DOVER, DE (Jan. 30, 2023) –   The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has been notified of multiple positive cases of COVID-19 that could be related to several in-person events last week in and around Legislative Hall. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH is offering recommendations to those planning to attend Joint Finance Committee hearings beginning Tuesday Jan. 31, to reduce any potential risk of spread of the virus. 

“We want the public to know about the potential risk so that they can evaluate their own situation and make informed choices about how to participate in the legislative process,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “Having this information is particularly important for older Delawareans and those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions so they can decide how they best want to protect themselves.”

DPH recommends that individuals visiting Legislative Hall this week consider wearing a high-quality mask to reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission, and keep a six-foot social distance when possible from people outside of your household.

Alternately, individuals can attend and participate online via registering through the committee meeting page on the Joint Finance Committee’s homepage. (link: Joint Finance Committee – Delaware General Assembly).

Regardless of vaccination status, you should stay home to isolate from others when you have COVID-19 for at least five days, followed by another five days of mask wearing when out in public.

You should also isolate if you have symptoms and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. If your results are negative, it is recommended you take two tests 48 hours apart. It’s possible that you have COVID-19 but that it did not show up when you tested initially. If both tests come back negative, you can stop isolating. 

If you find out you were in contact with someone who has COVID-19, begin wearing a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) any time you are around others either inside your home, or indoors in public. Wear a mask for 10 full days and do not go anywhere where you are unable to wear a mask. If you do not have symptoms, or do not develop symptoms, there is no need for you to stay home (quarantine). If symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms occur, isolate at home immediately, get tested, and stay home until you know the result.

For more information on COVID-19 testing visit de.gov/gettested. For more information about isolation and exposure recommendations visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/quarantine-isolation/. Finally for more information about masking visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/guidance-for-face-coverings/.

If you are over age 50, particularly if you have a chronic health condition, or are unvaccinated, you should talk to your health care provider about COVID-19 treatment options. You can learn more at de.gov/covidtreatments.

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.    

For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.     

    

###   

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH 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. 

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

General Assembly stands ready to reconvene if need arises to pass emergency legislation

DOVER – In response to ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus pandemic, House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Senate President Pro Tempore David McBride announced Wednesday that the Delaware General Assembly is postponing legislative session until further notice.

Legislative session originally was scheduled to resume on Tuesday, but was postponed last week due to the spread of COVID-19 and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and Delaware public health officials.

As the situation has continued to unfold, it has become necessary to postpone session for the foreseeable future as officials assess the extent of Delaware’s exposure to the virus. While it is possible that session could resume normal operations at some point in the future, there is no firm date at this time. Legislative leaders will continue to examine the situation with input from public health experts and executive branch agencies to determine the best path forward.

Rep. Schwartzkopf and Sen. McBride noted that the General Assembly is preparing plans that will be used in the event lawmakers must reconvene to pass legislation that addresses the effects of the Coronavirus on Delawareans and state government.

Additionally, the General Assembly is constitutionally required to pass an operating budget by June 30, and plans are being discussed to meet that obligation should this State of Emergency stretch well into the spring.

Legislative Hall remains closed to the public, with no tours or in-person meetings taking place.

DOVER – The Delaware General Assembly, the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs and the Delaware Heritage Commission will unveil a new monument this weekend honoring Delawareans who served in World War I and those who supported them on the home front. The monument will be installed on the grounds of Legislative Hall and dedicated with a special ceremony at noon on Saturday, Nov. 4.

Throughout the United States’ engagement in World War I, some 9,000 Delawareans served overseas in the U.S. Army, Navy and Marine Corps. Of that number, 43 Delawareans were killed in action and 188 were wounded. Many more succumbed to the great influenza epidemic of 1918-1919, bringing the total number of Delaware service personnel lost during the war to 270.

The monument ceremony will follow a veterans’ parade through downtown Dover, featuring the First State Corvette Club, Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club, cadets of the First State Military Academy, the Dover High School Band as well as local veterans’ groups. Those interested in participating may call (302) 739-2792 or email sable.vance@delaware.gov for more information.

What:
WWI Monument Dedication and Dover Veterans’ Parade

Who:
Gov. John Carney
Secretary of State Jeffrey Bullock
Brig. Gen. Kennard Wiggins Jr. (Del. National Guard, Ret.)
Maj. Gen. Francis A. Ianni (Del. National Guard, Ret.)
Sen. David McBride, President Pro Tempore
Rep. Peter Schwartzkopf, Speaker of the House
Sens. Bruce Ennis and Colin Bonini
Rep. Earl Jaques
Representatives of the Delaware Commission of Veterans Affairs; the Delaware National Guard; Disabled American Veterans; Gold Star Families; and others

When:
Parade – 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 4
Monument Dedication – Noon, Saturday, Nov. 4

Where:

The parade will begin at the west end of Loockerman St. and progress through downtown Dover to Legislative Mall.
The monument dedication will take place on the grounds of Legislative Hall, near the corner of Legislative Ave. and Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. South.

The Delaware General Assembly will host a Wreaths Across America ceremony on Monday, Dec. 7, 2015 at 11:30 a.m. and the public is invited. State House ceremonies in all 50 states and Washington D.C., are part of a week-long celebration of America’s veterans and their service to our country, with a particular focus on family during the holidays.

Volunteers conduct the WAA State House Ceremonies each year in their state capitols. “This nationwide program is about remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms,” said Lori Christiansen, event coordinator. The originator of the wreath laying program was Morrill Worcester, owner of a wreath making company in Maine who in 1991 donated and delivered wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery to be placed on the graves of the fallen. The WAA program’s mission of “Remember, Honor, Teach,” spreads the message of the importance of remembering our fallen heroes, honoring those who serve, and teaching our children about the sacrifices made by veterans and their families to preserve our freedoms. A large wreath honoring all five branches of the armed forces will placed at the base of the Delaware Continentals Statue. Additional wreaths will be laid at four locations on the grounds of Legislative Hall, at the new Gulf War Memorial, the Dover Light Infantry Memorial Wreath, the World War II Memorial and the Medal of Honor Memorial. Dave Skocik, president of the Delaware Veterans Coalition, will provide welcoming remarks and act as the Master of Ceremonies.

“The simple act of laying these wreaths will honor their legacies and serve as a visible reminder of their sacrifices,” said State Representative Earl Jaques, Chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee. Delaware Senator Bruce C. Ennis, Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee, agreed. “Delaware is proud to participate in the Wreaths Across America Program at its capital in Dover. The mission is to remember, honor and teach, by laying wreaths at the capitals in all 50 states, as well as at Arlington and all veterans cemeteries.”

http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/