Weekly COVID-19 Update – Nov. 27, 2020: New Daily Cases Remain High; Hospitalizations, Deaths Continue to Increase

DOVER (Nov. 27, 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. Thursday, November 26, 2020.

A total of 34,170 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020, including 16,874 individuals who are considered recovered. The number of new daily cases each day this week has remained elevated with the seven-day average increasing to 472.9 as of Thursday, Nov. 26.

The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 decreased from 15.1% as of Nov. 19, to 13.7% as of Thursday, Nov. 26. DPH publishes both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its COVID-19 data portal. As of Tuesday, Nov. 24, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 5.8%, which was the same percentage as of Nov. 17. 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, 187 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, an increase of 17 from the total as of last Friday’s update. Thirty-one of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, up five from last week.

The Division of Public Health recommends Delawareans take the following actions to prevent further spread of infection in the community:

• Only dine socially (at home and in restaurants) with those who live with you
• Don’t spend time socially with people outside your household
• Don’t plan on holding holiday dinners with those outside your household – even family

DPH COVID-19 Holiday Guidance can be found at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/holiday-guidance/.

A total of 763 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 17 additional deaths since last week’s update, including four 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, 393 were female and 370 were male. A total of 376 individuals were from New Castle County, 128 were from Kent County, and 259 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 Updates

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 ongoing outbreaks since late September. Resident and staff tallies represent cumulative case totals between Sept. 25, 2020, and Nov. 25, 2020:

• Kentmere Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Wilmington; 55 residents and 47 staff members
• Cadia Healthcare Silverside in Wilmington; 50 residents and 36 staff members.
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington; 74 residents and 40 staff
• Lofland Park in Seaford, 19 residents and 11 staff
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol in Dover; 45 residents and 24 staff
• Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar; 34 residents and 32 staff
• The Moorings at Lewes in Lewes; 14 residents and 29 staff
• Oak Bridge Terrace at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 14 residents and 11 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. As facility outbreak investigations close, they will be removed from this list.

Reminder – Updates to Walgreens Testing Sites: All Walgreens Pharmacy testing sites have moved to a reservation-based system beginning today (Nov. 27). To reserve an appointment, visit www.picktime.com/DECOVID19test. Testing sites will remain accessible through the pharmacy drive-thru except the Lancaster Pike location in Wilmington, which remains an indoor site. All sites operate by appointment only, and close for 30 minutes daily to allow a lunch break for staff.

In addition, the State of Delaware will expand its partnership with Walgreens and add five new sites across the state beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1. The new testing sites include:

• 4465 Summit Bridge Road, Middletown, DE 19709, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday
• 17248 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE 19952, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday
• 2 College Park Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday
• 38627 Benro Drive #1, Delmar, DE 19940, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday
• 32979 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

These new sites are in addition to nine testing sites operated by Walgreens, as well as 11 other permanent testing sites – five State Service Center sites and six Public Health clinics – available throughout the state. Pop-up community testing sites continue to be offered each week. The full list of testing locations, hours, and registration options are available on Delaware’s COVID-19 website at de.gov/gettested.

Delaware COVID-19 Data:
The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, include:

• 34,170 total positive cases
• New Castle County cases: 19,088
• Kent County cases: 4,798
• Sussex County cases: 10,175
• Unknown County: 109
• Females: 18,384; Males: 15,731; Unknown Sex: 55
• Age range: 0 to 104
• Currently hospitalized: 187; Critically ill: 31 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
• Delawareans recovered: 16,874
• 381,889 negative cases**
• 709,251 total tests administered as of Nov. 24, 2020
*Data are provisional and subject to change.
**Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.

Generally, Delaware considers patients recovered after at least 24 hours have passed since the resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and/or improvement in symptoms, and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Individuals who tested positive who have not had any symptoms are considered recovered after at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 test with no subsequent illness.

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 Nov. 25, 2020**:

   Weekly Total, 11/19/20 – 11/25/20  Cumulative Total, 9/1/20 – 11/25/20
 Setting  Staff Cases  Students Cases  Staff Cases  Student Cases
 Child care facility  24  17  94  83
 Private K-12  0  0  44  103
 Public K-12  61  44  247  182

 

Long-term Care Statistics:
Information related to positive cases and deaths among residents at long-term care facilities will be updated weekly each Friday, using information reported as of 6 p.m. Thursday. There have been a total of 1,633 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 431 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 (17)
• Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (18)
• Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
• Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (2)
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (11)
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (16)
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (9)
• Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (22)
• Country Rest Home, Greenwood (10)
• Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (11)
• Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
• HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
• Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (23)
• Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (42)
• Hillside Center, Wilmington (3)
• Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (8)
• Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (2)
• Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
• Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (5)
• ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (13)
• ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (23)
• Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
• Millcroft, Newark (2)
• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (37)
• 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 (6)
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (3)
• Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
• Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
• The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (4)
• Westminster Village, Dover (7)
• Five other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)

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

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.

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: coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.

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 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.

Individuals with 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. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

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.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

###


DPH, DEMA Provide COVID-19 Testing Update

DOVER (Nov. 24, 2020) – With more than 47,000 tests completed last week, Delawareans across the state are heeding the call to get tested for COVID-19, and more tests are being conducted than at any point during the pandemic. As the demand for COVID-19 testing increases ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) are providing updates regarding community testing sites in Delaware.

Community pop-up testing site visits increased by 40% in the last 10 days, which has led to increased wait times in some cases. While on-site staff are doing their best to accommodate walk-ins in addition to those with reservations, there may be situations when walk-ins must be turned away. Community sites operated through Walgreens and the Division of Public Health clinics have also seen increased volume over the past several days.

“Curative testing sites have been averaging over 7,000 tests a day,” said DEMA Director A.J. Schall. “We are doing everything possible to accommodate everyone who wants to get tested, but we ask that you plan ahead and be patient.”

Because of the increased testing demand, test result turn-around times may take longer. The public is urged to remain patient as laboratories work to process tests as fast as possible. In addition, the high number of positive cases reported may also lead to a delay in positive individuals and their contacts receiving a call from the DPH contact tracing team. Individuals who test positive are advised to immediately self-isolate for at least 10 days from the date symptoms started (or the date of the test for those who do not have symptoms), and contact anyone who they had direct contact within the 48 hours prior to symptom onset or test date.

Members of the public seeking testing this week are highly encouraged to check the State’s testing webpage, de.gov/gettested, as testing locations and hours are limited this Wednesday and Thursday.

Update to Walgreens Testing Sites:

To best serve patients and to help eliminate traffic issues near Walgreens testing sites arising from increased testing volume, all Walgreens Pharmacy testing sites will move to a reservation-based system beginning Friday, Nov. 27. Testing sites will remain accessible through the drive-through except for the Lancaster Pike location in Wilmington, which remains an indoor site. All sites will operate by appointment only. As a reminder, all Walgreens test sites close for 30 minutes daily to allow a lunch break for staff. To reserve an appointment, visit picktime.com/DECOVID19test.

To help meet the increased testing demand this holiday season, the State of Delaware will expand its partnership with Walgreens and add five new sites across the state beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1. The new testing sites include:

• 4465 Summit Bridge Road, Middletown, DE 19709, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday
• 17248 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE 19952, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday
• 2 College Park Lane, Georgetown, DE 19947, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday
• 38627 Benro Drive #1, Delmar, DE 19940, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday
• 32979 Coastal Hwy, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday

These new sites are in addition to nine testing sites operated by Walgreens, as well as 11 other permanent testing sites – five State Service Center sites and six Public Health clinics – available throughout the state. Pop-up community testing sites continue to be offered each week. The full list of testing locations, hours, and registration options are available on Delaware’s COVID-19 website at de.gov/gettested.

“Testing is the best way to track the spread of COVID-19 and monitor for potential outbreaks,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “It’s important to remind the public, though, that a negative test is not a pass to forego necessary prevention steps. Wear a face covering in public, maintain at least 6 feet of distance between yourself and others, frequently wash your hands, and limit gatherings — from meals to parties — to just those who live in your house.”

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.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Individuals with 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.

###


Weekly COVID-19 Update: November 20, 2020: Highest Single-Day Total of New Cases Reported, Hospitalizations Increase

DOVER (Nov. 20, 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. Thursday, November 19, 2020. Delaware saw its largest single-day case total since the pandemic began with 649 new cases reported on Thursday, Nov. 19.

A total of 30,816 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020, including 15,534 individuals who are considered recovered. The number of new daily cases each day this week has remained elevated with the seven-day average increasing to 398.9 as of Thursday, Nov. 19.

The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 increased from 12.9% as of Nov. 12, to 14.8% as of Thursday, Nov. 19. DPH now publishes both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its COVID-19 data portal. As of Tuesday, Nov. 17, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 5.9%, up from 4.7% as of Nov. 10. 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, 170 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, an increase of 40 from the total as of last Friday’s update. Twenty-six of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, up four from last week.

The Division of Public Health recommends Delawareans take the following actions to prevent further spread of infection in the community:

Only dine socially (at home and in restaurants) with those who live with you
Don’t spend time socially with people outside your household
Don’t plan on holding holiday dinners with those outside your household – even family

DPH COVID-19 Holiday Guidance can be found at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/holiday-guidance/.

A total of 746 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 12 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, 382 were female and 364 were male. A total of 370 individuals were from New Castle County, 123 were from Kent County, and 253 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 Updates

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 ongoing outbreaks since late September. Resident and staff tallies represent cumulative case totals between Sept. 25, 2020, and Nov. 19, 2020:

– Kentmere Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Wilmington; 54 residents and 44 staff members
– Cadia Healthcare Silverside in Wilmington; 48 residents and 36 staff members.
– Country Rest Home in Greenwood; 31 residents and 20 staff members
– Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington; 74 residents and 38 staff
– Lofland Park in Seaford, 19 residents and 11 staff
– Cadia Healthcare Capitol in Dover; 44 residents and 22 staff
– Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar; 34 residents and 29 staff
– The Moorings at Lewes in Lewes; 14 residents and 17 staff
– Oak Bridge Terrace at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 14 residents and 11 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.

DHSS Updates Long-Term Care Reopening Plan and Visitation Guidance: As part of ongoing efforts to address the impact of increasing cases of COVID-19 cases on Delaware’s long-term care facilities, the Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) issued an updated reopening plan and visitation guidance today (Nov. 20) for those facilities. Highlights of the guidance include:

– Recommending against residents leaving LTC facilities during this period because of the potential increased risk for exposure to COVID-19 in the community. The guidance urges facilities to educate residents and families/friends about the risks of leaving the facility, the steps they should take to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19, embracing such alternative means of communication as phone calls and virtual visits, and visiting residents at the facility as permitted based on the facility status.

– Urging long-term care facility staff, volunteers and vendors to use extra caution, especially during the holidays, by keeping their at-home gatherings to their immediate households so they don’t become asymptomatic carriers of the virus when they return to the facilities.

– Emphasizing outdoor visitation for families and friends over indoor visitation whenever practicable to reduce the risk of transmission through the improved ventilation and increased space.

– Supporting compassionate care visitation for family members and others beyond end-of-life situations, including a new resident who is struggling with the change in environment and lack of family support; a resident who is grieving the loss of a family member or friend; a resident who needs encouragement with eating or drinking, which was previously provided by a family member or caregiver; or a resident who used to talk and interact with others and now is seldom speaking or is experiencing another form of emotional distress.

Family members who have questions about the new guidance should contact the facility where their loved one is living. Read the full guidance at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/177/2020/11/Memorandum-Revised-Reopening-Guidance-11-20-20.pdf.

Delaware COVID-19 Data:

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, include:
– 30,816 total positive cases
– New Castle County cases: 16,900
– Kent County cases: 4,324
– Sussex County cases: 9,493
– Unknown County: 99
– Females: 16,607; Males: 14,158; Unknown Sex: 51
– Age range: 0 to 104
– Currently hospitalized: 170; Critically ill: 26 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
– Delawareans recovered: 15,534
– 362,466 negative cases**
– 659,454 total tests administered as of Nov. 17, 2020
*Data are provisional and subject to change.
**Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.

Generally, Delaware considers patients recovered after at least 24 hours have passed since the resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and/or improvement in symptoms, and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Individuals who tested positive who have not had any symptoms are considered recovered after at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 test with no subsequent illness.

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 Nov. 18, 2020**:

 

  Weekly Total, 11/12/20 – 11/18/20 Weekly Total, 11/12/20 – 11/18/20 Weekly Total, 9/1/20 – 11/18/20 Weekly Total, 9/1/20 – 11/18/20
Setting Staff Cases Student Cases Staff Cases Student Cases
Child care facility 17 21 69 66
Private K-12 * * 44 103
Public K-12 42 45 183 131

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

Long-term Care Statistics:

Information related to positive cases and deaths among residents at long-term care facilities will be updated weekly each Friday, using information reported as of 6 p.m. Thursday. There have been a total of 1,591 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 426 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 (17)
  • Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (18)
  • Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
  • Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (2)
  • Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (11)
  • Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (15)
  • Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (9)
  • Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (20)
  • Country Rest Home, Greenwood (10)
  • Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (11)
  • Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
  • HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
  • Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (23)
  • Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (42)
  • Hillside Center, Wilmington (3)
  • Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (8)
  • Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (2)
  • Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
  • Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (5)
  • ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (13)
  • ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (23)
  • Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
  • Millcroft, Newark (2)
  • Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (37)
  • 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 (6)
  • Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (2)
  • Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
  • Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
  • The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (3)
  • Westminster Village, Dover (7)
  • Five other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)

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

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.

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: coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.

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 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.

Individuals with 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. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

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.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.


Delaware Division of Public Health Announces Data Breach Incident

DOVER (Nov. 15, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing today that it is mailing letters to individuals who were impacted by a recent data breach incident and is providing information to the public regarding the incident.

On September 16, 2020, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) discovered that a Division of Public Health temporary staff member mistakenly sent two unencrypted emails, one on August 13, 2020, and one on August 20, 2020, to an unauthorized user. These emails contained COVID-19 test results for approximately 10,000 individuals. The August 13, 2020 email included test results for individuals tested between July 16, 2020, and August 10, 2020. The August 20, 2020 email included test results for individuals tested on August 15, 2020. The emails were meant for internal distribution to call center staff who assist individuals in obtaining their test results.

The emails were sent, mistakenly, to only one unauthorized user. This individual alerted the Division of Public Health of the inadvertent receipt of emails. They reported deleting the emails, and the files attached to them. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that there has been any attempt to misuse any of the information.

The files that were mistakenly released to an unauthorized user contained the following information related to COVID-19 test results: the date of the test, test location, patient name, patient date of birth, phone number if provided, and test result. No financial information was released.

A thorough investigation of the incident was conducted. The Division of Public Health has reviewed and reinforced its Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-related policies and procedures. Division staff were retrained in HIPAA, and additional HIPAA training policies were put in place for temporary staff. The temporary staff member is no longer employed with the Division of Public Health.

As required by HIPAA, the Delaware Division of Public Health has reported this breach to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and to the Delaware Department of Justice, as required by state law.

The Division of Public Health is also establishing a dedicated call center, separate from its COVID-19 call center and independently staffed by a contracted company, to answer any questions about this incident. Call center representatives have been fully versed on the incident and can answer questions or concerns individuals may have regarding protection of their personal information.

The call center, which will be operational beginning Monday, November 16, can be reached at 1-833-791-1663 Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time, excluding U.S. holidays.

Information will also be posted on the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services website at: https://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/.

###

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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.


Weekly COVID-19 Update-Nov. 13, 2020: New Daily Cases Continue to Spike; Hospitalizations, Deaths Continue to Increase

DOVER (Nov. 13, 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. Thursday, November 12, 2020.

A total of 28,016 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020, including 14,571 individuals who are considered recovered. The number of new daily cases each day this week has remained elevated with the seven-day average of 279.4, as of Thursday, Nov. 12. Delaware saw its largest single-day case total since May with 465 new cases reported on Thursday, Nov. 12.

The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 increased from 10.2% as of Nov. 5, to 12.8% as of Thursday, Nov. 12. DPH now publishes both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its COVID-19 data portal. As of Tuesday, Nov. 10, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 4.8%, up from 3.9% as of Nov. 3. 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, 130 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, an increase of 16 from the total as of last Friday’s update. Twenty-two of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, down five from last week.

The Division of Public Health recommends Delawareans take the following actions to prevent further spread of infection in the community:

• Only dine socially (at home and in restaurants) with those who live with you
• Don’t spend time socially with people outside your household
• Don’t plan on holding holiday dinners with those outside your household – even family

“What we can see in our data is that social gatherings, whether at a house party, casual dinner, or restaurant, where people take off their masks while they eat, drink and chat, are the primary situations in which COVID-19 is being spread,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “It is just not safe right now to socially eat, drink, casually hang out or party with people outside of our household unless we are socially distanced and outside.”

A total of 734 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 18 additional deaths since last week’s update, including seven 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, 378 were female and 356 were male. A total of 365 individuals were from New Castle County, 122 were from Kent County, and 247 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 Updates

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 ongoing outbreaks since late September. Resident and staff tallies represent cumulative case totals between Sept. 25, 2020, and Nov. 12, 2020:

• Kentmere Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Wilmington; 54 residents and 43 staff members
• Cadia Healthcare Silverside in Wilmington; 45 residents and 35 staff members.
• Country Rest Home in Greenwood; 31 residents and 20 staff members
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington; 73 residents and 35 staff
• Lofland Park in Seaford, 19 residents and 10 staff
• Newly added: Cadia Helthcare Capitol in Dover; 39 residents and 17 staff
• Newly added: Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar; 19 residents and 15 staff
• Newly added: The Moorings at Lewes in Lewes; 14 residents and 12 staff
• Newly added: Oak Bridge Terrace at Cokesbury Village in Hockessin; 13 residents and 11 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.

Delaware COVID-19 Data:
The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, include:

• 28,016 total positive cases
• New Castle County cases: 15,113
• Kent County cases: 3,956
• Sussex County cases: 8,854
• Unknown County: 93
• Females: 15,160; Males: 12,812; Unknown Sex: 44
• Age range: 0 to 104
• Currently hospitalized: 130; Critically ill: 22 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
• Delawareans recovered: 14,571
• 347,207 negative cases**
*Data are provisional and subject to change.
**Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.

Generally, Delaware is now considering patients recovered after at least 24 hours have passed since the resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and/or improvement in symptoms, and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Individuals who tested positive who have not had any symptoms are considered recovered after at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 test with no subsequent illness.

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.

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 Nov. 12, 2020:

 

   Weekly Total, 11/5/20 – 11/12/20  Cumulative Total, 9/1/20 – 11/12/20
 Setting  Staff Cases  Students Cases  Staff Cases  Student Cases
 Child care facility  10  10  50  45
 Private K-12  *  24  44  99
 Public K-12  27  21  135  82

*To protect personal health information, totals less than 10 are not shown.

Long-term Care Statistics:
Information related to positive cases and deaths among residents at long-term care facilities will be updated weekly each Friday, using information reported as of 6 p.m. Thursday. There have been a total of 1,568 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 423 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 (17)
• Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (18)
• Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
• Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (2)
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (11)
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (14)
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (9)
• Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (19)
• Country Rest Home, Greenwood (9)
• Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (11)
• Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
• HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
• Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (23)
• Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (42)
• Hillside Center, Wilmington (3)
• Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (8)
• Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (2)
• Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
• Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (5)
• ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (13)
• ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (23)
• Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
• Millcroft, Newark (2)
• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (37)
• 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 (6)
• Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (2)
• Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
• Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
• The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (3)
• Westminster Village, Dover (7)
• Five other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)

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

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.

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: coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.

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 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.

Individuals with 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. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

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.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.