sent several warning letters to businesses, informing them that they will be shut down if their behavior does not change.

Failure to obey an emergency order is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $50 to $500 and up to 6 months in prison per infraction. Additionally, persons or businesses who engage in price gouging activity face civil penalties of up to $10,000 per offense.

“Our Troopers will continue to fulfill the mission of the Delaware State Police, which is to enhance the quality of life for all Delaware citizens and visitors, by providing professional, competent and compassionate law enforcement services,” said Delaware State Police Superintendent Col. Nathaniel McQueen, Jr. “They will continue to enforce the laws of the State of Delaware, to include those associated with the Governor’s State of Emergency Declaration, in an appropriate and just manner. Our emphasis and goal in enforcing the orders, specifically in regards to the travel restrictions, is to achieve voluntary compliance through education and awareness. The health and well-being of our Troopers, as well as the community, will remain our top priority as we continue to serve and protect, during this unprecedented event.”

The DOJ has publicly issued guidance to law enforcement and the general public on frequent questions about the orders’ practical impact. The DOJ also issued answers to frequently asked questions about the State of Emergency’s price gouging ban. Delawareans who wish to report price gouging should contact the DOJ’s Consumer Protection hotline at (800) 220-5424 or e-mail pricegouging@delaware.gov.

Delawareans can find additional information about the coronavirus and the State’s response at de.gov/coronavirus. Delawareans who have public health questions or need a testing referral and do not have a primary care physician can call the Division of Public Health’s hotline at (866) 408-1899.

An earlier version of this release incorrectly stated that a business owner was arrested due to noncompliance with the Fourth Modification of Gov. Carney’s Declaration of a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware. The business owner was arrested in his personal capacity due to noncompliance with Gov. Carney’s Fifth Modification. As a separate and concurrent matter, his business was issued a cease and desist order for violating the Fourth Modification following multiple police contacts.

Customer Service Needs to Be Met by Appointment, Phone, Email or Online; Crisis Services Continue

NEW CASTLE (April 5, 2020) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is announcing that all walk-in access to its public offices will end beginning on Monday, April 6, 2020, because of the potential risk for clients and DHSS employees in having in-person interactions. Client needs will now be met in person by appointment only, or through phone, email or online interactions, except for crisis services, emergency cases, or for people without phone or computer access.

“To keep both our clients and our employees safe, this is the right move for our department and for the clients we are committed to serving every day,” said DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a practicing family physician. “With widespread community transmission in Delaware, it is a public health risk to have our usual in-person interaction. Our offices will have signs on the doors to explain how staff can be reached if clients have an emergency, or for those who don’t have immediate access to a phone or computer.”

Outreach efforts across DHSS, such as the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health’s Mobile Crisis Services, the Division of Social Services’ Community Partner Support Unit and the Office of Animal Welfare’s animal control services are continuing. Appointments through DSAMH already scheduled are still expected to occur through telehealth or in person as needed. Admissions and discharges to DHSS’ 24/7 facilities also will continue as needed.

To screen or apply for many DHSS services, Delawareans are encouraged to use DHSS’ online portal, ASSIST. Seniors and individuals with disabilities can also visit the Delaware Aging and Disability Resource’s website or call 1-800-223-9074. For other services (by division), here is how clients and potential clients can make inquiries:

Division of Social Services (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, General Assistance, Purchase of Care subsidized child care)

• Screen for and apply for benefits: ASSIST website, call 1-866-843-7212 or your local office
• State Service Center Customer service (issues with existing benefits): 1-866-843-7212
• To make an appointment: Call your local State Service Center

Division of Child Support Services

• Customer service or to make an appointment: 302-577-7171
• More Information: https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dcss/

Division of State Service Centers

• For emergency service assistance or to make an appointment: 1-866-843-7212 or your local State Service Center

Division of Medicaid and Medical Assistance

• Screen for and apply for benefits: ASSIST https://dhss.delaware.gov; or 1-800-372-2022 to make an appointment
• Health Benefit Manager: 1-800-996-9969
• Managed Care Member Service Highmark Health Options: 1-844-325-6251
• AmeriHealth Caritas Delaware: 1-844-211-0966
• Long-Term Care Medicaid: apply using ASSIST https://dhss.delaware.gov or 1-866-940-8963

Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (crisis, emotional support, services)

• Appointments: HelpIsHereDE.com or 1-800-652-2929
• Customer service (issues with existing services): 1-855-649-7944; admissions and payments: 302-255-9458

Division of Developmental Disabilities Services

• Apply for services or to make an appointment: 302-744-9700 or 1-866-552-5758, Option 2
• Eligibility appeals: 302-744-9628
• Customer service (issues with existing benefits): Call your case manager

Division for Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities

• For all questions, referrals, and access to your existing case manager: Delaware Aging and Disability Resource Center http://delawareadrc.com/ or call 1-800-223-9074

Division of Public Health (Women, Infants, and Children – WIC, immunizations, HIV/AIDS, TB, Health Care Connection, Office of Animal Welfare, etc.)

• Apply for or seek services: Call your local Division of Public Health office
• To make an appointment: Call your local Division of Public Health office
• Office of Animal Welfare’s Delaware Animal Services (animal-related concerns): 302-255-4646

Division for the Visually Impaired

• Apply for services, make an appointment or customer service: 302-255-9800 or your case manager

Division of Health Care Quality

• Office of Health Facilities Licensing: Hotline:1-800-942-7373; office: 302-292-393
• Office of Long-Term Care Resident’s Protection: Hotline:1-877-453-0012; Background Check Center: 302-421-7405; CNA Registry: 302-421-7403
• Division of Health Care Quality Customer Service: 302-421-7400

DHSS Constituent Relations

• If you have trouble reaching any division or have an issue with your benefits or services being delayed or denied, please reach out to our Constituent Services: dhssinfo@delaware.gov

Also starting Monday, the Department of Health and Social Services and the Division of Public Health will begin a new collaboration with the United Way of Delaware to better triage incoming calls related to COVID-19. Anyone with a question about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, 1-800-560-3372, 7-1-1 for individuals with a hearing impairment, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Delaware 2-1-1 has increased its hours, added operators, and now is available seven days a week to serve Delawareans. For the latest coronavirus updates in Delaware, go to: de.gov/coronavirus

SMYRNA (April 5, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing 80 additional positive cases bringing the total cases related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to 673, including 6 new hospitalizations across the state. No new fatalities were reported today in the state.

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

• 673 total laboratory-confirmed cases
• New Castle County cases: 436
• Kent County cases: 86
• Sussex County cases: 151
• Males: 308; Females: 365
• Age range: 1 to 97
• Currently hospitalized: 101; Critically ill: 25
• Delawareans recovered: 71
• 6,321 negative cases*

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

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.

In total, 14 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. There have been a total of eight deaths related to long-term care facilities, including seven in New Castle County (six at Little Sisters of the Poor) and one in Sussex County.

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.

On Saturday, the Division of Public Health (DPH) Lab received a shipment of 5,000 rapid test kits from Pinnacle BioLabs. DPH’s order had been held for days in Cincinnati by the Food and Drug Administration. The kits, which use blood drawn by a finger stick instead of collecting a nasal swab to obtain a result, will be used primarily to test health care workers, first responders, and residents of long-term care facilities where outbreaks are suspected. Results can be provided in 5 to 15 minutes.

DPH tested the 10 first responders and health care personnel on Sunday. All 10 individuals were negative. DPH advised them they could return to their life-saving jobs, while continuing to follow precautionary measures such as continued self-monitoring for symptoms and wearing a mask. These individuals had all come into contact with a person confirmed to have COVID-19, but were asymptomatic.

Starting Monday, the Division of Public Health will begin a new collaboration with the United Way of Delaware to better triage incoming calls related to COVID-19. Anyone with a question about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, 1-800-560-3372, 7-1-1 for individuals with a hearing impairment, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Delaware 2-1-1 has increased its hours, added operators, and now is available seven days a week.

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.

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.