The updated COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available at pharmacies, health care providers, state public health clinics, federally qualified health centers, and other facilities. Vaccination will be available free for everyone through one of three methods. Those covered under most private or government insurance plans can receive the vaccine at various pharmacies or providers throughout the state with the cost fully covered by insurance. For those who are uninsured or underinsured, vaccinations will be available at federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), public health clinics, local pharmacies, and certain providers via the State of Delaware’s Immunization Program and at Walgreens, CVS and pharmacies affiliated with the ETrueNorth pharmacy network through the federal government’s Bridge Access Program.  Additionally, children who currently participate in the CDC’s Vaccines for Children Program will also be able to receive free COVID-19 updated vaccines where they receive their routine vaccinations.  A full listing of vaccine locations will be posted on www.vaccines.gov as they become available.  

The FDA has outlined the following brief guidelines for the updated COVID-19 vaccines to simplify the questions regarding whom should receive the vaccine and when:

• Individuals 5 years of age and older regardless of previous vaccination are eligible to receive a single dose of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least 2 months since the last dose of any COVID-19 vaccine.
• Individuals 6 months through 4 years of age who have previously been vaccinated against COVID-19 are eligible to receive one or two doses of an updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (timing and number of doses to administer depends on the previous COVID-19 vaccine received).
• Unvaccinated individuals 6 months through 4 years of age are eligible to receive three doses of the updated authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine or two doses of the updated authorized Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine.

As we approach the fall and winter seasons, the Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds everyone to take the appropriate measures to protect themselves and those around them from all respiratory illnesses including RSV and flu. To learn more about all available vaccines for your age group and health conditions and the appropriate timing and recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider or visit a public health clinic.  

The four general guidelines for staying safe this fall and winter include:

1. Get vaccinated when eligible for any and all illnesses where available and recommended by a provider.
2. Stay home if sick with any illness.  Get tested if you have COVID-19 symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
3. Inquire about treatment for COVID-19 or other illnesses if you are sick.
4. Consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor places, as cases rise, or if you or a family member are at higher risk for serious illness.

To learn more, visit de.gov/coronavirus and de.gov/covidvaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) raised Delaware’s COVID-19 community levels to the High category (red) in all three counties on July 28, 2022.  

As a result, the Division of Public Health (DPH) is asking Delawareans to follow the CDC’s key strategies at this level of community spread:  

·      Wear a well-fitting mask in indoor public settings, regardless of vaccination status.

·       Stay home if you are sick and get tested if you have symptoms or were exposed to someone with COVID-19. Visit de.gov/gettested for testing locations.

·       Get vaccinated and boosted when you are eligible to provide increased protection against severe illness and hospitalization.

·       If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease, self-test before being around them and wear a mask when indoors with them.

·       Turn to reliable sources for information and treatment options including de.gov/coronavirus.

·       If you are immunocompromised or at high risk for severe disease, contact your health care provider to determine any additional precautions or treatments for which you may qualify.

One primary indicator in determining community levels is the number of hospitalizations resulting from COVID-19.  Over the past week, Delaware’s COVID-19 hospitalizations rose 22% from 129 to 165 hospitalizations, with 12 patients in critical condition as of July 29.  Of significant concern for DPH is the increase in the number of youth (under 18 years of age) who required hospital admission, including at least 16 children under age 5. Vaccines are now available for all persons starting at 6 months of age, and vaccination is highly effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death.

In addition, the seven-day average of cases steadily increased with a 20% positivity rate in lab-confirmed tests and 523 new positive cases on July 29.  While these reported case numbers are high, at-home test results are not reported to DPH, meaning the incidence of illness in the community is likely much greater.  

The CDC believes that the emergence of the dominant BA.5 variant in the United States has fueled the rapid rise in cases since June and suggests it spreads more easily than previous lineages of the virus. As of July 5, more than 60% of Delaware’s sequenced test results that were positive for a variant strain of the virus were positive for BA.5. DPH officials say this underscores the need to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible.

“Data indicates that while the current vaccines may not be as effective in protecting you from getting infected by this powerful variant, they are highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death,” says DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong.  “Further, the CDC has indicated that getting a vaccine now will not exclude you from getting the enhanced COVID-19 vaccine in the fall.  It’s in your best interest to get any booster for which you are eligible now and the enhanced vaccine in the fall to ensure the best protection both now, and then.”

During the week of July 18 to July 24, 2022, 66% of Delaware’s total COVID-19 cases, and 75% of its hospitalized persons, had not received booster doses. 

You are eligible for a booster dose if you:

• Are 5+ and it has been 5 months since your second dose of Pfizer.
• Are 18+ and it has been 5 months since your second dose of Moderna.
• Are 18+ and it has been 2 months since your initial dose of Johnson & Johnson.
• Qualified for an “additional/third” dose of Pfizer or Moderna because you have certain immunocompromising conditions.
• You can get your second booster dose four months after receiving your initial booster if you are 50+ or are immunocompromised.

For more information about COVID-19, visit DPH at de.gov/coronavirus.  For details about vaccines and boosters, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine for adults and de.gov/youthvaccinefor children 17 and under.  Full Delaware COVID-19 data is available at https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/locations/state. View materials that are available for download or ordering free at covidmaterialsde.com.

 

DOVER, DE (Dec. 24, 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, Dec. 23, 2021. DPH reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic with 1,393 positive cases reported to the state Thursday. The previous record high was 1,241 on Jan 6, 2021.

If you feel sick – no matter the symptoms – we urge you not to host or attend any planned holiday gathering. If someone with the virus attends or hosts an Indoor gathering, there is a high risk for transmission, especially if face masks are not used and social distancing is not maintained. Infected individuals can release particles and droplets of respiratory fluids that contain the SARS CoV-2 virus into the air when they exhale. When people gather indoors – where they share the same air – the very fine droplets and particles will continue to spread and can accumulate.

As Delaware faces a winter surge of COVID-19 cases, holiday gatherings over the next week could contribute to additional spread. DPH strongly urges those who don’t feel well, regardless of a positive COVID-19 test, to stay home and not host or attend a holiday gathering. For additional holiday recommendations, visit de.gov/holidays.

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 170,009
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 857.4, a significant increase from 668.7 last week
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 10.9%, an increase from 9.8% last week
• Hospitalizations: 401, an increase of 42 from last week; critically ill: 52, an increase of 10 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,271
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 37, including 19 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,528,125
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 80.6%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 86.2%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 88.2%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 63.9%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. For information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. 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 report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Dec. 13 – Dec. 19. The report highlights the significant percentage of unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated individuals comprising Delaware’s cases and hospitalizations.

Weekly Overview (12/13 -12/19)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	3617
Total Cases	4986
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	73%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	144
Total Hospitalized Cases	185
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	78%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	14
Total COVID-19 Deaths	19
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	74%

 Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

• Total breakthrough cases: 9,858 or 1.7% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 150
• Total breakthrough deaths: 120

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more.

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:  

During the week of Dec. 16 – Dec. 22, a total of 416 test samples were sequenced through routine surveillance of test specimens. Of those test samples, 274 (65.9%) sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were 6 additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Out of the 280 variant positive samples, 247 were identified as the Delta strain, and 33 were identified as the Omicron strain. To date, a total of 37 cases of the Omicron variant have been identified in Delaware.

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory and other laboratories regularly monitor for the presence of COVID-19 variants, including Delta and Omicron, through routine genomic sequencing of test specimens. Genome sequencing is a public health surveillance tool used to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 variants; it is not used to diagnose individuals with a specific strain of COVID-19, as treatment recommendations do not differ based on variant strains. COVID-19 tests identify current infection of COVID-19, but do not identify a specific variant of the virus the individual might have.

DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have mobile units that offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities.

Monday, Dec. 27

Wilmington Housing Authority, 1802 N. West St., Wilmington, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Kennedy Apartments, 2800 N. Tatnall St., Wilmington, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Philadelphia Pentecostal Holiness Church, 13724 S. Old State Road, Ellendale, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 28

DeLaWarr State Service Center, 500 Rogers Road, New Castle, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. DuPont Blvd., Suite 100, Smyrna, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 29

Claymont State Service Center, 3301 Green St., Claymont, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 30

Appoquinimink State Service Center, 122 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. DuPont Blvd., Smyrna, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 23, there have been a total of 3,030 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 876 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.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older 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.

DOVER, DE (Dec. 10, 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, Dec. 9, 2021. 

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 159,399
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 603.9, a significant increase from 432.9 last week 
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 9.2%, an increase from 8% last week 
• Hospitalizations: 317, an increase of 51 from last week; critically ill: 33, an increase of one from last week 
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,211
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 17

   

COVID-19 Vaccinations: 

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,464,094
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 78.8%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 84.6% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 86.6%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 62.6% 

 

Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection, serious illness and death. All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity. 

 

Expanded Eligibility for Vaccine Boosters:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday authorized booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for 16- and 17-year-olds, at least six months after receiving their second dose of the vaccine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) endorsed the action soon after. DPH has advised medical providers that they may begin administering the Pfizer vaccine (12+/adult formula) as a booster to eligible 16- and 17-year-olds as soon as they are able.  These individuals are only able to receive Pfizer as a booster, and are not able to mix and match vaccines as those individuals 18 and older can do.

 

“Given rising cases pointing to a winter surge, the presence of the Delta variant and likelihood that we will see the Omicron variant in our state, we are grateful to have another tool at our disposal to increase protection for younger Delawareans,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay.  “We encourage anyone ages 5 and older who has not yet been vaccinated to get their first dose, for those who still need their second to schedule it, and for all those eligible for a booster vaccine to get one.”

 

Individuals 18 and older who received either Pfizer or Moderna are eligible for a booster dose of the vaccine at least six months after being fully vaccinated.  Those who received the J&J vaccine are eligible for a booster two months after their vaccination. Persons 18 and older may choose from any of the three FDA authorized vaccines as their booster, regardless of the brand they originally received. 

 

Evidence from clinical studies show that boosters do not merely top off immunity, but elevate protection well beyond peak levels from the primary series. Some experts say the elevated levels of protection can be as high as 95%. The same study showed an 85% reduction in hospitalization, 76% reduction in severe disease, and 94% reduction in deaths in those who received a booster dose. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be very effective when it comes to preventing hospitalization and death, but effectiveness against getting the virus may decline over time.  Boosters also increase the strength of your antibody response, so when the virus mutates, a booster makes it more likely that your antibodies can protect you against the new variant. Visit de.gov/boosters for more information.

 

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:  

The following report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Nov. 29 – Dec. 5. The report highlights the significant percentage of unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated individuals comprising Delaware’s cases and hospitalizations. 

 

Weekly Overview (11/29 -12/5)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	2883
Total Cases	3985
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	72%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	117
Total Hospitalized Cases	169
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	69%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	13
Total COVID-19 Deaths	15
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	87%

 

 

 Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 8,341 or 1.5% of fully vaccinated individuals 
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 132
• Total breakthrough deaths: 102

 

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more. 

 

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:  

In the last week, 445 test samples were sequenced through routine surveillance of test specimens. Of those test samples, 248 (55.7%) sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were 26 additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Out of the 274 variant positive samples, all were identified as the Delta strain.

 

DPH continues to monitor the science around the new Omicron variant, which has been classified as a Variant of Concern by both the World Health Organization and CDC. This variant was first reported in South Africa and has since been detected in at least 40 countries and 21 states in the U.S. No cases of this variant have been identified in Delaware to date. The Delaware Public Health Laboratory regularly monitors for the presence of COVID-19 variants, including Omicron, through routine sequencing of test specimens.  

DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Units: 

DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have mobile units that offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities.

 

The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location. The mobile units in New Castle County will travel through specific neighborhoods and a community intervention team will canvas door to door to offer vaccination and testing services to residents. These specific events are indicated below with the note (door to door). 

 

Monday, Dec. 13

Urban Promise Academy, 2401 Thatcher St., Wilmington, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Wawa Camden, 200 East St., Camden, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Linkside Apartments, 35 Flagstick Lane, Magnolia, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Bethel Market, 7743 Main St., Bethel, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Café Tamburelli’s, 3 Market St., Greenwood, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Dec. 14

DeLaWarr State Service Center, 500 Rogers Road, New Castle, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. DuPont Blvd., Smyrna, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church, 315 High St., Seaford, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.

 

Wednesday, Dec. 15

Wilmington’s Northside neighborhood (door to door), starting at North Claymont Street, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, 1131 N. DuPont Hwy., Dover, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Wawa, 1450 Forrest Ave., Dover, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Greenwood Public Library, 100 Mill St., Greenwood, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, Dec. 16

Appoquinimink State Service Center, 122 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Donald J. Richey Elementary School, 105 E. Highland Ave., Wilmington, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. DuPont Blvd., Smyrna, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  

Davelli’s Bagel Café, 201 W. Stein Hwy., Seaford, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Friday, Dec. 17

Wilmington’s Browntown/Hedgeville neighborhood (door to door), starting at 900 block of Maryland Avenue, Wilmington, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Service General Laundromat, 801 Norman Eskidge Hwy., Seaford, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

  

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather 

 

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine. 

 

Long-term Care Statistics: 

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 9, there have been a total of 3,017 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 869 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19. 

 

Flu Update:

Flu cases are increasing in Delaware, with 84 cases reported in the most recent week.  As of Dec. 4, 2021, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 125 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 79 individuals from New Castle County, 12 from Kent County and 34 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab.

 

Now is the time to get vaccinated against the flu if you haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov.

 

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. 

 

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov. 

 

Delawareans 18 or older 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. 

 

DOVER, DE (Dec. 3, 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, Dec. 2, 2021. 

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 155,149
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 432.7, an increase from 377.6 last week 
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 8.3%, an increase from 7.1% last week 
• Hospitalizations: 266, an increase of 107 from last week; critically ill: 32, an increase of 12 from last week 
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,194
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 21, including nine from a review of vital statistics records.

 

Scam Alert:

DPH is making the public aware of a scam targeting Delaware residents. This scam is in the form of a text message indicating that you are required to validate your vaccination or testing status. The link will take you to a site that requests you enter personal information. This is not a valid website and the request is fraudulent. This text message may be sent from a variety of spoofed numbers. As a reminder, DPH and other state agencies will not ask for private information, such as Social Security number or driver’s license number, in this manner. If you receive such a message, do not respond. Individuals are advised NOT to click on any links included in text messages and/or emails unless you are certain they are valid. 

  

COVID-19 Vaccinations: 

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,424,415
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 77.7%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 83.7% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 85.6%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 61.8% 

 

Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection, serious illness and death. All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit [de.gov/getmyvaccine]de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at [de.gov/healthycommunity]de.gov/healthycommunity. 

 

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:  

The following report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Nov. 22 – Nov. 28. The report highlights the significant percentage of unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated individuals comprising Delaware’s cases and hospitalizations. 

 

Weekly Overview (11/22 -11/28)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	1667
Total Cases	2306
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	72%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	91
Total Hospitalized Cases	114
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	80%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	8
Total COVID-19 Deaths	10
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	80%

 

 Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 7,633 or 1.4% of fully vaccinated individuals 
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 127
• Total breakthrough deaths: 98

 

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more – although it does not mean that the infection occurred after vaccination. 

 

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:  

In the last week, 91 test samples were sequenced through routine surveillance of test specimens. Of those test samples, 61 (67%) sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were four additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Out of the 65 variant positive samples, all were identified as the Delta strain.

 

Due to a technical issue, last week’s sequencing report could not be provided in the Nov. 26 weekly COVID-19 update. Between Nov. 20 and Nov. 26, 359 test samples were sequenced through routine surveillance of test specimens. Of those test samples, 184 (51.3%) sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were 33 additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Out of the 217 variant positive samples, all were identified as the Delta strain.

DPH continues to monitor the science around the new Omicron variant, which has been classified as a Variant of Concern by both the World Health Organization and CDC. This variant was first reported in South Africa and has since been detected in several other countries and a handful of states, including Pennsylvania, in the U.S. No cases of this variant have been identified in Delaware to date. The Delaware Public Health Laboratory regularly monitors for the presence of COVID-19 variants, including Omicron, through routine sequencing of test specimens.

While we still have more to learn about the Omicron variant, Delawareans should continue doing what we know works: get vaccinated, wear a mask in indoor public settings, socially distance from others and wash your hands regularly. Vaccines remain the most critical tool to protect us against severe disease. Delawareans who are 5 years and older who have not received the vaccine should do so as soon as possible. This is especially important for our youngest eligible Delawareans, as they currently have the highest COVID-19 case rates.

 

DPH also encourages those who have been vaccinated with at least one dose to complete the full vaccination series and every adult should receive a booster dose when eligible. Boosters increase the strength of your antibody response to protect you from the virus, and many of its mutations. All adults who completed a primary vaccination series with an mRNA vaccine at least six months ago and those who received a Johnson & Johnson shot at least two months ago are eligible for a booster.

 

DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Mobile Units: 

DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have mobile units that offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities.

 

The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location. The mobile units in New Castle County will travel through specific neighborhoods and a community intervention team will canvas door to door to offer vaccination and testing services to residents.

 

Monday, Dec. 6

Wilmington’s North Side neighborhood, starting at North Claymont Street, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel Junction, 10912 County Seat Hwy., Laurel, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Davelli’s Bagel Café, 201 W. Stein Hwy., Seaford, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

ILC Dover, 1 Moonwalker Road, Frederica, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Country Farms, 1014 S. Little Creek Road, Dover, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Tuesday, Dec. 7

DeLaWarr State Service Center, 500 Rogers Road, New Castle, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. DuPont Blvd., Smyrna, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 31039 North Poplar St., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.  

 

Wednesday, Dec. 8
Goodwill Job Resource Center, 300 East Lea Blvd., Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Bethel Market, 7743 Main St., Bethel, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Service General Laundromat, 801 Norman Eskridge Hwy., Seaford, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Emerald City Wash World, 730 W. Division St., Dover, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Byler’s Harrington, 1 Liberty Plaza, Harrington, 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Thursday, Dec. 9

Appoquinimink State Service Center, 122 Silver Lake Road, Middletown, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Laurel State Service Center, 10912 County Seat Hwy., Laurel, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Smyrna State Service Center, 200 S. DuPont Blvd., Smyrna, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Dover Housing Authority, 76 Stevenson Drive, Dover, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

 

Friday, Dec. 10

Wilmington’s Browntown/Hedgeville neighborhood, 1100 Maryland Ave., Wilmington, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

 

Saturday, Dec. 11

Route 9 Library, 3022 New Castle Ave., New Castle, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather 

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine. 

 

Long-term Care Statistics: 

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 2, there have been a total of 3,002 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 868 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. 

 

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov. 

 

Delawareans 18 or older 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.