DOVER, DE (May 21, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports an increase in COVID-19 cases since the previous monthly COVID-19 update released on April 22, 2022. While COVID-19 cases are increasing in Delaware, hospitalizations and deaths remain significantly lower when compared to the winter surge. DPH continues to encourage Delawareans to get tested if they exhibit symptoms of COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who tested positive. Although there are no Delaware or federal government mask mandates, individuals are encouraged to mask in public indoor areas in Delaware. Delawareans are also reminded to get boosted to increase their individual protection against COVID-19. Staying up to date with your vaccinations is the best way to ensure your body is prepared to fight against severe cases of COVID-19.

You are eligible for a booster dose if you:

• Are 5+ and it has been 5 months after your second dose of Pfizer
• Are 18+ and it has been 5 months after second dose of Moderna
• Are 18+ and it has been 2 months since your initial dose of Johnson & Johnson
• Qualified for an “additional/fourth” dose of Pfizer or Moderna because you have certain immunocompromising conditions or are age 50 and older. You can get your booster (fourth) dose 6 months after receiving your additional/third dose
• Follow https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/vaccine/where-can-i-get-my-vaccine/#publichealth for locations to receive booster shots

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 271,294
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 574.7, a difference of 417.6 average new positive cases reported since April 22, 2022
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 19.0 percentage points, a difference of 11.4 percentage points reported since April 22, 2022
• Hospitalizations: 127, current hospitalizations; critically ill: 13
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,939 an increase of 43 since last month
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since April 22, 2022: 43 deaths; 9 regularly reported deaths, 34 deaths from a review of vital statistics

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,805,255 
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 73.6% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.8%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 79.3% 
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 69.5%  

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 non-boosted cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame of May 09 – May 15, 2022. 

 

Weekly Overview (05/09/22 – 05/15/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases	2406
Total Cases	3464
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	69%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	127
Total Hospitalized Cases	179
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	71%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths	3
Total COVID-19 Deaths	5
Percent of Non-boosted Deaths	60%

 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, May 19, 2022, there have been a total of 3,890 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 956 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 126 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of May 8-May 14. As of May 20, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available. There have been 2,341 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season, an increase of 633 since April 22, 2022. The cases involved 1,103 individuals from New Castle County, 518 from Kent County and 720 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 in 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.

DOVER, DE (February 18, 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 17, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations: 

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 254,719
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 232.6, a decrease of 146.1 from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 8.4%, a decrease of 1.8 percentage points from last week
• Hospitalizations: 148, a decrease of 54 from last week; critically ill: 13, a decrease of 8 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,660
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 59, including 36 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,679,444
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.2%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.7%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.2%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.2%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. Booster vaccinations are available at any locations that offer the initial COVID-19 vaccine series. Visit de.gov/boosters for more information. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, 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 Feb. 7 – Feb. 13. 

  

Weekly Overview (2/7/22 – 2/13/22)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	1161
Total Cases	2207
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	53%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	57
Total Hospitalized Cases	109
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases	52%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	19
Total COVID-19 Deaths	25
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	76%
Weekly Overview (2/7/22 – 2/13/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases	1781
Total Cases	2207
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	81%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	92
Total Hospitalized Cases	109
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	84%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths	22
Total COVID-19 Deaths	25
Percent of Non-boosted Deaths	88%

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 21,600, or 3.64% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 257
• Total breakthrough deaths: 253

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. 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, Feb 17, there have been a total of 3,057 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 902 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

There were 13 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 6 – Feb. 12. As of Feb. 12, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 640 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 435 individuals from New Castle County, 85 from Kent County and 120 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 (OCT. 22, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Delaware’s vaccine providers can begin administering booster doses for vaccines made by Moderna and Johnson & Johnson to certain populations that have been recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine received booster authorization last month. DPH is also advising that any of the three authorized vaccines can be administered to qualifying individuals as a booster in a “mix and match” approach to the vaccine originally received.

This decision comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) formally gave its approval Wednesday to expand the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to allow for a booster dose for Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The FDA also gave EUA approval to permit medical providers to administer boosters of any vaccine brand to individuals regardless of the brand vaccine they originally received.

CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met Thursday to provide additional guidance on who should receive a booster dose under the EUA, and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle P. Walensky endorsed the advisory committee’s recommendations later that evening.

Based on CDC recommendations for individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot 6 months or more after their initial series:

People 65 years and older
People aged 18 and older who live in long-term care settings
People 18 and older who have underlying medical conditions, which include but are not limited to: cancer, chronic heart, lung and kidney diseases, dementia, diabetes, down syndrome, HIV, overweight and obesity, pregnancy, organ transplants, and stroke.
People 18 and older who work or live in high-risk settings, including health care workers, teachers and daycare staff, grocery workers and those in homeless shelters or prisons, among others.

For individuals who received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for those who are 18 and older and who were vaccinated two or more months ago.

For convenience, eligible individuals may choose which vaccine they receive as a booster dose. CDC’s recommendations now allow for this type of mix and match dosing for booster shots.

According to CDC, while data show vaccines remain effective in preventing hospitalization and severe disease, a booster shot will help provide continued protection against severe disease in these populations who are especially at risk for severe COVID-19, including those over 65, residents of long-term care facilities, and persons 18 – 64 with underlying health conditions. DPH is encouraging individuals in these most at-risk categories to seek booster vaccines first.

“Today’s announcement is great news in the fight against COVID-19. Not surprisingly, we have seen signs that the vaccine wanes over time and getting a booster is key to increasing protection against severe disease and death,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Now is not the time to take our foot off the pedal. Those who are eligible should get their booster, and those who are not yet vaccinated should make this their number one priority.”

COVID-19 vaccine providers in Delaware may begin administering booster doses immediately or as soon as they are able. Members of the public who are eligible for a booster shot are recommended to seek vaccine at existing vaccine sites, including pharmacies, health care providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for patients), and 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

As a reminder, Delawareans who have certain immunocompromising conditions, including those who have received organ or stem cell transplants, are undergoing treatment for HIV or cancer, or who are taking medication that suppresses the immune system, are currently eligible to receive an additional dose of either Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, if they completed their second dose at least 28 days prior.

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 Pfizer or Moderna. These factors may include assessing patients who reside in a long-term care facility or patients of advanced age (especially those over age 85).

For a complete list of locations where vaccines are available, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.