DOVER, DE (February 11, 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, Feb 10, 2022. Over the past month, the state has seen a significant decrease in the average percentage of tests that are positive, declining from 32% on Jan. 11, 2022, to 10% on Feb. 10, 2022. The declining trends present a bright spot for the pandemic, however, DPH continues to reinforce the importance of infection prevention and vaccination, particularly the role of boosters in providing increased protection against COVID-19. 

Between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6, 2022, 82% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Delaware had not received a booster. The same was true for 81% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study from April to December of 2021 showed people who were not vaccinated had five times higher risk of getting COVID-19 than adults who had been fully vaccinated and received a booster. Another CDC study showed getting a booster reduces the chance of needing to go the emergency room or being hospitalized by 94%, compared with being unvaccinated. 

“We know that getting vaccinated and boosted is key to reducing the chance of getting sick,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. She adds “Boosters are effective and extremely important for preventing infections but, more importantly, hospitalizations and deaths. Unfortunately, we surpassed 2600 COVID-19 related deaths this week. We have lost more than 400 Delawareans since Thanksgiving, most who were not up to date with their vaccines.” Booster vaccinations are available at any locations that offer the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. 

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: 

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 253,010
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 378.7, a decrease of 228 from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 10.2%, a decrease of 5.3 percentage points from last week
• Hospitalizations: 202, a decrease of 120 from last week; critically ill: 21, a decrease of 15 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,601
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 38, including 12 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,669,853
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 70.8%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.4%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.9%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 66.8%

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. 31 – Feb. 6. 

Weekly Overview (1/31/22 – 2/6/22)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	1838
Total Cases	3294
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	56%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	61
Total Hospitalized Cases	101
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	60%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	22
Total COVID-19 Deaths	29
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	76%
Weekly Overview (1/31/22 – 2/6/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases	2699
Total Cases	3294
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	82%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	82
Total Hospitalized Cases	101
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	81%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths	25
Total COVID-19 Deaths	29
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	86%

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 21,004, or 3.56% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 240
• Total breakthrough deaths: 230

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:   

The Division of Public Health this week launched a COVID-19 variant chart on its My Healthy Community COVID-19 data dashboard. The data show the weekly proportion of sequenced cases identified as Delta or Omicron over time. Because this data is now easily accessible through the data dashboard, DPH will discontinue this section of the weekly update going forward. The public is encouraged to visit [de.gov/healthycommunity]de.gov/healthycommunity for the latest variant data for Delaware.   

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, Feb 10, there have been a total of 3,052 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 897 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

There were 10 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 30 – Feb. 5. As of Feb. 5, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 626 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 432 individuals from New Castle County, 84 from Kent County and 110 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 (Jan. 28, 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 27, 2022. DPH reports a 57 percent decrease in the seven-day average of new positive cases reported since the peak of the surge on Jan. 12, 2022. The current seven-day average of new positive cases reported has declined to 1,448 as of Thursday. Jan. 27.

Case totals remain elevated, so Delawareans should continue to take important steps to keep themselves and others safe and to maintain positive new data trends. 

• 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. 

• 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: 246,037 
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 1448.9, a decrease of 683.2 from last week. 
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 21.6%, a decrease of 6 percentage points from last week 
• Hospitalizations: 453, a decrease of 168 from last week; critically ill: 47, a decrease of 21 from last week  
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,498 
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 48, including 7 from a review of vital statistics records.   

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,642,264 
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who received at least one dose (CDC data) 85% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 90.2%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 92.1% 
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 66.1%  

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.17 – Jan. 23. 

Weekly Overview (1/17/22 – 1/23/22)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	6614
Total Cases	11661
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	57%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases	183
Total Hospitalized Cases	292
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases	63%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	24
Total COVID-19 Deaths	40
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	60%
Weekly Overview (1/17/22 – 1/23/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases	10021
Total Cases	11661
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	86%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	258
Total Hospitalized Cases	292
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	88%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths	33
Total COVID-19 Deaths	40
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	83%

 

  

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 18,698, or 3.2% of fully vaccinated individuals  
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 208 
• Total breakthrough deaths: 191

 

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:   

Of the samples collected during the week of Jan. 7 – Jan. 13, the Omicron variant represented 97.4% of cases sequenced for a variant of concern, variant of interest, or variant being monitored. The remaining 2.6% 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. 27, there have been a total of 3,045 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 896 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update:

There were 12 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 16 – Jan. 22. As of Jan. 22, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 607 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 423 individuals from New Castle County, 79 from Kent County and 105 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.

On view from September 28 –  October 30, 2020
Visit the Gallery in-person or view it online

Wilmington, Del. (September 28, 2020) – A New African Experience, an exhibition of sculptures by Aaron Paskins will be on view in the Mezzanine Gallery from September 28 – October 30, 2020. Paskins is the recipient of a 2020 Artist Fellowship in Sculpture from the Delaware Division of the Arts. A free opening reception will be held on Friday, October 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. For those unable to visit the Gallery in-person, a virtual gallery is available here.

The exhibition features African-inspired indigenous works with a contemporary flair and African-themed fantasy works. Paskins says,

“My goal is . . . to create works that electrify, inspire, unify all people, and leave the world with some added beauty.”

Paskins starts a sculpture with a series of drawings in which he develops the concept and draws the final designs from various viewpoints. He then creates a three-dimensional maquette, or model, for the sculpture. After the full-size version is created, Paskins applies multiple layers of different coatings to achieve unique finishes and metallic patinas for his sculptures. He frequently adds adornments such as beads, jewelry, and feathers to his work.

Paskins works out of his studio in Dover. His work has been exhibited throughout the U.S. and at nationwide art festivals such as the Palm Beach Fine Art Show, Baltimore Art & Antique Show, and Essence Festival.

The Mezzanine Gallery is open to the public weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is located in the Carvel State Office Building, 820 N. French Street, Wilmington. Visitors must wear face coverings and maintain 6 feet distance from other individuals not in their household.

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Contact: Leeann Wallett, Program Officer, Communications and Marketing
302-577-8280, leeann.wallett@delaware.gov

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The Delaware Division of the Arts, a branch of the Delaware Department of State, is dedicated to cultivating and supporting the arts to enhance the quality of life for all Delawareans. Together with its advisory body, the Delaware State Arts Council, the Division administers grants and programs that support arts programming, educate the public, increase awareness of the arts, and integrate the arts into all facets of Delaware life. For more information about the Delaware Division of the Arts, visit arts.delaware.gov or call 302-577-8278.

DOVER (July 27, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging COVID-19 testing for members of a Dover church and attendees of the church’s weekend conference. DPH is making the recommendation after at least three members of the Destiny Christian Church in Dover tested positive for COVID-19. At least two of the individuals attended recent services there before learning they were positive for the disease potentially exposing other church members. In addition, the church held a three-day conference this weekend called the Life Conference 2020, as well as a three-day conference on the weekend of July 17 – 19 called The Prophetic Conference, drawing a few hundred persons each weekend and potentially increasing the risk of exposure and transmission of the virus to others.

DPH and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) are working with the leadership of Destiny Christian Church to offer testing to members of the congregation and conference attendees on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at Destiny Christian Church, 2161 Forrest Ave., Dover. This testing event will also be open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, and can be completed at delaware.curativeinc.com.

Information about current and future testing sites is available at de.gov/gettested.

“Knowing your COVID-19 status is one of the most important things you can do to prevent spread of the virus,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Based on the timing of when the positive individuals received their test results, their last exposures to others in the congregation, and the large weekend events, we strongly recommend anyone who has been at this church over the last two to three weeks get tested. Doing so will help us identify any additional positives and ensure that those individuals are self-isolating at home to prevent further spread of the disease in our community.”

The latest data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal at de.gov/healthycommunity.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache, congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider. If you are sick and need essential supplies, ask someone else to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy to get what you need.

If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions – including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment – may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Individuals who have complaints about individuals violating public gathering restrictions should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating state operating requirements related to social distancing and use of face coverings in businesses (by staff or customers) should be directed to: HSPContact@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses reopen should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov.

Individuals with 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 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

In addition, the Division of Public Health asks any Delaware health care, long-term care, residential, or other high-risk facility with questions or concerns to email: DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call the DPH Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 and press ext. 2.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Wilmington shooting leads to prison time

A 35-year-old Dover man has been convicted for sexually assaulting and beating his girlfriend. A Superior Court jury found Isaac Pierce guilty of Rape First Degree, Kidnapping First Degree, Strangulation, Assault Third Degree, and Terroristic Threatening. In September 2018, while arguing with the victim, Pierce beat, strangled, and raped the woman while holding her against her will. Pierce faces a minimum of 17 years in prison when sentenced by a judge in February 2020. Deputy Attorneys General Kathleen Dickerson and Kevin Smith prosecuted the case with assistance from social worker Lorraine Freese and special investigator Lavincent Harris. Detective Jeffrey Gott of the Dover Police Department led the investigation.

A 2018 shooting that left two men seriously injured has led to a 10-year prison sentence for the man who shot them. Deputy Attorneys General William Leonard and Jillian Schroeder secured the sentenced for Jameel Anderson, 38, of Wilmington. In November 2018, Wilmington Police on patrol in the city heard what they believed were gunshots. A ShotSpotter notification led them to the area of 23rd and Jessup Streets where they found a man with multiple gunshot wounds. Other officers on their way to the scene were stopped by another man at the intersection of Vandever Avenue and North Pine Street who told officers he had just been shot. Anderson pleaded guilty in October to 2 counts of Assault Second Degree and Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony. A Superior Court judge sentenced Anderson to 10 years in prison, followed by 2 years of probation. Paralegal Caitlin Lynam and social worker Kristen Fluharty-Emory assisted with the prosecution. Detective Steve Bender from the Wilmington Police Department was the chief investigating officer.