WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs.
Under Delaware law, Public Health Emergency declarations must be renewed every 30 days.
Visit Governor Carney’s website to view the Public Health Emergency extension.
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DOVER, DE (August 31, 2022) – On Aug. 31, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization to Pfizer and Moderna for their new bivalent boosters, meaning vaccine could start shipping to states that pre-ordered as early as Friday. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) advisory committee meets Thursday and Friday, Sept. 1 and 2, to discuss specifics regarding who should receive the boosters. The committee is expected to vote during that time, and if approved, a formal sign-off is then required from the CDC director before vaccine administration can begin.
The Division of Public Health (DPH) has preordered approximately 17,000 doses of the bivalent boosters for DPH clinics and enrolled medical providers, in addition to the supply being sent directly to pharmacies and Federally Qualified Health Centers. Delivery is expected later this week or early next week with administration potentially beginning soon after Labor Day or the following week.
The Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters both target two strains of COVID-19 – the original strain of the virus and two of the Omicron variants (BA.4 and BA.5), the current most widespread variants in the world. Only individuals who have completed their primary vaccination series (two doses of Pfizer or Moderna or one dose of Johnson & Johnson) are eligible to receive the bivalent booster. Those who have recently received Novovax are not yet eligible for any booster at this time.
“Should the CDC Advisory Committee and the CDC Director sign off on authorizing the use of bivalent boosters, this will be another important step forward in keeping Delawareans protected against serious outcomes from COVID-19,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “Delaware providers are well-positioned to begin administering the bivalent booster within a few days of the final approval being given.”
If you have not been vaccinated or have not completed your primary series, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine for a list of locations offering vaccine. The original formulations of Pfizer, Moderna, J&J and Novovax will continue to be used. Booster doses use reduced amounts of the original vaccines.
Individuals are eligible for the bivalent booster two months since their last primary or booster dose of any vaccine. As of today, the current monovalent booster will not be available to persons 12 and older; the FDA is removing authorization for those boosters to reduce provider confusion for staff administering vaccines.
The Pfizer bivalent booster is currently authorized for ages 12 and older while Moderna’s is currently authorized for 18 years of age and older. Individuals may choose to receive either the Pfizer or Moderna bivalent booster, regardless of which primary series vaccine or original booster dose they had previously.
Authorization for administration to those under age 12 is expected in the near future, but the timeline is not yet clear. Parents are encouraged to have their children complete the primary series of the current vaccines so that they will be eligible for the bivalent booster in the future. In August, while there was a decrease in COVID-related hospitalizations for most adult age groups, hospitalizations for all youth age groups increased, demonstrating the importance of young children becoming fully vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death. As such, parents of children under 12 should consider having them receive the original booster at this time to increase their defenses against the virus with back to school and other group activities now occurring.
For the latest information on bivalent boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. When locations begin administering the bivalent booster, updated information will be available at de.gov/getmyvaccine on how and where to obtain a booster. Information on all things COVID-19 can be found at the DPH website de.gov/coronavirus. COVID-19 data for Delaware is available at https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/locations/state.
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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.
Delaware 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.
NEW CASTLE (24 de Agosto de 2022) – La División de Servicios Sociales de Delaware emitirá beneficios de emergencia para Agosto a los hogares elegibles como parte de la respuesta continua del Estado a la crisis de salud pública de COVID-19.
Los beneficios se emitirán como parte del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) y dos programas de asistencia en efectivo: Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas (TANF) y Asistencia General (GA). El beneficio de alimentos de emergencia de SNAP estará disponible en las tarjetas de Transferencia Electrónica de Beneficios (EBT) de los beneficiarios el Jueves, 25 de Agosto los hogares de TANF y GA deben recibir un cheque de beneficios en efectivo de emergencia a partir de o después del Jueves, 25 de Agosto.
A partir de este mes, Delaware emitirá beneficios de alimentos de emergencia para todos los hogares de SNAP de la siguiente manera:
La asistencia de emergencia para las familias de TANF y GA aumentará el beneficio mensual de un hogar para cada programa hasta el monto máximo de beneficio para el tamaño de su hogar. Los hogares que ya reciben la cantidad máxima de beneficios de TANF o GA o que tienen un beneficio prorrateado en el mes de Agosto no son elegibles para los fondos en efectivo de emergencia de Agosto.
El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Sociales de Delaware (DHSS) ha emitido beneficios de emergencia cada mes a los hogares elegibles desde Marzo del 2020.
“Continuamos padeciendo la propagación comunitaria de COVID-19, que está afectando a personas y familias en todo nuestro estado, pero está teniendo un impacto particularmente negativo en aquellos que son vulnerables y deben faltar al trabajo para aislarse”, dijo la Secretaria del DHSS Molly Magarik. “Durante la pandemia, poder ofrecer estos beneficios aumentados ha sido crucial para garantizar que todos los habitantes de Delaware puedan seguir poniendo comida en sus mesas. Nuevamente este mes, estamos agradecidos con el gobierno federal y la delegación del congreso de Delaware por brindar estos beneficios críticos.”
Cómo se calcula el beneficio de emergencia mensual: El beneficio de emergencia mensual de un hogar es igual al monto máximo actual del beneficio para el tamaño del hogar menos el monto del beneficio mensual actual del hogar. Por ejemplo, según los límites actuales del USDA para los beneficios SNAP, si un hogar de 1 miembro recibe $100 en beneficios mensuales regulares, recibirán $134 en beneficios de emergencia (beneficio máximo de $234 menos beneficio mensual de $100).
Estos son los montos máximos de beneficios mensuales actuales por tamaño de hogar para SNAP, TANF y Asistencia general:
| Numero en Hogar SNAP Máximo | Monto del Beneficio Máximo |
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $658 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $992 |
| 6 | $1,190 |
| 7 | $1,316 |
| 8 | $1,504 |
| Cada persona adicional | $188 |
Se estima que 59,225 hogares serán elegibles para recibir la asignación de SNAP de emergencia en Agosto, por un total de alrededor de $11.9 millones en beneficios de alimentos de emergencia para el mes.
Asistencia Temporal para Familias Necesitadas (TANF)
| Numero en Hogar TANF | Monto del Beneficio Máximo |
| 1 | $201 |
| 2 | $270 |
| 3 | $338 |
| 4 | $407 |
| 5 | $475 |
| 6 | $544 |
| 7 | $612 |
| 8 | $681 |
| 9 | $750 |
| 10 | $819 |
Asistencia General (GA)
| Numero en Hogar de Asistencia General (GA) | Monto del Beneficio Máximo |
| 1 | $79 |
| 2 | $107 |
| 3 | $144 |
| 4 | $169 |
| 5 | $209 |
| 6 | $239 |
Se estima que 190 hogares serán elegibles para recibir beneficios de asistencia en efectivo de emergencia en Agosto, por un total de alrededor de $25,000 en beneficios de emergencia para el mes.
Además de los beneficios de emergencia, los hogares recibirán sus beneficios regulares para Agosto en las fechas de emisión habituales.
Para obtener más información sobre los programas de beneficios de DSS en respuesta a la pandemia, visite la página web de la división. Para solicitar beneficios, vaya a Delaware ASSIST o llame al 1-866-843-7212.
NEW CASTLE (Aug. 24, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Social Services will issue emergency benefits for August to eligible households as part of the State’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Benefits will be issued as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and two cash assistance programs – Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA). The SNAP emergency food benefit will be available on recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards Thursday, Aug. 25. Eligible TANF and GA households will receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Thursday, Aug. 25.
All households with open SNAP cases will receive at least $95 in emergency food benefits, to be issued as follows:
The emergency assistance for TANF and GA families will increase 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 August are not eligible for the August emergency cash funds.
The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has issued emergency benefits each month to eligible households since March 2020.
“We continue to experience community spread of COVID-19, which is affecting individuals and families across our state, but is having a particularly negative impact on those who are vulnerable and must miss work to isolate,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “During the pandemic, being able to offer these enhanced benefits has been crucial in ensuring that all Delawareans can continue to put food on their tables. Again this month, we are grateful to the federal government and Delaware’s congressional delegation for providing these critical benefits.”
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 $150 in emergency benefits ($250 maximum benefit minus $100 monthly benefit).
Here are the current maximum monthly benefit amounts per household size for SNAP, TANF, and General Assistance:
| Number in SNAP Household | Maximum Benefit Amount |
| 1 | $250 |
| 2 | $459 |
| 3 | $658 |
| 4 | $835 |
| 5 | $992 |
| 6 | $1,190 |
| 7 | $1,316 |
| 8 | $1,504 |
| Each additional person | $188 |
An estimated 59,225 Delaware households will receive the emergency SNAP allotment in August, totaling about $11.9 million in emergency food benefits for the month.
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 August, totaling about $25,000 in emergency benefits for the month.
In addition to the emergency benefits, households will receive their regular benefits for August on the usual issuance dates.
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 (Aug. 19, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that the 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases has declined since the previous monthly update in July. However, COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, and at higher levels in some counties. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels data tracker, which was last updated on August 11, case levels in Kent and Sussex counties are considered high, while case levels in New Castle County are listed as medium.
Additionally, the CDC has updated its COVID-19 guidelines related to isolation and quarantine. Delaware public health officials have met with community leaders to discuss the changes and considered the concerns of the community as public health adjusts to the new guidelines presented by the CDC.
The CDC indicated its updates were a result of information learned as the pandemic has evolved. The agency indicates that several factors have led to increased levels of overall protection against the virus, including high levels of vaccination (the majority of Americans have at least one dose of the vaccines), as well as infection-induced immunity, the availability of COVID treatments and prevention tools such as masking.
There were no changes to guidelines regarding isolation (staying home for five days if you test positive for COVID), except to offer an early end to masking during the second five days after leaving isolation. If you wish to end mask use early (essentially on day 8), then you will need to take two antigen tests, 48 hours apart, with the first test being on day 6. If both tests come back negative, you can discontinue masking on day 8. If either test comes back positive, continue masking.
If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, you must mask for 10 days regardless of vaccination status as it can take up to 10 days after exposure to become positive for COVID-19, but you are no longer asked to quarantine (stay home) if you are not up-to-date with vaccines. The updated guidance also places additional emphasis on improving ventilation in indoor spaces.
Delaware-specific data, comparing the January 2022 surge, to now, supports the rationale leading to the updated guidance. At its peak on January 11, DPH reported a 7-day daily average of 3,339.4 new positive cases. Today, DPH reports a 7-day daily average of 279.4 COVID-19 cases. Delawareans are urged to continue safe practices such as masking in crowded indoor spaces, isolating themselves when feeling sick, getting vaccinated, testing, and following the CDC’s guidelines if you have a positive test result.
The below data is as reported on Delaware’s My Health Community data portal on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022.
COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:
Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 299,822*
7-day daily average of new positive cases: 279.4, a decrease of 27.3 average new positive cases reported since July 15, 2022
7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 18.4 percentage points, an increase of 0.9 percentage points reported since July 15, 2022
Hospitalizations: 172 current hospitalizations; critically ill: 16
Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,036, an increase of 28 since 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.
Vaccine Updates
The Novavax vaccine is now available in Delaware, including at DPH clinics. In July, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Novavax. It is considered a protein subunit vaccine type, and is similar to currently approved vaccines for Hepatitis B and whooping cough (pertussis). Novavax is recommended for people 18 years and older, and is offered in a two-dose series, given at least three weeks apart. It is not yet recommended as a booster, or recommended to mix and match with other vaccines. To find a Novavax vaccine, visit vaccines.gov and search for Novavax.
While like the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines may not prevent all infection, they still prevent some and are primarily responsible for preventing hospitalizations and deaths. Both hospitalizations and deaths are significantly lower than in the beginning of the pandemic, prior to vaccine availability. The latest information from the CDC indicates that a bivalent booster, designed to protect against both the original strain of COVID-19 and Omicron-specific variant strains, may be available by mid-September. Current information, which is subject to change, is that this is a booster that will only be available to those who have completed their primary series. Initially, it is also not believed to be authorized for use in children under age 12. DPH encourages individuals who have not completed their primary series (gotten both doses of a two-dose vaccine) to do so now, and for parents who may have been waiting, to vaccinate their children using the currently available vaccine options. DPH has begun reaching out to enrolled vaccine providers to place pre-orders for the vaccine so they are ready for shipment once the FDA issues an EUA for the bivalent booster.
Here is the latest COVID-19 vaccine data for Delaware, as of Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022.
COVID-19 Vaccinations:
Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,882,646
Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 74.8%
Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 79%
Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 80.5%
Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 70.7%
All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For a location near you, 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 non-boosted cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame of Aug 8 – Aug 14, 2022.
Non-boosted: Case – Hospital – Death
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Weekly Overview |
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Non-boosted Cases |
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Total Non-boosted Cases |
1384 |
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Total Cases |
2068 |
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Percent of Non-boosted Cases |
67% |
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Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases |
|
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Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases |
147 |
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Total Hospitalized Cases |
205 |
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Percent of Non-boosted Cases |
71% |
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Non-boosted Deaths |
|
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Total Non-boosted Deaths |
0 |
|
Total COVID-19 Deaths |
0 |
|
Percent of Non-boosted Deaths |
0% |
Long-term Care Statistics:
As of Thursday, August 18, 2022, there have been a total of 4,359 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 971 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.
Medical-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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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.