COVID Alert DE Expands Reach with Pennsylvania’s Exposure Notification App Released Tuesday

COVID Alert PA Interoperable with Delaware app available on App Store and Google Play

 WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), and the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI) announced that COVID Alert DE will be interoperable with Pennsylvania’s exposure notification app, COVID Alert PA, which launched today.

The COVID Alert DE mobile app is available in the App Store or Google Play.

“Nearly 25,000 Delawareans have already downloaded COVID Alert DE to help us slow the spread of this virus,” said Governor Carney. “By teaming up with Pennsylvania, we are hoping to raise awareness of this important technology, and assist those Delawareans that travel to and from Pennsylvania for their daily commutes. We encourage those who have not yet downloaded the app to consider doing so to protect themselves and their families.”

COVID Alert DE and COVID Alert PA were created in partnership with the software developer NearForm. These apps will allow for interoperability and exposure notifications across state lines using Bluetooth technology developed by Apple and Google.

“COVID Alert DE is working well, but with Pennsylvania’s newly announced app, it will work even better,” said Molly Magarik, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). “Contact tracers across the state have been providing Delawareans who have tested positive and have COVID Alert DE on their phones with the six-digit code they need to, in turn, upload their keys and anonymously notify close contacts. We appreciate the community support getting the word out about this app, and we hope to see a jump in users in weeks to come.”

The app is not a substitute for basic public health precautionary measures – including mask-wearing, social distancing in public, and frequent handwashing. Additionally, those who have the app are still asked to speak with contact tracers from the Division of Public Health if contacted.

Visit de.gov/covidalert for additional information about COVID Alert DE, or send questions to DPHCall@delaware.gov

 Are you a business, nonprofit, or organization interested in COVID Alert DE? Email questions about partnership opportunities to DHSS_TownHall@delaware.gov

Download the app:  

Apple Store

Google Play

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  

Report a business for COVID-19 non-compliance using this form.  

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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Governor Carney Announces Departure of CIO James Collins

After nearly 20 years of state service, Delaware’s top technology officer leaving for private sector technology post

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney announced on Tuesday that Delaware Chief Information Officer (CIO) James Collins will step down later this month after nearly 20 years of state service; the past six years as head of the Delaware Department of Technology and Information (DTI).

Collins is leaving DTI to join Microsoft Consulting as a General Manager focused on state and local government, and higher education.

Jason Clarke, chief operating officer at DTI, will serve as acting CIO. Governor Carney will send a CIO nomination to the Delaware Senate for consideration before the General Assembly reconvenes in January 2021.

“James has been a central member of our team since Day 1 when I asked him to continue to lead DTI and Delaware’s transition to a more digital government,” said Governor Carney. “But his work and expertise has never been more important than over the last six months – as we have battled this COVID-19 pandemic. James and his team have kept state workers connected throughout this crisis, making sure they could continue to deliver vital services to Delaware families. He has worked with the private sector to expand high-speed broadband service across rural Delaware and to protect Delawareans from cyber threats. We will miss James’ leadership but wish him well at Microsoft.”

Collins, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, previously served as Director of the Division of Professional Regulation, Deputy Secretary of State, Chair of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Deputy Chief of Staff to then-Governor Markell. Collins was first nominated as CIO by Governor Jack Markell and confirmed by the Delaware Senate in 2014.

During his tenure as the State of Delaware’s top technology officer, Collins leveraged his extensive experience in both the public and private sectors to implement synergistic, cost-effective and scalable IT solutions that help Delaware deliver digital government services to its citizens. Notable achievements under Collins’ leadership include expanding broadband high-speed Internet service across rural areas of Delaware and working to eliminate broadband deserts across the state by the end of this year. Collins also fulfilled multiple Executive Orders including creating the Delaware Cyber Security Advisory Council, expanding the State Open Data/Open Checkbook portal, and advancing IT centralization and virtualization cloud-based “as-a-Service” solutions. In 2019, Collins was elected as president of the National Association of State Chief Information Officers and continues to serve on its Executive Committee.

In 2017, Collins worked to pass legislation – sponsored by Representative Paul Baumbach and signed into law by Governor Carney – that modernized protections for Delawareans affected by breaches of cyber security.

Collins also spearheaded a transition to digital government and led the State of Delaware’s technology efforts throughout the COVID-19 crisis. As CIO, Collins led major modernizations of information technology systems to improve Delawareans’ security and user experience – including elections and child welfare systems, corporate filing platforms, and licensing applications.

“It has been my great honor to serve in the Carney Administration and work with such dedicated public servants committed to improving life in Delaware throughout my years of public service,” said CIO James Collins. “I have been blessed with amazing opportunities in the course of my career, so I am excited for this next step to continue helping governments and institutions of higher learning transform to deliver digital services on a national scale.”

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Governor Carney Announces $20 Million for Broadband Infrastructure

CARES Act funds accelerate progress to connect more Delaware families to high-speed internet, support remote learning and establish statewide speed survey

WILMINGTON, Del. — Governor John Carney, Chief Information Officer (CIO) James Collins, and Delaware Secretary of Education Dr. Susan Bunting announced on Monday that $20 million in CARES Act funding will be used to build out additional infrastructure across Delaware, gather strategic data through a statewide speed survey, and acquire equipment and services for families in financial need.

Additionally, fifteen towers in the current phase of the Rural Wireless Broadband Initiative in Kent and Sussex counties will be completed about four months ahead of schedule. Originally slated to be completed by the end of 2020, the project received a boost of $566,000 through the Delaware Department of Education’s CARES Act funds to fast-track reaching more students in unserved and under-served areas in need of high-speed broadband for remote learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Combined with the initial $2 million investment in State funding, the Rural Wireless Broadband Initiative is expected to serve more than 1,500 customers in rural areas and has capacity to expand.

“Over the last two years, Delaware has worked to eliminate internet deserts and make high-speed internet a reality for all Delawareans,” said Governor Carney. “Now more than ever, we know how essential reliable internet is for daily life. These funds will help us build additional broadband infrastructure, identify areas where we need to improve internet speeds, and eliminate barriers so that Delaware families can have quality internet— whether it’s for remote learning, working, or connecting with family.”

“We know that access to high-speed broadband is as essential as any public utility, and the COVID-19 pandemic made that need even more evident – the day of reckoning for broadband is here,” said CIO Collins. “We are very much encouraged by the significant progress that has been made but we have more to do. We will continue to pursue any and all avenues available to us to ensure digital equity across our entire state.”

The State will also use CARES Act funds to cover equipment installation and broadband service for students from low-income households across the state for remote or hybrid learning purposes. Additional information on this program will be announced in the coming weeks.

“For our students who are starting the school year learning remotely, having access to the internet is critical to their academic growth,” said Secretary Bunting. “We also have educators who are teaching from home right now and need reliable service. Connectivity is an immediate need with a solution that will serve them beyond the pandemic. We are grateful for DTI’s efforts in helping us support both students and educators.”

“These past few months, our staff was tasked with the great challenge of providing remote instruction, a concept that really transformed how we taught our students and more importantly how we could serve their needs.  This task seemed almost insurmountable as we learned how many of our students and staff lived in remote areas with little internet reliability or connectivity,” said Elyse Baerga, Supervisor of Student Services for Woodbridge School District. “The State’s commitment towards improving these conditions is critical to our students’ continued success.  As all school districts throughout the state plan and prepare for hybrid learning we will be relying on these resources to improve our ability to deliver instruction and services, to better serve our students. We are grateful to see how many families are already taking advantage of this amazing opportunity.”

“Being able to get wireless broadband service was heaven sent,” said Amie Errickson, a Clayton resident and new Bloosurf customer. “We did not have access to any broadband service before. In fact, we used to have to put all the kids in the car and drive to the school parking lot just to use the WIFI to get their homework done. Now they will be able to access the virtual learning they need.”

To learn more about Delaware’s broadband efforts, please visit www.broadband.delaware.gov.

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DELAWARE TEAMS EARN TOP HONORS IN GIRLS GO CYBERSTART

Teams from Padua Academy, Charter School of Wilmington and MOT Charter School receive top scores

DOVER, Del. — Governor John Carney and Chief Information Officer (CIO) James Collins congratulate Delaware’s winners of the Girls Go CyberStart program sponsored by the SANS Institute. From February 10 through May 21, more than 15,600 young high school women representing nearly all U.S. states and territories competed in an online series of challenges that allow students to solve cybersecurity-related puzzles and explore exciting, relevant topics, such as cryptography and digital forensics. Delaware’s top-scoring teams were Cyber Pandas from Padua Academy (Miranda Evans, Molly Shapiro, Annamarie Warnke and Kelsey Mulrooney), Charter School of Wilmington Club from the Charter School of Wilmington (Cathy Chian, Udeerna Tippabhatla, Isabel Snyder and Maya Bordrick), and Mustang Pride from MOT Charter School (Rachel Pfeifer, Jocelyn Bartsch, Divita Taduvayi, Shriya Bagdi). These teams ranked ninth, sixty-third and one hundred and eighty-second nationally. Prizes, provided by the SANS Institute, include:

  • 1st prize = $100 per team member and $100 for their school
  • 2nd prize = $75 per team member and $100 for their school
  • 3rd prize = $50 per team member and $100 for their school

Delaware took part in Girls Go CyberStart for the third year in a row and had 187 girls participate. Twenty-two went on to compete nationally, with four young women from the Cyber Pandas team ranking in the top ten.

“It’s great that the SANS Institute adapted and extended the Girls Go CyberStart competition this year to accommodate the needs of our students during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Governor John Carney. “Congratulations to Delaware’s winning teams and to all the students that participated in this challenge. We look forward to seeing you pursue these cybersecurity talents as we prepare the workforce of tomorrow.”

“Providing opportunities like Girls Go CyberStart, planting seeds early and inspiring our students are absolutely essential to helping them discover and pursue a passion for cybersecurity,” said Chief Information Officer James Collins. “We are so proud of all the students that stepped up to take part in this competition and we encourage each and every one to continue to develop those skills as the importance of cybersecurity will only continue to grow.”

“When I first participated in Girls Go CyberStart as a Freshman, I didn’t know anything about cybersecurity,” said Cyber Pandas team member Annamarie Warnke. “CyberStart gave me a strong foundation, not only in basic cybersecurity and computer science topics such as cryptography and web exploitation, but also in life skills such as problem solving and teamwork. Every year, I get to build on my abilities when I compete in CyberStart; there are challenges for every skill level, and it’s still fun even after I’ve competed for three years. Girls Go CyberStart truly sparked my interest in cybersecurity and gave me the tools I needed to maintain that interest throughout high school.”

“CyberStart gave me the opportunity to explore my interest in cybersecurity,” explained Cyber Pandas teammate Molly Shapiro. “When I started in my freshman year, I had no clue what I was doing. Now, I’m able to hold my own in a national competition. It presents cybersecurity problems in an interesting and engaging way and allows me to develop my skills while working with my friends on an entertaining competition. ”

For more information about cybersecurity and/or GirlsGoCyberStart, please visit https://digiknow.delaware.gov or www.GirlsGoCyberStart.com.

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About the Delaware Department of Technology and Information

The Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is the state’s central IT organization, chartered to deliver core services to other state organizations and exercise governance over the technology direction and investments of the state. DTI provides enterprise services that enable other organizations to effectively fulfill their missions.

www.dti.delaware.gov

About SANS Institute

The SANS Institute was established in 1989 as a cooperative research and education organization. SANS provides cyber security training and certification to professionals at governments and commercial institutions world-wide. Renowned SANS instructors teach over 50 different courses at more than 200 live cyber security training events as well as online. At the heart of SANS are the many security practitioners, representing varied global organizations from corporations to universities, working together to help the entire information security community.

https://www.sans.org


DigiGirlz EVENT POSTPONED

Media Contact:
Christina Dirksen, Strategic Communications Manager, DTI
(302) 739-9500 Christina.Dirksen@delaware.gov

DigiGirlz Program Contacts:
Claudette Martin-Wus, DTI
(302) 739-9636, claudette.martin-wus@delaware.gov


HANDS-ON TECH DAY FOR 8TH AND 9TH GRADE GIRLS

 DOVER, Del. — Registration is now open for Delaware DigiGirlz Day 2020, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary! Girls in the 8th and 9th grades (or ages 13-15) are invited to spend a day filled with hands-on learning that feature careers in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.  DigiGirlz Day is designed to encourage young women to explore the possibilities available in those fields.

DigiGirlz Day is May 20, 2020 at Delaware Tech’s Terry Campus in Dover starting at 8:30 a.m. It is free and open to 8th and 9th grade girls (ages 13-15) in Delaware public, private, charter and home schools. Individual students are also encouraged to participate. Pre-registration is mandatory – continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

“DigiGirlz Day is such a creative and fun way to empower young women and get them excited about STEM careers,” said Governor John Carney. “We want to thank Microsoft, as well as all the partners who have made this event possible for the last 10 years and inspired more than a thousand young Delaware women.”

“Providing inclusive opportunities is a priority and we’re pleased that since Delaware began hosting DigiGirlz Day we’ve been able to reach more than 1,200 young women,” said Delaware Chief Information Officer James Collins. “With the ongoing support from our partners, it is our goal to encourage young women to pursue STEM opportunities that can potentially turn into the careers of tomorrow. This is a great example of how we can leverage public/private partnerships for the greater good.”

“The girls who have attended this annual event in the past have gained a better understanding of potential STEM careers – from being a video game designer, a drone pilot, or a robotic coder to a 3D digital artist or cyber security professional,” Secretary of Education Susan Bunting said. “The day is a lot of fun, and the girls leave with valuable experiences, which we hope will influence their career exploration in the future.”

“Microsoft is proud to be a part of the 10th Annual Delaware DigiGirlz event. Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. It is especially important for us to give back to young women in technology,” said Microsoft Community Development Specialist Nick Christine. “As an organization we want to continue to ensure that the technology field is a place where everyone feels welcome. This is due in part to people traditionally viewing technology as a male dominated field.  This is not the case and we want everyone to feel welcomed and empowered with technology.”

This year’s DigiGirlz Day features several different career track explorations including game design, drones, 3D digital art and mixed reality robotic coding.  Creating 3D Jewelry, learning about phishing, virtual reality, circuitry, social media and photo/video editing are additional offerings during the event.

DigiGirlz is sponsored by Delaware’s Department of Technology and Information, Microsoft, Delaware Department of Education, Delaware Technical and Community College, Wilmington University, University of Delaware, Delaware State University, Cyber Streets, and the Delaware Center for Educational Technology.

Registration information can be found at https://2020digigirlz10yearsindelaware.eventbrite.com

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About the Delaware Department of Technology and Information

The Department of Technology and Information (DTI) is the state’s central IT organization, chartered to deliver core services to other state organizations and exercise governance over the technology direction and investments of the state. DTI provides enterprise services that enable other organizations to effectively fulfill their missions.

www.dti.delaware.gov