COVID-19 Cases Continue To Decline; Bivalent Boosters For Youth Authorized

DOVER, DE (October 14, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that the 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases has decreased for the third consecutive month. Deaths remain low, and hospitalization rates are holding steady. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels data tracker, which factors in data on hospitalizations and cases in each county to determine recommended community prevention strategies, COVID-19 community levels in Kent County are now high, Sussex County remains at medium, while levels in New Castle County continue to be listed as low as of October 13.

This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization to Pfizer for the bivalent booster for ages 5-11 and to Moderna for their bivalent booster for those ages 6-17 who have received their primary series of vaccination at least two months before (a minimum of two doses of Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax). The CDC Director also signed off on the expanded authorization. Bivalent boosters were previously authorized on Aug. 31 for those ages 12+ for Pfizer, and for Moderna, ages 18+. Moderna’s bivalent booster for ages 5-11 will utilize the same product as the adult booster, just at a lesser dose. Pfizer’s bivalent booster for youth will come in a separate vial as it requires dilution, while the adult formula does not, for more information, visit de.gov/boosters.

The updated boosters target two strains of COVID-19: the original strain of the virus, and two of the Omicron variants (BA.4 and BA.5), currently, the most widespread variants in the world. To reduce confusion among the public and vaccine providers, and because they do not offer the increased levels of protection provided by the bivalent boosters, the original (monovalent) booster formula is no longer authorized for use in those 5 and older. Medical providers may no longer administer them. Individuals who have recently had COVID-19 are strongly encouraged to get a bivalent booster to optimize their protection, even if they received a monovalent booster before. Those who recently had COVID-19 should also get the new booster but should consider waiting three months after they have recovered from the virus.

DPH strongly encourages everyone to get their bivalent booster as soon as they are eligible, and well in advance of any possible surge in the late fall or winter. A recent Commonwealth Fund study found that if 80% of eligible individuals 5 and older receive their booster dose by the end of 2022, it would prevent about 90,000 deaths and more than 936,000 hospitalizations, while also preventing $56 billion in medical costs in the next six months. However, if the current pace of vaccinations remains unchanged nationwide through March 2023, a potential winter surge in the United States could result in as many as 16,000 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths per day, the study found.

Individuals may also get a booster at the same time as they get their annual flu vaccine, either in the same arm at least one inch apart, or in different arms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages everyone 6 months older to get their flu vaccine by Halloween amid concerns of a potentially severe flu season. This week, DPH confirmed that flu is statewide and has already recorded the state’s first pediatric case of the season as well. Flu vaccines and bivalent boosters are available at DPH clinics, many pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers and some community events. You can find a list of locations for COVID vaccines at de.gov/getmyvaccine. or at vaccines.gov. Locations for flu vaccines can be found on the flu finder on the flu.delaware.gov webpage. More details on the bivalent booster can be found at de.gov/boosters.

The webpage also has a link to a flier for the public which highlights some similarities between the labels of bivalent boosters and some primary series vaccines. Those getting a booster are encouraged to print and take a copy of the flier with them, or pull it up on their phone’s web browser, and ask the vaccine provider to show them the vial that your bivalent booster is being drawn from so they can confirm it is the correct one. It is an important step in being an educated health consumer and advocate for your personal health.

The below data is as reported on Delaware’s My Health Community data portal on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 310,819*
7-day daily average of new positive cases: 146.4, a decrease of 49.7 average new positive cases reported since Sept 15, 2022
7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 9.9 percentage points, a decrease of 2.6 percentage points reported since Sept. 15, 2022
Hospitalizations: 105 current hospitalizations; critically ill: 8
Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,121, an increase of 41 since last month including 35 as a result of ongoing Vital Statistics reviews of deaths occurring between June and September.*Case and testing data are based on reporting of lab-confirmed COVID-19 tests only. The number of COVID-19 cases in the community is higher than what is reported because of the use of at-home test kits.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,973,133
Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.7%
Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 79.8%
Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.3%
Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.6%

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 Sep 26 – Oct 2, 2022.

Non-boosted: Case – Hospital – Death

Weekly Overview (09/26/22 – 10/02/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases	819
Total Cases	1269
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	64%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	95
Total Hospitalized Cases	140
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	68%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths	1
Total COVID-19 Deaths	1
Percent of Non-boosted Deaths	100%

Note: Case and Hospitalization Count: based on RTS (Report to State Date) Death: based on DoD (Date of Death)

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, October 13, 2022, there have been a total of 4,705 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 989 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

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.

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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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH 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.

A person who is deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind or speech-disabled can call the DPH phone number above by using TTY services. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-232-5460 to type your conversation to a relay operator, who reads your conversation to a hearing person at DPH. The relay operator types the hearing person’s spoken words back to the TTY user. To learn more about TTY availability in Delaware, visit http://delawarerelay.com.

Covid-19 Cases Decline In Last Month; DPH Shares Summary Of Most Recent CDC Updates

DOVER, DE (Aug. 19, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that the 7-day average of new positive COVID-19 cases has declined since the previous monthly update in July. However, COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, and at higher levels in some counties. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels data tracker, which was last updated on August 11, case levels in Kent and Sussex counties are considered high, while case levels in New Castle County are listed as medium.

Additionally, the CDC has updated its COVID-19 guidelines related to isolation and quarantine. Delaware public health officials have met with community leaders to discuss the changes and considered the concerns of the community as public health adjusts to the new guidelines presented by the CDC.

The CDC indicated its updates were a result of information learned as the pandemic has evolved. The agency indicates that several factors have led to increased levels of overall protection against the virus, including high levels of vaccination (the majority of Americans have at least one dose of the vaccines), as well as infection-induced immunity, the availability of COVID treatments and prevention tools such as masking.

There were no changes to guidelines regarding isolation (staying home for five days if you test positive for COVID), except to offer an early end to masking during the second five days after leaving isolation. If you wish to end mask use early (essentially on day 8), then you will need to take two antigen tests, 48 hours apart, with the first test being on day 6. If both tests come back negative, you can discontinue masking on day 8. If either test comes back positive, continue masking.

If you are a close contact of someone with COVID-19, you must mask for 10 days regardless of vaccination status as it can take up to 10 days after exposure to become positive for COVID-19, but you are no longer asked to quarantine (stay home) if you are not up-to-date with vaccines. The updated guidance also places additional emphasis on improving ventilation in indoor spaces.

Delaware-specific data, comparing the January 2022 surge, to now, supports the rationale leading to the updated guidance. At its peak on January 11, DPH reported a 7-day daily average of 3,339.4 new positive cases. Today, DPH reports a 7-day daily average of 279.4 COVID-19 cases. Delawareans are urged to continue safe practices such as masking in crowded indoor spaces, isolating themselves when feeling sick, getting vaccinated, testing, and following the CDC’s guidelines if you have a positive test result.

The below data is as reported on Delaware’s My Health Community data portal on Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 299,822*

7-day daily average of new positive cases: 279.4, a decrease of 27.3 average new positive cases reported since July 15, 2022

7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 18.4 percentage points, an increase of 0.9 percentage points reported since July 15, 2022

Hospitalizations: 172 current hospitalizations; critically ill: 16

Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,036, an increase of 28 since last month

*Case and testing data are based on reporting of lab-confirmed COVID-19 tests only. The number of COVID-19 cases in the community is higher than what is reported because of the use of at-home test kits.

Vaccine Updates

The Novavax vaccine is now available in Delaware, including at DPH clinics. In July, the FDA issued an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for Novavax. It is considered a protein subunit vaccine type, and is similar to currently approved vaccines for Hepatitis B and whooping cough (pertussis). Novavax is recommended for people 18 years and older, and is offered in a two-dose series, given at least three weeks apart. It is not yet recommended as a booster, or recommended to mix and match with other vaccines. To find a Novavax vaccine, visit vaccines.gov and search for Novavax.

While like the flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines may not prevent all infection, they still prevent some and are primarily responsible for preventing hospitalizations and deaths. Both hospitalizations and deaths are significantly lower than in the beginning of the pandemic, prior to vaccine availability. The latest information from the CDC indicates that a bivalent booster, designed to protect against both the original strain of COVID-19 and Omicron-specific variant strains, may be available by mid-September. Current information, which is subject to change, is that this is a booster that will only be available to those who have completed their primary series. Initially, it is also not believed to be authorized for use in children under age 12. DPH encourages individuals who have not completed their primary series (gotten both doses of a two-dose vaccine) to do so now, and for parents who may have been waiting, to vaccinate their children using the currently available vaccine options. DPH has begun reaching out to enrolled vaccine providers to place pre-orders for the vaccine so they are ready for shipment once the FDA issues an EUA for the bivalent booster.

Here is the latest COVID-19 vaccine data for Delaware, as of Thursday, Aug. 18, 2022.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,882,646

Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 74.8%

Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 79%

Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 80.5%

Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 70.7%

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 Aug 8 – Aug 14, 2022.

Non-boosted: Case – Hospital – Death

Weekly Overview (08/08/22 – 08/14/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases	1384
Total Cases	2068
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	67%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	147
Total Hospitalized Cases	205
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	71%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths	0
Total COVID-19 Deaths	0
Percent of Non-boosted Deaths	0%

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, August 18, 2022, there have been a total of 4,359 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 971 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

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.

Medical-related questions regarding testing, symptoms and health-related guidance can 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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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.