WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Thursday formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs.

 

“It’s important that we keep doing the things we know that work,” said Governor Carney. “Stay home if you’re sick and get tested. Get vaccinated and boosted when you’re eligible. I’d also encourage all eligible Delawareans to get a flu shot to prepare for flu season.”

 

Under Delaware law, Public Health Emergency declarations must be renewed every 30 days.

 

Visit Governor Carney’s website to view the Public Health Emergency extension.

 

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DOVER, DE (July 21, 2022) ­– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing the state’s second and third cases of the monkeypox virus (MPX). Both cases are considered probable pending confirmatory testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This week, DPH received test results showing that a 46-year-old Sussex County man tested positive for MPX. The patient did not report any travel, and first reported symptoms on July 18. DPH is working to contact the patient to inform them about treatment options and interview them to obtain a list of possible contacts.

Additionally, DPH received test results this week showing that a 25-year-old Kent County man tested positive for MPX. The patient did not report any travel, and first reported symptoms on July 14. The patient has been advised to self-isolate until lesions have fallen off and new skin appears. 

“The overall risk to the public is low and remains low,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “MPX is transmitted through close intimate contact with individuals who have rashes or flu-like symptoms. We urge people to educate themselves about this rare disease, including how it is spread, and to help prevent exposure. DPH will continue to work with medical providers to screen and identify individuals for MPX testing. And we will prioritize our limited supply of vaccine for people who have been exposed to MPX ​for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).”

Beginning July 21, DPH will operate a hotline for individuals with specific concerns because of symptoms or possible exposure. The hotline number is 866-408-1899 and the number will operate with the following hours: 

• Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Currently, there is no specific treatment for the monkeypox virus infection​; however, antivirals, can be prescribed. DPH has received a limited supply of the vaccine, which needs to be given in two doses 28 days apart. Those who are at the highest risk of exposure to the virus include:

• People who have been identified as a contact of someone with MPX
• People who are aware that one of their sexual partners in the past two weeks was diagnosed with MPX
• People who had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known MPX

Until spring 2022, MPX cases were rare in the United States. Today, there are more than 2,300 cases nationwide, with Delaware announcing its first case on July 12, 2022, involving a 41-year-old New Castle County patient.

Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of MPX are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. Most people who contract MPX will develop a rash, and some will develop flu-like symptoms beforehand. The flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they usually will develop a rash one to four days later.

If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms associated with MPX you should immediately:

• Contact your health care provider and discuss your symptoms and concerns.
• Self-isolate until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
• Avoid being intimate with others.
• Make a list of your close and intimate contacts in the last 21 days.

To prevent infection with MPX:

• Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like MPX.
• Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with MPX.
• Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with MPX.
• Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with MPX.
• Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with MPX.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

To learn more about MPX management and prevention programs and resources, visit https://dhss.delaware.gov/dph/epi/emerginginfectiousdiseases.html.

 

 

DOVER (May 17, 2022) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing guidance to families struggling to find formula due to a shortage caused by a supply chain issues, including avoiding taking certain measures that could be harmful to their infant’s health.

DPH sent out a letter from U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration’s Maternal and Child Health Bureau to families and maternal child health stakeholders, offering individuals information on how to safely navigate the shortages. 

Parents and caregivers are offered the following guidance:   

•  Talk to your doctor: Families should consult their pediatrician to discuss the best options for their child. Doctors can provide guidance on comparable formula and specialized formula to meet their babies’ medical and nutrition needs. 
• Consider a substitute formula: For most babies, it is OK to use a similar version of their formula if their regular brand of formula is not currently available. Talk with your baby’s pediatrician about alternatives.  
• Check the manufacture’s site online for formula availability before going to a store to purchase.    

DPH reminds parents/guardians: 

• Do not make or use homemade formula: Per the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA), homemade formulas often lack or have inadequate amounts of critical nutrients vital for a babies growth and development and in some cases can cause infants to be hospitalized due to low calcium. 
• Never dilute formula: Watering down infant formula can be dangerous and even life-threatening, leading to a serious nutritional deficit and health issues. 
• Consider a substitute formula: For most babies, if their regular brand of formula is not currently available, using a similar version of their formula is ok. Talk with your baby’s pediatrician about alternatives.  
• If not receiving breast milk, formula should be used until your baby turns 1 year old, but if your child is over six months you can start to supplement nutrition with some solids. Talk to your pediatrician about introducing some solids like fortified cereal, mashed bananas and pureed poultry and beans. 
• Talk to your doctor: Families should consult their pediatrician to discuss the best options for their child. Doctors can provide guidance on comparable formula and specialized formula to meet their babies’ medical and nutrition needs.  
• Breastfeed your child: When possible, breastfeeding is the healthiest option for children under age 1. 
• For parents who are breastfeeding or need additional support, they may want to consider a lactation consultant or support groups, or seek assistance to access a breast pump at a low cost through your insurance provider, Medicaid, or WIC to assist with milk supply. There are also breast milk banks that properly store, test and distribute donated mothers’ milk to meet the specific needs of infants for whom human milk is prescribed by physicians.  The Delaware WIC program offers breastfeeding assistance to new mothers, including peer counselors, lactation consultants and manual pumps. Details on WIC’s breastfeeding programs can be found here. 

DPH has also taken the following steps to help parents and caregivers as the supply chain issues get resolved nationwide: 

• WIC recipients have been asked to return any unused formula to the Food Bank of Delaware or another state agency food pantries.   
• WIC recipients also were granted a waiver to substitute formula this winter when supply chain issues that were made worse by a recall first emerged. A chart of formula alternatives was created to help parents and caregivers select the right formula for their child.   
• Parents who are breastfeeding or need additional support may want to consider a lactation consultant or support groups, or seek assistance to access a breast pump at a low cost through their insurance provider, Medicaid, or WIC to assist with milk supply. The Delaware WIC program offers breastfeeding assistance to new mothers, including peer counselors, lactation consultants and manual pumps. Details on WIC’s breastfeeding programs can be found here.   
• DPH reminds parents that state and community resources that could be helpful during this time are available, such as WIC, SNAP, or TANF to help with the cost of buying formula or to find other infant supplies through local food banks including the Food Bank of Delaware. DPH also offers a breastfeeding guide for mothers who want to find support or learn more about breastfeeding.

Several birth hospitals in Delaware also offer breastfeeding support and parent education. Individuals should check with their local hospital to see what services are offered.   

Delawareans are encouraged to visit dethrives.com for up-to-date information on Delaware’s response to the infant formula supply chain issues, call 211 for community resources and services near you, or follow DEThrives and DPH on Facebook and Instagram.     

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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.   

Delaware 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. 

Please note, this press release was updated on Jan. 10, 2022, to correct an error in the total breakthrough cases, and to incorporate additional data points that were not immediately available at the time of the initial release. 

DOVER, DE (Jan. 7, 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. 6, 2021. DPH reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic with 3,554 positive cases reported to the state Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. In addition, the total number of current COVID-19 hospitalizations surpassed the record high this week with 692 individuals hospitalized as of Thursday, Jan. 6, 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: 198,507
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 2,505.4, a significant increase from 1,622 last week
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 27.7%, a significant increase from 19.1% last week
• Hospitalizations: 692, an increase of 207 from last week; critically ill: 63, an increase of 8 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,330
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 44

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,574,845
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 82%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 87.4%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 89.5%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 64.6%

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.

Expanded COVID-19 Booster Eligibility:

DPH announced earlier this week that Delaware’s vaccine providers can now begin administering booster doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to individuals ages 12 to 15 who completed their initial Pfizer vaccine series at least 5 months ago.

In addition, the FDA and CDC also shortened the booster interval from 6 months to 5 months for people who received either the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. This means that anyone 12 and older can now receive an mRNA booster shot 5 months after completing their Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna primary series. The booster interval recommendation for people who received the J&J vaccine (2 months) has not changed. Individuals younger than 18 are only able to receive the Pfizer vaccine, and are not able to mix and match vaccine brands for their booster as those individuals 18 and older can do.

The FDA and CDC also moved to allow for moderately or severely immunocompromised 5- to 11-year-olds to receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second shot. At this time, only the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized and recommended for children aged 5-11. Children in this age group who have undergone solid organ transplantation, or who have been diagnosed with conditions that are considered to have an equivalent level of immunocompromise, may not respond adequately to the two-dose primary vaccination series, and benefit from a third dose. The FDA previously authorized a third primary series dose for use as part of the primary immunization series in individuals 12 years and older. DPH encourages providers to use their clinical judgment and to consider additional factors for their patients when determining if the person meets the qualifications for immunocompromised status and is eligible for an additional/third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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. 20 – Dec. 26 as well as Dec. 27 – Jan. 2.

Weekly Overview (12/20 -12/26)

Unvaccinated Cases

Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases: 4,315

Total Cases: 6,933

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases: 62%

Hospitalizations

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases: 124

Total Hospitalized Cases: 174

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases: 71%

Deaths

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths: 14

Total COVID-19 Deaths: 19

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths: 74%

Weekly Overview (12/27 -1/2)

Unvaccinated Cases

Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases: 9,120

Total Cases: 16,392

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases: 56%

Hospitalizations

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases: 180

Total Hospitalized Cases: 274

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases: 66%

Deaths

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths: 17

Total COVID-19 Deaths: 25

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths: 68%

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

• Total breakthrough cases: 13,166 or 2.3% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 166
• Total breakthrough deaths: 138

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:
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, DPH will begin providing variant data based on sample collection date rather than sequencing date. This will more accurately reflect the proportion of specific variants that are circulating in the community at various points in time.

Of the samples collected during the week of Dec. 20 – Dec. 26, the Omicron variant represented 78% of cases sequenced for a variant of concern, variant of interest, or variant being monitored. The remaining 22% of sequenced cases were identified as Delta.

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. 6, there have been a total of 3,035 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 879 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 80 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Dec. 26 – Jan. 1. As of Jan. 1, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 550 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 388 individuals from New Castle County, 67 from Kent County and 95 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.

DOVER, DE (Dec. 31, 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. 30, 2021. DPH reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic with 3,381 positive cases reported to the state Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. In addition, the total number of current COVID-19 hospitalizations surpassed the record high this week with 485 individuals hospitalized as of Thursday, Dec. 30. The previous high was 474 on Jan. 12, 2021.

Because of the rapid spread of COVID-19 and the contagiousness of the Omicron variant, DPH strongly encourages people not to gather with others outside of their household for New Year’s celebrations this weekend. 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, and infection is likely.

Note: Due to the large volume of COVID-19 lab results received recently by the Division of Public Health and the time needed to process the reported results into its database, some data typically reported in this weekly summary will not be available this week, specifically the weekly summary of the proportion of unvaccinated/partially vaccinated cases, hospitalizations and deaths; variant and sequencing updates; and breakthrough case data. DPH will work to provide updates on these data next week.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 180,366
7-day average of new positive cases: 1,503.1, a significant increase from 850.6 last week
7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 18.4%, a significant increase from 12% last week
Hospitalizations: 485, an increase of 84 from last week; critically ill: 55, an increase of 3 from last week
Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,286
Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 15

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,556,217
Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 81.2%
Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 86.7%
Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 88.7%
Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 64.2%

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]de.gov/getmyvaccine. For information on boosters, visit [de.gov/boosters]de.gov/boosters. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at [de.gov/healthycommunity]de.gov/healthycommunity.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, there have been a total of 3,031 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.

Updates to CDC Quarantine/Isolation Guidance:

As a reminder, the Division of Public Health announced earlier this week that it will implement updated guidance issued Dec. 27, 2021, by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to shorten the recommended time that people should isolate or quarantine after testing positive for or being exposed to COVID-19. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of COVID-19 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. The updated guidance can be found here.

Additionally, DPH will be refocusing its contact tracing efforts to focus on case investigation and contact tracing in high-risk settings (e.g.: schools, long-term care facilities). During case investigation, epidemiologists will ask persons who are positive for COVID-19 to inform their close contacts of their positive status instead of having epidemiologists and others reach out to all close contacts. This change is due to increasing case numbers to investigate and the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, necessitating a need for DPH to prioritize its personnel and resources on preventing spread among those at highest risk.

During the next few weeks, DPH also asks for the public’s patience with case investigators and contact tracers. Because it will take time for DPH to update its computer-based systems with the new guidance, contact tracers will advise individuals that the standard script they read will be based on the previous isolation and quarantine guidance, but let them know next steps for ending isolation and quarantine earlier per the new guidance.

Employers and schools are advised that they can move forward in applying the guidance to their employees and students themselves. Using the new guidance can reduce the impact of illness on a business or school’s workforce. DPH systems may continue to automatically generate clearance letters for individuals who finish their isolation or quarantine period based on previous guidance. At this time, DPH will not be able to issue corrected letters using the newly released guidance. As a reminder, clearance letters are not required by Delaware Division of Public Health to return to work or school. Individuals should consult their employer or school for further guidance.

Flu Update:

Influenza cases are continuing to increase in Delaware. There were 126 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Dec. 12 – Dec. 18. As of Dec. 18, 2021, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 352 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 249 individuals from New Castle County, 40 from Kent County and 63 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.