DPH Encourages Delawareans To Consider Masking In Public Amid Rising Covid-19 Cases

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 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.

 


COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations Decline; Guidance For Those Who Want To Wear Masks Included

DOVER, DE (March 4, 2022) – With new positive cases and hospitalizations continuing to decline in Delaware, mask mandates for schools and state buildings were lifted earlier this week across the state, consistent with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC guidance is based on county or community levels of spread and the level of hospitalizations. Even with the end of mask mandates, there are times when it is still recommended or even required, to wear a mask:

  • During isolation and quarantine per CDC guidance (recommended)
  • In hospitals and certain other health care facilities, long-term care facilities and public transportation (required)

The Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds the public that people may choose to mask at any time, and encourages you to consider your personal risk for contracting or serious outcomes from the virus when making the decision.

Consider masking up:

·        If you are unvaccinated, including children ages 2 through 4

·        If you are immunocompromised, or live, work or are visiting someone who is

·        If you are at higher risk for severe illness (older and pregnant people)

·        When community levels of COVID are high (see CDC County Check tool)

DPH is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, March 3, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 257,065
  • 7-day average of new positive cases: 102.9, a decrease of 24.1 cases from last week.
  • 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 4.2%, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points from last week.
  • Hospitalizations: 76, a decrease of 22 from last week; critically ill: 9, a decrease of 2 from last week.
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,713.

  • Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 7, including 2 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

  • Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,693,944
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.7%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.1%
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.6%
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.7%

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. 21 – Feb. 27.

Weekly Overview
(2/21/22 – 2/27/22)

Unvaccinated Cases

Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases

380

Total Cases

727

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases

52%

Hospitalizations

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases

25

Total Hospitalized Cases

41

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases

61%

Deaths

Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths

8

Total COVID-19 Deaths

9

Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths

89%

Weekly Overview
(2/21/22 – 2/27/22)

Non-boosted Cases

Total Non-boosted Cases

573

Total Cases

727

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

79%

Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases

34

Total Hospitalized Cases

41

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

83%

Non-boosted Deaths

Total Non-boosted Deaths

9

Total COVID-19 Deaths

9

Percent of Non-boosted Cases

100%

Breakthrough Cases:

DPH will no longer provide breakthrough case updates in the weekly press releases.  The weekly summary of the vaccination status and non-boosted cases are better indicators of effectiveness of vaccines in preventing disease, hospitalizations and deaths.  Breakthrough information that is cumulative since vaccine rollout began can be found on the Overview section (landing page) of My Healthy Community: https://myhealthycommunity.dhss.delaware.gov/locations/state.  Data is updated every Friday.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, March 3, there have been a total of 3,353 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 914 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 29 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 20 – Feb. 26. As of Feb. 26, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 687 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 449 individuals from New Castle County, 92 from Kent County and 146 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.


Weekly Covid-19 Update – January 28, 2022: Delaware Remains Vigilant As Downward Case, Hospitalization Trends Continue

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.


Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Updates Face Mask Guidance for Children

Children entering kindergarten and older must wear face masks in public settings

WILMINGTON, Del. — As Delaware families consider a safe return to school, Governor Carney and the Division of Public Health on Monday announced an update to Delaware’s face coverings guidance for children.

All children who are in kindergarten or older must wear face coverings in public settings, including school buildings, according to the updated DPH guidance.

All children 2 years of age and older are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in public. Children younger than 2 must not wear face coverings due to suffocation risk. A child with a medical condition that makes it hard to breathe or a disability that prevents the child from wearing a face covering is not required to wear one.

The updated guidance will be included this week in a modification to Governor Carney’s State of Emergency order.

“The evidence could not be more clear that wearing face coverings is the best thing we can all do to keep our communities healthy,” said Governor Carney. “I know masks can be uncomfortable at times for children and adults. But if we stay vigilant and work together, we’ll continue to make real progress against this virus.”

The State of Delaware will not enforce mask use among children, but encourages parents to refer to materials from DPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for information on wearing face coverings properly, and the benefits of wearing a face covering during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click here for more information about face coverings.

“Organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics are emphasizing now more than before that face coverings can be safely and easily worn by the vast majority of children,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Delaware Division of Public Health. “Newer studies convey that all age groups are susceptible to infection. The good news is the most infections in the younger age group of 5 – 10 appear to be mild. And although spread from this age group to others appears low, it still may occur. Therefore, use of face coverings in this age group is an important measure that can help prevent that spread.”

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov

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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Public Health Announces 413 Additional Positive Cases of COVID-19, 12 More Deaths

SMYRNA (April 28, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing 12 additional fatalities related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is providing an update on the number of positive cases and recovered individuals. As of today, more than 1,000 individuals have recovered from COVID-19. All data reported through the daily updates are based on data received as of 6 p.m. the previous day.

In total,137 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 32 to 103 years old. Of those who have died, 69 were females and 68 were males. A total of 63 individuals were from New Castle County, 23 were from Kent County, 50 were from Sussex County. One county of residence is currently unknown. Eighty-six of the deaths have involved residents from long-term care facilities.

DPH will provide demographic information for COVID-19-related deaths in aggregate only, and will no longer provide demographics of each individual person who died.

The most recent deaths announced today ranged in age from 60 to 101. Six were female and six were males. Six were New Castle County residents, five were Sussex County residents, and one ​involved an unknown county of residence​ at this time. Eight of the 12 most recent deaths involved individuals with underlying health conditions. Nine individuals were residents of long-term care facilities.

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

Governor Carney’s thirteenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, requiring Delawareans to wear face coverings in public settings, including in grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and on public transportation, went into effect at 8:00 a.m. today. Governor Carney’s order recommends but does not require children aged 12 or younger to wear a face covering. Any child age 2 or younger MUST NOT wear a face covering, due to the risk of suffocation.

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m., Monday, April 27, include:

  • 4,575 total laboratory-confirmed cases
  • New Castle County cases: 1,701
  • Kent County cases: 728
  • Sussex County cases: 2,114
  • Unknown County: 32
  • Males: 2,083; Females: ​2,456; Unknown: 36
  • Age range: 0 to 103
  • Currently hospitalized: 337; Critically ill: 60 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
  • Delawareans recovered: 1,096
  • 16,605 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.

Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and rates information by ZIP code, can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal. The data on My Healthy Community will supplement, not replace, the daily case data displayed on de.gov/coronavirus.

Delaware is considering patients fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms. Three days after symptoms resolve, patients are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice strict social distancing for the remaining four days before returning to their normal daily routine.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste. Other symptoms such as headache or digestive symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite) have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation. 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 think 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 – might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Statewide testing at standing health facility testing sites require a physician’s order or prescription to be tested (*Bayhealth patients will be pre-screened via phone without needing to see a provider first). These are not walk-in testing sites. Those without a primary care provider can call the DPH Call Center Line at 1-866-408-1899. In New Castle County, individuals can call ChristianaCare at 1-302-733-1000 and Sussex County residents who do not have a provider can call the Beebe COVID-19 Screening Line at 302-645-3200. Individuals awaiting test results should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.

Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

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.

Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

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