DOVER (Jan. 15, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2021.

A total of 1,002 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 45 additional deaths since last week’s update. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranges in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 511 were female and 491 were male. A total of 499 individuals were from New Castle County, 186 were from Kent County, and 317 were from Sussex County.

“On this day that we pass the heartbreaking milestone of 1,000 COVID-related deaths in Delaware, our hearts go out to all the families and friends who have lost a loved one to this disease,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Even as our response continues to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to increase the pace of our vaccinations, we pause today to remember all of the precious souls lost to COVID-19. May their memory be a blessing to their families and friends.”

A total of 68,727 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020. The seven-day average of new positive cases decreased to 755.3 as of Thursday, Jan. 14.

The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 as of Thursday, Jan. 14, was 23.5%, a decrease from 27.3% as of Thursday, Jan. 7. DPH publishes both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its COVID-19 data portal. As of Tuesday, Jan. 12, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 8.6%, a decrease from 10.3% as of Tuesday, Jan. 5. There is a two-day lag for presenting data related to percent of tests that are positive to account for the time delay between the date of the test and the date that DPH receives the test result.

In addition, 451 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, which is the same number of hospitalized individuals reported as of this time last week. Fifty-six of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, down three from last week.

As of midnight, Thursday, Jan. 14, 36,634 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity. Additional information about COVID-19 vaccine rollout is available at de.gov/covidvaccine. Questions can be directed to the Vaccine Call Center at 1-833-643-1715. People who are deaf and hard of hearing should call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211. Individuals can email their questions concerning the vaccine to Vaccine@Delaware.gov.

Update on COVID-19 Outbreaks in Long-term Care Facilities:

The Division of Public Health continues to investigate COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities throughout the state. The following facilities have experienced significant outbreaks since late September. Resident and staff tallies represent cumulative case totals between Sept. 25, 2020, and Jan. 14, 2020, and may not represent the number of active cases at each facility at this particular point in time:

• Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation & Health Center in Millsboro; 30 residents and 26 staff
• Brookdale in Dover; 58 residents and 36 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow in Middletown; 20 residents and 29 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance in Millsboro; 40 residents and 23 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Silverside in Wilmington; 66 residents and 48 staff members
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol in Dover; 60 residents and 38 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Pike Creek in Wilmington; 15 residents and 32 staff
• Churchman Village in Newark; 64 residents and 47 staff
• Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar; 42 residents and 38 staff
• Dover Place in Dover; 39 residents and 23 staff
• Foulk Manor South in Wilmington; 30 residents and 30 staff
• Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lewes; 63 residents and 25 staff
• Hillside Center in Wilmington; 26 residents and 21 staff
• Kutz Senior Living in Wilmington; 33 residents and 20 staff
• Lofland Park in Seaford; 20 residents and 19 staff
• ManorCare Health Services in Wilmington; 11 residents and 24 staff
• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare in Milford; 49 residents and 15 staff
• Oak Bridge Terrace at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 16 residents and 14 staff
• Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Hockessin; 90 residents and 45 staff
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington; 74 residents and 48 staff
• Seaford Center Nursing Home in Seaford; 26 residents and 22 staff
• The Moorings at Lewes in Lewes; 17 residents and 40 staff
• Westminster Village in Dover; 47 residents and 30 staff
• WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House in Seaford; 44 residents and 36 staff
• WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 13 residents and 15 staff

*Staff members may include health care and non-health care personnel, such as facility vendors or other individuals working in the long-term care facility who may not be full-time facility employees. Facilities listed represent those that have had a cumulative total of more than 10 cases among residents and more than 10 cases among staff to date since the beginning of the outbreak monitoring period, Sept. 25, 2020. As facility outbreak investigations close, they will be removed from this list.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of 6 p.m. Thursday, January 14, there have been a total of 1,996 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 531 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

The locations and number of deaths involving residents of long-term care facilities are:

• Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center, Millsboro (18)
• Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (18)
• Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
• Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (5)
• Brookdale Dover, Dover (9)
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (13)
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (19)
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (11)
• Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (27)
• Churchman Village, Newark (7)
• Country Rest Home, Greenwood (11)
• Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (13)
• Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar (2)
• Dover Place, Dover (4)
• Foulk Manor South, Wilmington (7)
• Forwood Manor, Wilmington (2)
• Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
• HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
• Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (24)
• Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (43)
• Hillside Center, Wilmington (4)
• Ingleside Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
• Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (8)
• Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (3)
• Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
• Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (6)
• ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (14)
• ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (24)
• Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
• Millcroft, Newark (2)
• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (40)
• New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center, New Castle (12)
• Newark Manor Nursing Home, Newark (11)
• Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wilmington (26)
• Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Health Center, Smyrna (24)
• Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Hockessin (12)
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (8)
• Somerford House and Place, Newark (2)
• Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
• Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
• The Center at Eden Hill, Dover (2)
• The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (4)
• Westminster Village, Dover (20)
• WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House, Seaford (7)
• WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village, Hockessin (2)
• Four other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)
• Two other Kent County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache or congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider. 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.

DPH reminds Delawareans that 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.

Information about testing events, including community testing sites, permanent fixed testing sites, and free-standing sites operated by the health care systems and hospitals, will be listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at de.gov/gettested.

Delawareans over the age of 18 are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

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 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Individuals who have complaints about individuals violating public gathering restrictions should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: HSPContact@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@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

DOVER (Jan. 8, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, January 7, 2021.

DPH is reporting the state’s first COVID-19 related death of a child since the start of the pandemic. The death involves a child under the age of 5 from New Castle County who had a significant number of co-morbidities. Additional details about the individual will not be provided to protect patient privacy.

“While each life lost as a result of this virus is tragic, the loss of a child is felt across our entire community,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We send our deepest condolences to this child’s family and all of those who have lost a loved one during this pandemic. We are urging everyone in our state to come together, take this current winter surge seriously, remain vigilant about mitigation measures, and keep each other safe.”

A total of 957 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 31 additional deaths since last week’s update. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranges in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 487 were female and 470 were male. A total of 476 individuals were from New Castle County, 171 were from Kent County, and 310 were from Sussex County.

A total of 63,503 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020. A record number of new positive cases (1,241 positive cases) were reported on Wednesday this week, and the seven-day average increased to 778.6 as of Thursday, Jan. 7.

The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 as of Thursday, Jan. 7 was 27.3%, an increase from 25.1% as of Thursday, Dec. 31. DPH publishes both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its COVID-19 data portal. As of Tuesday, Jan. 5, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 10.4%, an increase from 9.1% as of Tuesday, Dec. 29. There is a two-day lag for presenting data related to percent of tests that are positive to account for the time delay between the date of the test and the date that DPH receives the test result.

In addition, 451 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, an increase of 39 as of last Thursday. Fifty-nine of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, up one from last week.

As of midnight, Thursday, Jan. 7, 21,814 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity. Additional information about COVID-19 vaccine rollout is available at de.gov/covidvaccine. Questions can be directed to the Vaccine Call Center at 1-833-643-1715. People who are deaf and hard of hearing should call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211. Individuals can email their questions concerning the vaccine to Vaccine@Delaware.gov.

Update on COVID-19 Outbreaks in Long-term Care Facilities: The Division of Public Health continues to investigate COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities throughout the state. The following facilities have experienced significant outbreaks since late September. Resident and staff tallies represent cumulative case totals between Sept. 25, 2020, and Jan. 7, 2020, and may not represent the number of active cases at each facility at this particular point in time:

• Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation & Health Center in Millsboro; 21 residents and 18 staff
• Brandywine Assisted Living at Seaside in Rehoboth Beach; 39 residents and 15 staff
• Brookdale in Dover; 58 residents and 36 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow in Middletown; 20 residents and 25 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance in Millsboro; 22 residents and 20 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Silverside in Wilmington; 58 residents and 46 staff members
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol in Dover; 47 residents and 34 staff
• Churchman Village in Newark; 63 residents and 47 staff
• Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar; 38 residents and 38 staff
• Dover Place in Dover; 39 residents and 23 staff
• Foulk Manor South in Wilmington; 29 residents and 30 staff
• Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lewes; 51 residents and 23 staff
• Hillside Center in Wilmington; 23 residents and 18 staff
• Kutz Senior Living in Wilmington; 33 residents and 20 staff
• Lofland Park in Seaford; 19 residents and 17 staff
• ManorCare Health Services in Wilmington; 11 residents and 18 staff
• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare in Milford; 49 residents and 14 staff
• Oak Bridge Terrace at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 16 residents and 14 staff
• Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Hockessin; 90 residents and 41 staff
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington; 74 residents and 47 staff
• Seaford Center Nursing Home in Seaford; 21 residents and 19 staff
• The Moorings at Lewes in Lewes; 17 residents and 39 staff
• Westminster Village in Dover; 47 residents and 29 staff
• WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House in Seaford; 44 residents and 36 staff
• WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 13 residents and 14 staff

*Staff members may include health care and non-health care personnel, such as facility vendors or other individuals working in the long-term care facility who may not be full-time facility employees. Facilities listed represent those that have had a cumulative total of more than 10 cases among residents and more than 10 cases among staff to date since the beginning of the outbreak monitoring period, Sept. 25, 2020. As facility outbreak investigations close, they will be removed from this list.

Long-term Care Statistics:
As of 6 p.m. Thursday, January 7, there have been a total of 1,980 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 512 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

The locations and number of deaths involving residents of long-term care facilities are:

Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center, Millsboro (18)
Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (18)
Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (4)
Brookdale Dover, Dover (9)
Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (13)
Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (18)
Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (10)
Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (26)
Churchman Village, Newark (7)
Country Rest Home, Greenwood (11)
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (13)
Dover Place, Dover (4)
Foulk Manor South, Wilmington (3)
Forwood Manor, Wilmington (2)
Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (24)
Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (43)
Hillside Center, Wilmington (4)
Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (8)
Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (3)
Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (6)
ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (14)
ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (23)
Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
Millcroft, Newark (2)
Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (40)
New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center, New Castle (12)
Newark Manor Nursing Home, Newark (11)
Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wilmington (26)
Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Health Center, Smyrna (24)
Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Hockessin (11)
Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (8)
Somerford House and Place, Newark (2)
Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
The Center at Eden Hill, Dover (2)
The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (4)
Westminster Village, Dover (13)
WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House, Seaford (7)
WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village, Hockessin (2)
Five other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)
Two other Kent County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)
One other Sussex County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)

Aggregate K-12 School-Related COVID-19 Statistics:
On Tuesday, Jan. 5, the Division of Public Health launched a new, schools-focused COVID-19 dashboard on its COVID-19 data portal. The dashboard tracks the number of contagious cases among staff and students of Delaware schools, and offer a more detailed picture of COVID-19 infection in school buildings. The new dashboard can be found at myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/locations/state/in-person-contagious.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache or congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider. 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.

DPH reminds Delawareans that 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.

Information about testing events, including community testing sites, permanent fixed testing sites, and free-standing sites operated by the health care systems and hospitals, will be listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at de.gov/gettested.

Delawareans over the age of 18 are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

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 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Individuals who have complaints about individuals violating public gathering restrictions should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: HSPContact@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@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.

January 7, 2021
For Immediate Release
Kenneth Briscoe

Expiration and Extension of CARES Act Unemployment Insurance Programs by Congress

[WILMINGTON, DE] – On December 27, the federal COVID-19 relief package that extends and provides additional federal unemployment benefits was signed into law. The Delaware Department of Labor has reviewed the legislation and the process of programming the four extended and additional programs in our unemployment compensation system is nearing completion. 

As a result of our agency’s quick response in initial program implementation, some eligible claimants began to receive the additional $300.00 weekly benefit payment on Monday, January 4, 2021. 

However, we are waiting to receive complete and detailed guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor for each program to complete implementation and all eligible claimants in Delaware are paid. States cannot move forward without this critical guidance and it is likely that guidance will be issued early in the new year. As more guidance is received, Delaware will modify our unemployment compensation system and complete implementation of each program as quickly as possible to bring much-needed relief to eligible claimants. 

Please note that while there will be no gap in benefit eligibility because the PUA, PEUC, FPUC, and MEUC programs are retroactive to the week ending Saturday, January 2, 2021, for eligible claimants, there may be a delay in the receipt of payment. However, rest assured that claimants will receive all benefits they are eligible for, and claims will be backdated to their earliest date of eligibility within the extended and additional programs.

The Delaware Department of Labor will communicate to all claimants with instructions as soon as they may file for benefits from the extended and additional programs.

__

To view the latest frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) regarding the recent The CARES ACT Extension of  Unemployment Insurance Benefits in Delaware as a result of COVID-19, please visit https://de.gov/morecares

To view the FAQ’s for Unemployment Insurance Benefits in Delaware please visit
https://de.gov/pua

To view the FAQ’s for Unemployment Insurance Benefits for the Self- Employed in Delaware please visit https://labor.delaware.gov/divisions/unemployment-insurance/unemployment-benefits-faqs/

If you wish to receive email updates regarding unemployment benefits in Delaware please visit  https://de.gov/UICOVID19Updates. For text message updates please text the words UIFACTS to 56525 from your mobile phone. (individual carrier rates may apply) 

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DOVER (Dec. 31, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Wednesday, December 30, 2020.

A total of 57,456 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020. The number of new daily cases this week has remained elevated with a seven-day average of 637.6 as of Wednesday, Dec. 30.

The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 as of Wednesday, Dec. 30 was 23.9%, an increase from 22.5% as of Wednesday, Dec. 23. DPH publishes both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its COVID-19 data portal. As of Monday, Dec. 28, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 9.1%, a decrease from 9.8% as of Monday, Dec. 21. There is a two-day lag for presenting data related to percent of tests that are positive to account for the time delay between the date of the test and the date that DPH receives the test result.

In addition, 411 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, a decrease of 15 from the total as of last Thursday’s update. Fifty-eight of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, down two from last week.

A total of 926 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 38 additional deaths since last week’s update, including two as a result of a review of Vital Statistics records. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranges in age from 21 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 474 were female and 452 were male. A total of 462 individuals were from New Castle County, 167 were from Kent County, and 297 were from Sussex County.

To protect personal health information, DPH will not confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently. Additional data can be found at de.gov/healthycommunity.

Additional Updates:
Total Doses of COVID-19 Vaccines Administered in Delaware: As of midnight, Thursday, Dec. 31, Delaware has administered 11,274 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can now be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

As health experts continue to learn how the COVID-19 vaccine works under real-world conditions, everyone will need to continue to practice precautions such as wearing a mask over the mouth and nose, social distancing, frequent handwashing, and other hygiene measures to help reduce spread of the disease in the community. The combination of getting vaccinated and following recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.

As a reminder, DPH has set up a Vaccine Call Center, which can now be reached at 1-833-643-1715. People who are deaf and hard of hearing should call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211. Individuals can email their questions concerning the vaccine to Vaccine@Delaware.gov and visit de.gov/covidvaccine for more information. The call center will be closed on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, 2021.

Update on COVID-19 Outbreaks in Long-term Care Facilities: The Division of Public Health continues to investigate COVID-19 outbreaks in long-term care facilities throughout the state. The following facilities have experienced significant outbreaks since late September. Resident and staff tallies represent cumulative case totals between Sept. 25, 2020, and Dec. 30, 2020, and may not represent the number of active cases at each facility at this particular point in time:

• Cadia Healthcare Silverside in Wilmington; 52 residents and 44 staff members.
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington; 74 residents and 47 staff
• Lofland Park in Seaford; 19 residents and 17 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol in Dover; 47 residents and 34 staff
• Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar; 38 residents and 37 staff
• The Moorings at Lewes in Lewes; 17 residents and 37 staff
• Oak Bridge Terrace at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 16 residents and 13 staff
• Brookdale in Dover; 58 residents and 36 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow in Middletown; 20 residents and 24 staff
• Churchman Village in Newark; 59 residents and 41 staff
• Foulk Manor South in Wilmington; 29 residents and 30 staff
• Hillside Center in Wilmington; 21 residents and 17 staff
• Kutz Senior Living in Wilmington; 25 residents and 18 staff
• Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Hockessin; 90 residents and 41 staff
• Westminster Village in Dover; 46 residents and 28 staff
• Brandywine Assisted Living at Seaside in Rehoboth Beach; 39 residents and 15 staff
• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare in Milford; 46 residents and 14 staff
• Seaford Center Nursing Home in Seaford; 20 residents and 19 staff
• WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House in Seaford; 41 residents and 33 staff
• WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 13 residents and 14 staff
• Dover Place in Dover; 27 residents and 18 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance in Millsboro; 16 residents and 12 staff
• Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Lewes; 47 residents and 17 staff

*Staff members may include health care and non-health care personnel, such as facility vendors or other individuals working in the long-term care facility who may not be full-time facility employees. Facilities listed represent those that have had a cumulative total of more than 10 cases among residents and more than 10 cases among staff to date since the beginning of the outbreak monitoring period, Sept. 25, 2020. As facility outbreak investigations close, they will be removed from this list.

Long-term Care Statistics:
As of 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 30, there have been a total of 1,916 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 499 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

The locations and number of deaths involving residents of long-term care facilities are:
• Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center, Millsboro (18)
• Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (18)
• Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
• Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (4)
• Brookdale Dover, Dover (8)
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (12)
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (18)
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (10)
• Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (25)
• Churchman Village, Newark (7)
• Country Rest Home, Greenwood (11)
• Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (13)
• Dover Place, Dover (3)
• Foulk Manor South, Wilmington (3)
• Forwood Manor, Wilmington (2)
• Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
• HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
• Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (23)
• Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (43)
• Hillside Center, Wilmington (4)
• Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (8)
• Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (3)
• Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
• Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (6)
• ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (14)
• ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (23)
• Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
• Millcroft, Newark (2)
• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (40)
• New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center, New Castle (12)
• Newark Manor Nursing Home, Newark (11)
• Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wilmington (26)
• Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Health Center, Smyrna (24)
• Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Hockessin (11)
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (8)
• Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
• Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
• The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (4)
• Westminster Village, Dover (13)
• WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House, Seaford (2)
• Seven other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)
• Three other Kent County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)
• One other Sussex County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)

Aggregate K-12 School-Related COVID-19 Statistics:
The Division of Public Health is providing statewide aggregate data on the total number of COVID-19 positive cases among students and staff who were in-person at a school or child care facility while potentially infectious, reported to DPH since Sept. 1, 2020. To determine the start of the infectious period, or when others may have been exposed to someone infectious, DPH looks 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms or 48 hours prior to testing for those individuals who had no symptoms. These data only indicate potential exposure to COVID-19 in these settings, not whether exposure actually occurred. Please note, these figures do not indicate that the infections were caused from being in the school setting.

Total number of COVID-19 positive students and staff, statewide, who were in-person at a school or child care facility while potentially infectious, reported to DPH between Sept. 1, 2020, and Dec. 30, 2020**:

*To protect personal health information, totals less than 10 are not shown.
**Data is preliminary and subject to change.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache or congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider. 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.

DPH reminds Delawareans that 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.

Information about testing events, including community testing sites, permanent fixed testing sites, and free-standing sites operated by the health care systems and hospitals, will be listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at de.gov/gettested.

Delawareans over the age of 18 are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

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 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Individuals who have complaints about individuals violating public gathering restrictions should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: HSPContact@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@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.

DOVER (Dec. 29, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has finalized its recommendations for Phase 1b, the next groups who will be considered eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. These groups include frontline essential workers and persons 65 and older.  Currently, the state is in Phase 1a of vaccine rollout which includes vaccinations for ​health care personnel with direct contact ​with ill patients or infectious material, emergency medical services agencies, and long-term care staff and residents. Vaccination for Phase 1b groups is expected to begin by the end of January.  In early December, DPH announced it would make the vaccine available in several phases.  Important determining factors for each phase would include determining who is at greatest risk for death and illness from the virus, ensuring equitable distribution of the vaccine, and maintaining the functioning of critical health care systems.  How many does of the vaccine each group would be able to get is dependent upon vaccine supply.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted on Dec. 20, 2020, that Phase 1b should include frontline essential workers and persons 75 years and older.  ACIP defines frontline essential workers as: First Responders (Firefighters, Police), Education (teachers, support staff, child care staff), Food and Agriculture, Manufacturing, Corrections workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, public transit workers, and grocery store workers.  As is currently the case with health care workers to whom the vaccine has been distributed, leaders in these industries will be asked to identify which of their staff should receive the vaccine before others based on factors such as frequent close contact with the public, and inability to social distance consistently at work. DPH is already working with several of these groups to assist them in their planning to secure vaccination partners. Frontline essential workforce leaders in these categories who have not heard from DPH are encouraged to visit the Agencies, Organizations, and Businesses section of de.gov/covidvaccine and complete the Planning Survey for Organizations with Essential Workforces.

On Dec. 22, the State Ethics Advisory Group voted to recommend adopting the ACIP Phase 1b approach.  However, DPH decided to lower the age the state would consider eligible in Phase 1b from 75 to 65 based on statewide COVID-related deaths.  While the median age for deaths among White and Asian persons is 82 and 83 respectively, the median age for deaths among Blacks is 74 and it is 66 for Hispanic individuals.

“Making this small change from the ACIP recommendations is the right thing to do for all people in our state,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay.  “Doing so provides us the opportunity to vaccinate and protect many more Delawareans, especially those who are already disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 to begin with due to a variety of factors.”

The State Ethics Advisory Group did not address any other groups​, but it is expected to vote on a Phase 1c group soon. Vaccine is estimated to begin to be available for some individuals in Phase 1b groups in mid​- to late January; DPH will provide updates on timing as they become available.  Due to limited supplies of the vaccines, they may not be available to everyone in Phase 1b initially.  Individuals 65+ will be asked to contact their health care provider directly near the end of January to discuss their options for receiving the vaccine.  The next phases after 1b could see vaccine availability in mid​- to late February, and it likely will be April before there is more widespread availability based on current supply.  However, timelines are flexible as more supply could be available if additional vaccines are approved for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Since Dec. 15, 8,422 vaccine doses have been administered in Delaware, and a total of 28,400 combined doses of the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines have been received.  All of the state’s hospital systems have received vaccine for staff, as have the Federally Qualified Health Centers. Some long-term care facilities began vaccinating in the last two weeks, while waiting for the federal pharmacy partnership program in Delaware to kick off this week.  Last week, Kent County EMS vaccinated some of its staff, while more will be vaccinated this week.  Both New Castle County and Sussex County EMS have plans to vaccinate staff this week as well.

DPH has set up a Vaccine Call Center at 1-833-643-1715. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing should call 2-1-1 or text their ZIP code to 898-211.  DPH’s Vaccine Call Center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday. Individuals can email their questions concerning the vaccine to Vaccine@Delaware.gov. Individuals can also visit de.gov/covidvaccine for up-to-date information.