DNREC, Division of Public Health Offer Tips About Ticks

An adult lone star tick in central Delaware. DNREC photo.

 

With spring heading into summer – prime time for ticks as well as for people getting outdoors – the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) has partnered with the Division of Public Health within the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) to educate the public about ticks, including where they are found, how to identify different types and what precautions to take before and after exposure to ticks, as well as information about tick-borne pathogens.

“Summer in Delaware is a great time to be outdoors enjoying Delaware’s state parks, wildlife areas, trails and waters,” said DNREC Secretary Shawn M. Garvin. “However, time-honored summer activities like hiking, biking, fishing and even beachgoing and gardening can expose outdoor enthusiasts to unwanted guests – ticks. The good news is residents and visitors can take steps such as using repellent, wearing light-colored clothes and checking for ticks after being outdoors to reduce or prevent the chances of getting tick bites.”

“We encourage Delawareans to get outside to enjoy fitness and family time,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “But we also urge people to take the proper precautions to protect themselves and others because tick bites can cause serious illness. In Delaware, the most common tick-borne illness is Lyme disease. Symptoms can include a ‘bull’s-eye’ rash (seen in approximately half of Lyme disease cases in Delaware), fever, fatigue, headache, and muscle and joint aches. Chronic joint, heart, and neurological problems may occur. We urge anyone bitten by a tick to monitor their health closely, and contact a physician if symptoms develop.”

Precautions to avoid or reduce tick exposure include:

  • Keep grass short and remove brush from the yard to reduce tick habitat.

    Long pants tucked into socks can help prevent tick exposure. DNREC photo.
    Long pants tucked into socks can help prevent tick exposure. DNREC photo.
  • Wear long sleeves and long pants tucked into socks and use repellent to help keep ticks off in areas with high tick populations.
  • Choose light colored clothing to make ticks easier to see.
  • When returning from outdoor activities, check for ticks and remove any from skin with tweezers as soon as possible to reduce the chance of disease transmission.
  • Following exposure to tick-prone areas or tick bites, watch for symptoms of common illnesses caused by tick-borne pathogens and seek medical attention as needed.

The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife and the DHSS Division of Public Health work together year-round to study tick populations, species distribution, seasonality and disease risk to humans, including Lyme disease. The goal of the tick program is to better understand the biology and ecology of Delaware ticks and the problems they cause, including how to best cope with those problems.

Dr. Ashley Kennedy, DNREC Tick Program entomologist. DNREC photo.
Dr. Ashley Kennedy, DNREC Tick Program entomologist. DNREC photo.

For DNREC Tick Program entomologist Dr. Ashley Kennedy, part of that work includes statewide tick surveys to collect and identify types of ticks.

“Tick surveys provide information about the numbers and species of ticks found in Delaware, as well as information about tick-borne diseases, since certain diseases are associated with certain tick species,” said Dr. Kennedy. “Knowing what species of tick has attached to you, a family member, or a pet will help determine whether you may be at risk for a tick-borne disease.”

To help Delaware residents and visitors exposed to ticks, DNREC has launched a new online tick interactions form that asks when and where the interaction took place, contact information and a photo of the tick if available to help identify its species.

Read more about Dr. Kennedy’s work in “Tick-Tock – the Ticks Are Waiting” in Outdoor Delaware online magazine.

Other tick facts include:

  • In Delaware, ticks are everywhere, but most bites occur in backyards.
  • Ticks do not jump or fall out of trees; they wait on grass or other plants for a host to walk by so they can grab on.
  • Ticks are active year-round, not just in late spring/early summer which is prime “tick season.”
  • Several different types of ticks are found in Delaware, and several types can carry different pathogens that can infect humans including Lyme disease.

More information about ticks can be found at de.gov/ticks and de.gov/lyme.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities, and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife conserves and manages Delaware’s fish and wildlife and their habitats, and provides fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing and boating access on nearly 68,000 acres of public land. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media Contacts: Joanna Wilson, joanna.wilson@delaware.gov; Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov


DPH Encourages Delawareans To Consider Masking In Public Amid Rising Covid-19 Cases

DOVER, DE (May 21, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports an increase in COVID-19 cases since the previous monthly COVID-19 update released on April 22, 2022. While COVID-19 cases are increasing in Delaware, hospitalizations and deaths remain significantly lower when compared to the winter surge. DPH continues to encourage Delawareans to get tested if they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who tested positive. Although there are no Delaware or federal government mask mandates, individuals are encouraged to mask in public indoor areas in Delaware. Delawareans are also reminded to get boosted to increase their individual protection against COVID-19. Staying up to date with your vaccinations is the best way to ensure your body is prepared to fight against severe cases of COVID-19.

You are eligible for a booster dose if you:

  • Are 5+ and it has been 5 months after your second dose of Pfizer
  • Are 18+ and it has been months after second dose of Moderna
  • Are 18+ and it has been 2 months since your initial dose of Johnson & Johnson
  • Qualified for an “additional/fourth” dose of Pfizer or Moderna because you have certain immunocompromising conditions or are age 50 and older. You can get your booster (fourth) dose 6 months after receiving your additional/third dose
  • Follow https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine/#publichealth for locations to receive booster shots

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 271,294
  • 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 574.7, a difference of 417.6 average new positive cases reported since April 22, 2022
  • 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 19.0 percentage points, a difference of 11.4 percentage points reported since April 22, 2022
  • Hospitalizations: 127, current hospitalizations; critically ill: 13
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,939 an increase of 43 since last month
  • Total COVID-19 deaths reported since April 22, 2022: 43 deaths; 9 regularly reported deaths, 34 deaths from a review of vital statistics

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

  • Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,805,255 
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 73.6% 
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.8%  
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 79.3% 
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 69.5%  

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. For a location near you, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.  

  

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:  

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of non-boosted cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame of May 09 – May 15, 2022. 

 

Weekly Overview
(05/09/22 – 05/15/22)

Non-boosted Cases

Total Non-boosted Cases

2406

Total Cases

3464

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

69%

Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

127

Total Hospitalized Cases

179

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

71%

Non-boosted Deaths

Total Non-boosted Deaths

3

Total COVID-19 Deaths

5

Percent of Non-boosted Deaths

60%

 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, May 19, 2022, there have been a total of 3,890 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 956 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

DPH reminds the public that flu season is not over.  There were 126 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of May 8-May 14. As of May 20, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available. There have been 2,341 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season, an increase of 633 since April 22, 2022. The cases involved 1,103 individuals from New Castle County, 518 from Kent County and 720 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. There may be technical discrepancies in reporting numbers week to week due to retroactive reporting of cases.

All individuals 6 months and older may still get vaccinated against the flu if they 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.    

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com. 

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

 


Delaware to Solicit Water Quality Improvement Projects With Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Funding

Virtual Public Workshop Scheduled on March 24

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, in conjunction with the Division of Public Health, will begin soliciting for new water quality improvement projects March 24 as DNREC and DPH start to develop 2022 Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving (DWSRF) project priority lists. Projects must be listed on the CWSRF and DWSRF project priority lists to be considered for funding – this year, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding for clean water and drinking water projects will be provided through the existing State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs.

Notices of Intent (NOI) for SRF wastewater, drinking water, stormwater, and related infrastructure projects must be received by DNREC Environmental Finance by close of business at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 25.

DNREC will hold a State Revolving Loan Fund virtual public workshop at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 24 offering a detailed overview of the CWSRF and DWSRF programs. Attendees will get guidance on requesting financial assistance for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure project needs. Pre-registration for the virtual workshop is required.

Workshop attendees also will learn how SRF programs administered by DNREC Environmental Finance can provide a wide range of financial assistance, including:

  • A one-stop loan application process for wastewater and drinking water infrastructure project assistance, including new funding available under the B
  • New under BIL – supplemental funding available to address emerging contaminants and lead service line replacement
  • New under BIL – additional subsidies to disadvantaged communities for water infrastructure projects
  •  

The workshop also will cover information about planning tools to assist SRF applicants

  • Wastewater, drinking water, and surface water matching planning grants
  • Asset management planning grants
  • Project planning advances
  • Planning and design loans

Additionally, the workshop will offer guidance on how and when to submit projects for funding consideration; project ranking criteria; project construction requirements, and how to apply for infrastructure planning grants. Information on the loan and grant programs and applications can be found at de.gov/envfinance.

Applications for wastewater, drinking water, surface water matching planning grants are also due by DNREC close of business at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, April 25.

About DNREC
The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control protects and manages the state’s natural resources, protects public health, provides outdoor recreational opportunities and educates Delawareans about the environment. The DNREC Environmental Finance team administers Delaware’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund, making funding available to municipalities, the private sector, nonprofit organizations and individuals. For more information, visit the website and connect with @DelawareDNREC on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

Media contacts: Michael Globetti, michael.globetti@delaware.gov or Nikki Lavoie, nikki.lavoie@delaware.gov.


Weekly COVID-19 Update – Jan. 14, 2022: New Positive Cases, Hospitalizations Continue to Trend Upward

DOVER, DE (Jan. 14, 2022) – 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 Thursday, Jan 13, 2021. DPH reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic with 4,771 positive cases reported to the state Friday, Jan. 7, 2022. In addition, the total number of current COVID-19 hospitalizations surpassed the record high this week with 759 individuals hospitalized as of Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022.

Delaware is experiencing a surge in cases and hospitalizations. It is important that Delawareans take important steps to keep themselves and others safe:

  • Get vaccinated and boosted. COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer the best protection against infection, hospitalization and death.
  • Wear a well-fitting mask in public and when around others outside of your household. Make sure your mask fits properly over your nose and mouth.
  • Stay home if you have symptoms or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Avoid non-essential in-person social gatherings.
  • Go to the emergency room if you have a true emergency, but do not go to the ER only for a COVID-19 test. Our hospitals are strained, and emergency departments need to be preserved for life-threatening emergencies.

Tests are in high demand. Get tested if:

  • You have symptoms.
  • It has been five days after you were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • You are unvaccinated (those not vaccinated should be tested once per week).

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 221,811
  • 7-day average of new positive cases: 3,153.1, an increase from 2,738.4 last week.
  • 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 32%, an increase from 28.3% last week.
  • Hospitalizations: 729, an increase of 37 from last week; critically ill: 69, an increase of 6 from last week.
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,396.
  • Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 66, including 20 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

  • Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,599,196
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 82.9%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 88.2%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 90.2%
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 65%

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 reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Jan. 3 – Jan. 9.

Weekly Overview
(1/3/22- 1/9/22)

Unvaccinated Cases

Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases: 11,832

Total Cases: 22,173

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases: 53%

Hospitalizations

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases: 241

Total Hospitalized Cases: 405

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases: 60%

Deaths

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths: 23

Total COVID-19 Deaths: 32

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths: 72%

 

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

Total breakthrough cases: 14,801, or 2.5% of fully vaccinated individuals
Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 179
Total breakthrough deaths: 155

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

*Please note, these data may be updated as additional information is received.

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:

Of the samples collected during the week of Dec. 24 – Dec. 30, the Omicron variant represented 93% of cases sequenced for a variant of concern, variant of interest, or variant being monitored. The remaining 7% of sequenced cases were identified as Delta.

As a reminder, DPH is now providing variant data based on sample collection date rather than sequencing date, due to the length of time between sample collection (when a person is tested) and when samples are sequenced by laboratories, which can be lagged by two weeks or longer, This will more accurately reflect the proportion of specific variants that are circulating in the community at various points in time.

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.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, Jan. 13, there have been a total of 3,037 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 886 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 28 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 2 – Jan. 8. As of Jan. 8, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 579 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 405 individuals from New Castle County, 73 from Kent County and 101 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.

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they 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.

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Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.


Weekly COVID-19 Update – Dec. 24, 2021: Record Number of New Daily Positive Cases Reported

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.