DOVER, DE (March 18, 2022) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on COVID-19 statistics in Delaware, as of Thursday, March 17, 2022:  

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 258,513
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 63.1, a decrease of 16.9 average new positive cases from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 2.9%, a decrease of 0.4 percentage points from last week.
• Hospitalizations: 46, a decrease of 8 from last week; critically ill: 5, an increase of 1 critically ill case from last week.
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,812
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 5, with another 54 coming from a review of Vital Statistics

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,702,887
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 72.1%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.4%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.9%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 68.1%

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 vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for March 7 – March 13, 2022.  Going forward, DPH will report out only breakdowns for non-boosted cases (which includes the number of cases not fully vaccinated as well), as that is a stronger indicator of vaccine effectiveness in preventing infection, hospitalizations and death.   

 

DPH says Boosted is Better

DPH) is encouraging everyone who is eligible for a booster, but has not yet gotten one to do so. According to the My Healthy Community Vaccine Tracker, while 68.2% of those 65+ have received a booster/additional dose, only one-third (35.7%) of Delaware’s eligible population as a whole has.

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study showing that receiving 2 or 3 doses of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine was associated with a 90% reduction in risk in needing to be placed on a ventilator or dying.  During Omicron, the risk for those who received a booster dose was reduced to 94%. This data supports a growing body of evidence showing:

• Those who are boosted are much less likely to test positive than even the those who had received just two doses (JAMA, 2022).
• People who were unvaccinated against COVID-19 as the Omicron variant emerged in December had five times higher risk of COVID-19 infections than adults who had received a booster (CDC, 2022).
• Unvaccinated persons are 12 times more likely to be hospitalized than those who are boosted (CDC Data: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#covidnet-hospitalizations-vaccination
  

DPH says now, while cases are low, is the best time to get your booster so that you are prepared in the event of a surprise COVID-19 surge. Additionally, with the upcoming Spring Break and reports of recent COVID-19 surges in Western Europe, South Korea and China, DPH reminds Delawareans that receiving a booster will decrease the chances of citizens bringing the deadly virus back from vacation spots. Spring Break often includes congregating in large groups and increases the chance for a person to contract COVID-19 and then return home to a loved one who may suffer from underlying conditions. Underlying conditions makes people more susceptible to COVID-19.

For more information concerning booster-doses, visit our website at de.gov/boosters. 

Those who are eligible for a booster are recommended to seek one at existing vaccine sites including pharmacies, health care providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for patients), and the following standing DPH Vaccine sites:

• Blue Hen Corporate Center: 655 S. Bay Road, Dover, DE 19901
• Georgetown Plaza: 19 Georgetown Plaza, Georgetown, DE 19947
• Canby Park: 1920 Maryland Ave., Wilmington, DE 19805
• University Plaza, 256 Chapman Road, Suite 100, Newark, DE 19702

DPH will discontinue services at the DPH Standing Vaccine Sites after March 31. Individuals can still get vaccinated at DPH clinics, updates on new locations for Curative testing will be provided as details become available.  

Changes in Federal Program May Impact Testing for Uninsured

Changes at the federal level set to take effect Monday, March 21, may result in some COVID-19 testing providers deciding to no longer offer free testing to uninsured individuals.  Those without insurance can still access free testing at Division of Public Health clinics. Those who have insurance are encouraged to seek testing at locations outside of DPH.  For a list of testing locations statewide visit de.gov/gettested. You are encouraged to contact the testing site to verify insurance requirements.

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, March 17, there have been a total of 3,642 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 926 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 64 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of March 6-March 13. As of March 13, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 797 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 488 individuals from New Castle County, 113 from Kent County and 196 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 of 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.

NEW CASTLE (Jan. 27, 2022) – The Division for the Visually Impaired announces a new partnership between its Business Enterprise Program (BEP) and Chick-fil-A. Starting Monday, Feb. 7, the Chick-fil-A food truck dispatching from the Camden, Del., store will make rounds at DMVs across Delaware.

The Business Enterprise Program (BEP) is a federally authorized program that trains and licenses individuals who are blind or visually impaired to establish and operate food service business in public and private facilities. BEP works to broaden economic opportunities for Delawareans who are blind or visually impaired by creating snack bars, cafeterias, and vending route facilities on federal, state, and municipal properties. Under the law, the State Licensing Agency (SLA) is granted priority to operate vending facilities on federal and state property.

The Chick-fil-A and BEP partnership is the beginning of what the Division for the Visually Impaired hopes are several food truck ventures at DMVs and other federal, state, and municipal properties.

“We are very excited to provide excellent food and service to our local communities in partnership with BEP, while supporting Delawareans with visual impairment,” Terry Donovan, Chick-fil-A Food Truck Director said.

“This is going to be a great partnership for the blind community as well as for Chick-fil-A,” said Gary Pizzolo, a BEP vendor who is blind and co-chair of the Blind Vendor Committee. “By supporting the food truck and the vending machines at the state buildings, you are not only supporting vendors like me, but our families as well.”

DVI is seeking additional food trucks to fill the schedule. If you are interested or know someone who is, call DVI staff at 302-255-9800.

The Division for the Visually Impaired provides educational, vocational, and technical support to empower and foster independence for Delawareans with visual impairments. To learn more, visit DVI’s website.

Testing available by appointment at www.ineedacovid19test.com

DOVER, DE (JAN. 14, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) announced today that the State of Delaware is partnering with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to open a free COVID-19 drive-thru testing site from Jan. 17 to Feb. 7, 2022. The site will be hosted at the Delaware City Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and operate on evenings and weekends, six days a week, closing on Wednesdays when DMV has regular evening business hours. Appointments are required for testing at this site. 

Today’s announcement marks a necessary response to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases largely fueled by the Omicron variant, which has resulted in unprecedented demand for COVID-19 testing. Testing demand statewide has nearly tripled since the week before Thanksgiving, with 23,000 tests administered the week prior to Thanksgiving, and 61,000 tests administered last week. The highest demand has been centralized in New Castle County.

“The demand for testing is at an all-time high and our resources are strained. Having this site will serve as a relief valve for our testing partners, particularly in New Castle County,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We appreciate the assistance from our federal partners and the testing staff coming to provide Delawareans with another testing option for the next several weeks to help get us through this surge.”

“We are excited that our Federal partners have provided this testing site that will help us meet the increased demand, said A.J. Schall, Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. “The hours complement other options and help expand evening and weekend availability.”

FEMA has contracted with eTrueNorth to offer testing services that include evening hours and weekends. Individuals will be tested with a PCR shallow nasal swab and results are expected to be returned in 48-72 hours. Appointments will be required.

“FEMA’s Public Assistance Program continues to support COVID-19 expanding hospital capacity as well as other initiatives such as COVID-19 testing, vaccination, personal protective equipment, administration, and surge staffing” said FEMA Regional Administrator MaryAnn Tierney. “FEMA will continue to provide this important resource to help meet public health and safety needs, posed by the pandemic, in an equitable and efficient manner.”

“eTrueNorth has enabled millions of PCR COVID-19 tests across the country since the start of this pandemic. We are so pleased to partner with U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the State of Delaware to increase Americans’ access to COVID-19 testing,” said Coral May, eTrueNorth CEO. “These COVID-19 tests are free to individuals. Every individual needs to register at www.ineedacovid19test.com and obtain a voucher for each individual in their family that will be tested.”

The Delaware City DMV is located at 2101 Mid County Drive, New Castle, Delaware. For the first day of operations, Monday Jan. 17, 2022, appointments will be available between 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Following the first day of testing, appointments will be available for the following days of the week:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays: 5:30 p.m. – 11:30 p.m.
• Saturdays: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Sundays: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

To make an appointment, individuals must register on the eTrueNorth Covid-19 testing website. Each individual that will be tested must create an account. After completing the initial screening questionnaire, users will schedule an appointment. A confirmation voucher will be provided and should be brought to the testing site. Testing is free and is available for all ages.

Registrants will use their username and password to access test results when they are available. The best way to schedule an appointment time is to visit http://www.doineedacovid19test.com. Those who have questions or need assistance with registering for an appointment, can email COVID19@eTrueNorth.com or call 1-800-635-8611.

For those unable to access the site due to transportation or other barriers, they are encouraged to take advantage of the hundreds of testing sites statewide and at-home test options, which can be found at de.gov/gettested.

Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases and current and anticipated staffing shortages, customers who require Division of Motor Vehicle (DMV) services are strongly encouraged to utilize the myDMV online portal(mydmv.delaware.gov) which offers more than 20 services—including renewal of Delaware Driver License/ID, renewing vehicle registration, and changing one’s home address. The Division is also encouraging exclusive use of drive through services at DMV locations statewide.

In an effort to reduce capacity inside the DMV lobbies, a text messaging notification feature will be implemented starting Tuesday, January 4. With this feature, DMV customers will be able to wait in their vehicles until a text message invites them into the lobby when it is their turn to be served.
In addition, all late fees for vehicle registration and driver license renewals will once again be waived until further notice. Individuals are encouraged to wait until February if they require in-person renewals.

Customers still requiring to visit a DMV facility should expect longer than usual wait times.

To further protect customers and employees, all DMV locations continue to increase cleaning and disinfecting efforts as well as implementing additional precautionary measures. As a reminder, all customers visiting a DMV location are still required to wear a mask inside the facility.

For more information on the state’s ongoing response to the pandemic, visit de.gov/coronavirus.

The Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has a new enhanced website page, de.gov/veterans, that highlights military and veteran services, including additional resources.

DMV has previously offered resources for active members of the military and veterans, however, recent changes to the DMV website page and rebranding of the Veteran Services brochure were made to increase awareness and participation for the military community.

“As the home of the Dover Air Force Base, the Delaware National Guard, and thousands of active duty service members and veterans, we are grateful to all who serve and proud to continue to work to support our military community during their active service and beyond,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski.

Among these services is “Heroes on the Highway,” a Commercial Driver License (CDL) program designed to assist qualified, active military and recently discharged veterans with obtaining their CDL. Full eligibility requirements, as well as all DMV-related military and veteran services, can be found at online at de.gov/veterans.

This initiative was created to assist in securing local employment for veterans, says DMV Director Jana Simpler. “The Division strives to support our dedicated military and veteran community in Delaware. From navigating residency guidelines while on active duty to obtaining a CDL after discharge, we are here to help. Thank you to our military and veterans for your service to our country and our state.”

Enhancements include a new landing page for military and veterans services and an updated informational brochure.