DOVER (Sept. 25, 2020) – 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, September 24, 2020.

A total of 20,085 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020, including 10,517 individuals who are considered recovered. The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 decreased from 7.2% as of Sept. 17, to 6.7% as of Thursday, Sept. 24. The number of new daily cases each day this week has remained elevated, and DPH continues to monitor for any specific hotspots where increased virus transmission may be occurring throughout the state. In addition, 53 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, down five from 58 reported as of last Friday’s update. Eleven of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, up one from last week.

A total of 631 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 11 additional deaths since last week’s update, six of which occurred from April to August and were added to the total after a regular review of death certificate data. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranges in age from 21 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 327 were female and 304 were male. A total of 310 individuals were from New Castle County, 116 were from Kent County, and 205 were from Sussex County.

To protect personal health information, DPH will not confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently.

Additional Updates

COVID-19 Outbreaks in Long-term Care Facilities: The Division of Public Health is currently investigating COVID-19 outbreaks in several long-term care facilities throughout the state. Facilities where significant ongoing outbreaks are occurring include:

• Kentmere Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Wilmington; 28 residents and 24 staff members
• Cadia Healthcare Silverside in Wilmington; 19 residents and less than 10 staff members
• Country Rest Home in Greenwood; 18 residents and 14 staff members
  *Staff members may include health care and non-health care personnel, such as facility vendors or other individuals working in the long-term care facility who may not be full-time facility employees.

While the source of exposure in these outbreaks is still under investigation, visitation activities do not appear to be contributing to the spread of illness as indoor visitation has not been implemented at any of the impacted facilities. In addition, the availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) also does not appear to be a driving factor in these outbreaks. The State routinely monitors PPE levels in these facilities, and no facility has recently requested a need for additional support.

The DHSS Division of Public Health and Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) are actively working with impacted facilities to ensure infection control measures are in place. DPH has provided recommendations to protect residents and staff, including testing guidance, isolation and quarantine recommendations, and patient and staff management strategies as well as previous successful mitigation strategies are being encouraged, supported and implemented.

Active daily screening measures are in place at each long-term care facility. All facilities are required to screen staff members at the start of each shift, and all residents must be screened once per day. DHSS is also making repeat training available to ensure every long-term care facility staff member in the state is aware and up to date on all COVID-19 protocols and guidance. Although very few requests for additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) have been received, the State Health Operations Center, still in full activation status, will continue to support PPE and other resource requests as in the past.

Earlier this week, all long-term care facilities in the state were issued updated guidance to test all staff weekly, and all bi-weekly testing schedules were suspended. Previously, bi-weekly testing schedules were permitted for facilities that had no new infections for a minimum of 14 days.

The most current guidance and requirements for long-term care facilities is available at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/long-term-care-facilities/. Additional aggregate statewide data related to long-term care facilities can be found further below.

Aggregate K-12 School-Related COVID-19 Statistics:

The Division of Public Health is providing statewide aggregate data on the total number of COVID-19 positive cases among students and staff who were in-person at a school or childcare facility while potentially infectious, reported to DPH since Sept. 1, 2020. To determine the start of the infectious period, or when others may have been exposed to someone infectious, DPH looks 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms or 48 hours prior to testing for those individuals who had no symptoms. These data only indicate potential exposure to COVID-19 in these settings, not whether exposure actually occurred.

Cumulative number of COVID-19 positive students and staff, statewide, who were in-person at a school or childcare facility while potentially infectious, reported to DPH between 9/1 to 9/24:

• Childcare – 16 students and staff
• Private K-12 – 15 students and staff
• Public K-12 – 13 students and staff

Delaware COVID-19 Data:

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m. Thursday, September 24, include:

• 20,085 total positive cases
• New Castle County cases: 9,975
• Kent County cases: 2,905
• Sussex County cases: 6,718
• Unknown County: 487
• Females: 10,791; Males: 9,258; Unknown Sex: 36
• Age range: 0 to 104
• Currently hospitalized: 53; Critically ill: 11 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
• Delawareans recovered: 10,517
• 259,289 negative cases**
  *Data are provisional and subject to change.
  **Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.

Generally, Delaware is now considering patients recovered after at least 24 hours have passed since the resolution of fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and/or improvement in symptoms, and at least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared. Individuals who tested positive who have not had any symptoms are considered recovered after at least 10 days have passed since the date of their first positive COVID-19 test with no subsequent illness.

Long-term Care Statistics:

Information related to positive cases and deaths among residents at long-term care facilities will be updated weekly each Friday, using information reported as of 6 p.m. Thursday. There have been a total of 1,266 positive COVID-19 cases cumulatively involving long-term care residents, and 374 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

The locations and number of deaths involving residents of long-term care facilities are:

• Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center, Millsboro (17)
• Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (18)
• Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (34)
• Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (2)
• Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (10)
• Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (14)
• Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (9)
• Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (7)
• Country Rest Home, Greenwood (2)
• Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (11)
• Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
• HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
• Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (20)
• Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (41)
• Hillside Center, Wilmington (3)
• Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
• ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (13)
• ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (20)
• Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
• Millcroft, Newark (2)
• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (36)
• New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center, New Castle (11)
• Newark Manor Nursing Home, Newark (11)
• Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wilmington (26)
• Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Health Center, Smyrna (24)
• Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Hockessin (5)
• Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (3)
• Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
• Westminster Village, Dover (7)
• Six other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)

Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and rates information by ZIP code, and information on Delaware’s contact tracing efforts 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 or 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.

Information about testing events, including community testing sites, permanent fixed testing sites, and free-standing sites operated by the health care systems and hospitals, will be listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at: coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.

Individuals who have complaints about individuals violating public gathering restrictions should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: HSPContact@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open 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.

NEW CASTLE (Sept. 3, 2020) – For Delaware’s long-term care facilities with low rates of COVID-19 cases, the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) will begin to review proposed plans from eligible facilities to resume indoor visitation. To protect residents and staff, visitation has not been permitted at Delaware’s 88 long-term care facilities since mid-March, when the state’s first positive COVID-19 case was announced.

Beginning in June, eligible nursing homes and assisted-living facilities were able to submit plans for outdoor visitation. As of Sept. 2, 2020, the plans of 26 nursing homes and assisted-living facilities have been approved by DHSS’ Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ).

Under DHSS’ COVID-19 reopening plan for long-term care facilities, which takes effect on Sept. 8, 2020, those facilities that have not had a new positive COVID-19 case originate there within the last 14 days and have adequate staffing to meet the needs of residents would be eligible to submit a plan for resuming indoor visitation. Visits will be limited to one to two people per resident and will be by appointment only. Visits must occur in a visitation room near an entrance.

“We know that families and close friends of residents of nursing homes and assisted-living facilities have been eager to see their loved ones indoors again,” DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik said. “We are pleased that our Division of Health Care Quality and Division of Public Health will be working with eligible long-term care facilities across the state to provide this opportunity for indoor visitation.”

As indoor visitation plans are approved by the Division of Health Care Quality, long-term care facilities will make families aware that visitations can be scheduled. Among the other requirements for indoor visitation:

• Visitors must make an appointment, with only 1-2 visitors per resident allowed.
• They must check in upon arrival.
• Only residents who are negative for COVID-19 or recovered from the disease may have visitors.
• Visitors and residents must wear face masks at all times and must practice proper hand hygiene.
• All visitors must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet and must not have contact with the resident they are visiting.
• Visitor testing is strongly encouraged, but at the discretion of each facility.
• Staff will monitor the visits to ensure safety compliance.
• Staff will disinfect the visitation area before and after each visit.
• If the facility has a COVID-19 positive case originate there, indoor visitation would be suspended until the facility again reaches the 14-day mark without a new case.

In addition, assuming no infections, long-term care facility administrators can work with each resident’s family to designate one support person – a family member or other outside caregiver – who, prior to visitor restrictions, was a regular visitor at least two times per week. The support person will be able to provide companionship and assist with such activities as bathing, grooming and meal set-up if needed.

Under the guidance provided by DHSS, long-term care facilities must follow these rules in designating one support person per resident:

• The support person should be a family member or outside caregiver (friend, volunteer, private person caregiver), age 18 or older, who provided regular care and support to the resident before the pandemic.
• The designation of the support person is at the discretion of the facility administrator and only upon agreement by the resident or his or her representative.
• A negative COVID-19 test is required before the support person can be scheduled, and the support person is subject to regular testing currently required of vendors entering all long-term care facilities.
• The schedule and amount of time in the facility must be agreed to in advance and may be one to four hours per day based on the resident’s care plan. The facility must allow evening and weekend visits in order to accommodate the support person’s schedule.
• A central point of entry must be designated where the support person signs in and is actively screened for symptoms of COVID-19 before entering the building.
• The support person must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) – a cloth face mask at all times and gloves when providing direct resident care – and must perform frequent hand hygiene. The facility will provide hand sanitizing stations and alcohol-based hand rubs.
• The support person must inform the long-term care facility if he or she develops a fever or other symptoms consistent with COVID-19 within 14 days of a planned visit with a resident.
• The support person must provide care in the resident’s room or in facility-designated area. The support person may take the resident for a walk outside, but both individuals must be wearing face masks and other appropriate PPE.
• The support person must maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet with staff and other residents while in the building.
• The facility may restrict or revoke the support person’s status if the person fails to follow social distancing, face mask or other COVID-19-related rules of the facility.

To read the order, reopening plan and support person guidance go to the long-term care section of the coronavirus website.

NEW CASTLE (May 8, 2020) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is announcing three more deaths from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) involving residents of Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI) in Smyrna.

Their deaths bring the total of residents or patients from DHSS’ 24/7 facilities who have died to 10. Two of the three deaths are included in the total of 213 coronavirus-related deaths reported today by the Division of Public Health.

The additional deaths from DHCI involve a 78-year-old male resident who died May 1; an 82-year-old male resident who died May 5; and a 73-year-old male resident who died May 8. All three died at a Kent County hospital.

The previous deaths at DHSS’ 24/7 facilities involved four female residents of Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, a male and a female patient at Delaware Psychiatric Center near New Castle, and a male resident of Governor Bacon Health Center in Delaware City.

“These heartbreaking losses show how infectious and lethal COVID-19 is, especially for seniors and individuals with serious chronic health conditions,” said DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a practicing family physician. “Our hearts go out to the families of the residents from Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill who have passed away and to the staff members who were dedicated to caring for them. We extend our thoughts and prayers to all of the families across our state who have lost loved ones to COVID-19, including those in long-term care facilities.”

This week, DHSS’ Division of Public Health announced universal voluntary testing in all long-term care facilities in Delaware for residents and staff. In addition, DHSS’ Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) is working with DHSS’ 24/7 facilities and private long-term care and other licensed facilities in the state to verify that there are strong screening, infection control and isolation measures in place at each facility, and if, not, to assist them in implementing stronger protocols. Finally, DHSS staff from the State Health Operations Center in Smyrna are working daily with the long-term facilities to make sure their staffing, personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing needs are met.

To learn more about Delaware’s coronavirus response, visit: de.gov/coronavirus

-30-

The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

NEW CASTLE (March 12, 2020) – The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is recommending that all Delaware nursing homes, long-term care facilities and adult day-care centers temporarily end visitation as a way to reduce the risk of residents and clients contracting coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The recommendation follows the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance that urges long-term care facilities to be vigilant in preventing the introduction and spread of COVID-19. DHSS’ Division of Public Health and DEMA are working with DHSS’ Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ), Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) and other community partners to implement strategies and restrictions to keep residents safe and healthy. In addition to restricting visitors, DHSS is urging Delaware’s long-term care facilities to:

• Make online methods of face-to face communication and phone calls available.
• Staff should be monitored if they are showing any signs of respiratory infection such as fever, cough or sore throat.
• Any staff member who has these signs or symptoms should not go to work. Any staff that develop these signs or symptoms on the job should immediately stop working, put on a face mask, and self-isolate at home.
• Nursing homes should increase availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, no-touch receptacles for disposal, and face masks at entrances, waiting rooms, and resident check-ins
• Signage should be increased for vigilant infection prevention.
• Properly clean, disinfect, and limit sharing of medical equipment between residents and areas of the facility.

The CDC has found that early data suggests older people are twice as likely to suffer a serious illness from coronavirus disease, also known as COVID-19. Earlier this week, DHSS urged older Delawareans and people with severe chronic health conditions to follow CDC guidance that they “avoid crowds as much as possible” as a way to reduce their risk. Delaware announced its first presumed positive cases this week and the Division of Public Health (DPH) and other state partners are planning for the likelihood of community transmission.

The Department of Health and Social Services advises that community preparedness planning – recommended by CDC – should include older adults and people with disabilities, and the organizations that support them in their communities, to ensure their needs are taken into consideration. Many of these individuals live in the community, and many depend on services and supports provided in their homes or in the community to maintain their independence and their health. For family members and caregivers providing support, the CDC recommends these steps:

• Know what medications your loved one is taking and see if you can help them have extra on hand.
• Monitor food and other medical supplies (oxygen, incontinence, dialysis, wound care) needed and create a back-up plan.
• Stock up on non-perishable food items to have on hand in your home to minimize trips to stores.
• If you care for a loved one living in a care facility, monitor the situation, ask about the health of the other residents frequently and know the protocol if there is an outbreak.

DPH continues to monitor travelers arriving in the U.S. from countries with a Level 2 or higher Travel Alert. The CDC recommended that such travelers be monitored for 14 days after their return. During the 14-day period, these persons are asked to remain at home while self-monitoring for symptoms. If any of these persons shows symptoms of fever, cough and/or shortness of breath, the person should call DPH at 1-866-408-1899 immediately to determine next steps, which may include transport to a local hospital for evaluation and testing.

For more information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the DPH website at de.gov/coronavirus, where materials can be found in English, Simplified Chinese/Mandarin, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole. Members of the public with questions can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 or TTY at 1-800-232-5460 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email DPHCall@delaware.gov.

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 16, 2018) – The Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (DHCI) is seeking community volunteers to assist residents during upcoming holidays at the facility’s grounds in Smyrna.
Groups and organizations are encouraged to volunteer to assist residents with activities and friendly visiting during Good Friday (March 30), Easter (April 1), Memorial Day (May 28) and the Fourth of July.
All of the events will be at the DHCI Candee Building, 100 Sunnyside Road in Smyrna.
“This is a great opportunity to give back and to share in the lives of the residents of Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill,” Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker said. “Ask any past volunteers about their experience and I’m sure they will say they get back just as much as they give.”
Year-round volunteers are also needed to make a difference in the lives of long-term residents with chronic illnesses.
“Many residents at the Hospital for the Chronically Ill may be without family,” said Jennifer Bobel, volunteer services coordinator. “Volunteers help us make sure none of our residents feel alone, not only on important holidays, but every day.”
High school students can earn Community Service hours for the Delaware college credit by volunteering at DHCI. The hospital’s Summer VolunTeen program for high school and college students begins June 18. Applications are due by May 1. Program participants could be Music & Memory assistants, activity assistants, beauty shop assistants, physical therapy assistants or cookie bakers.

If you or your group is interested in volunteering, contact Jennifer Bobel, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at Jennifer.Bobel@delaware.gov or call 302-223-1011. You can also go to the DHCI website at www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsaapd/volopp.html to download an application packet and more information about volunteering.
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill is a long-term care facility operated by DHSS. Admission requires both a financial and medical need.

The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of life of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.