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. 

Wilmington, DE – Governor Jack Markell announced he will lift the Limited State of Emergency for Sussex County effective at 1 p.m. today (full order below).

Strong winds over the weekend held water in the inland bays, causing extremely high tides throughout the state and requiring several roads to be closed, and a Coastal Flood Advisory remains in effect for Kent and Sussex Counties until 7 p.m.

“Thousands of State and local government officials continue to work across Delaware to ensure the safety of residents effected by this weather,” said Governor Markell. “I want to thank first responders for their swift actions to support those in need during this event. Though the precipitation has ended, the impact from the rain and wind will continue until water levels recede. We encourage motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads and contact local agencies if they require assistance or support.”

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TERMINATION OF A LIMITED STATE OF EMERGENCY

FOR SUSSEX COUNTY

            WHEREAS, Sussex County experienced significant tidal flooding caused by a Nor’easter system over the last four days, resulting in closures of flooded roads, power outages, and business closures; and

WHEREAS, I instituted a limited state of emergency in Sussex County, effective at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, October 2, 2015, to address that coastal flooding; and

WHEREAS, many first responders from fire companies, police departments, the National Guard, DelDOT, Sussex County, and other governments and agencies assisted throughout the weekend by assisting motorists, helping residents, and securing property; and

WHEREAS, the flooding caused road damage and shoreline erosion, but expected tides over the next several cycles are expected to diminish, and Hurricane Joaquim has now moved well offshore, so the conditions that necessitated declaring a State of Emergency are no longer present;

NOW THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, hereby declare:

1. My declaration of a limited state of emergency dated October 2, 2015 is terminated for Sussex County effective immediately.

2. Pursuant to 20 C. § 3116(a)(11), the Delaware National Guard shall continue to provide necessary assistance to state and local activities, at the discretion of the Adjutant General or his designee.

APPROVED this October 5, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. E.D.T.

Coastal flood warnings in effect along Atlantic Coast and Delaware Bay

Wilmington, DE – With moderate to major coastal flooding expected at high tides today and tomorrow, along with high wind warnings along the coast, Governor Jack Markell has issued a Limited State of Emergency for Sussex County, effective immediately.  State offices will remain open and no driving restrictions are being implemented, however localized road closures may occur as conditions warrant it.  See full text below.

Residents of flood-prone areas of Sussex County and throughout Delaware are at risk of significant flooding and residents of those areas should seriously consider taking precautionary measures, including evacuating voluntarily or planning for potential evacuation and use of travel routes around flooded streets and roads.  A list of flood-prone areas is included below.

“Though predicted rainfall totals have dropped and the expected path of Hurricane Joaquin remains well off-coast, high winds and coastal flooding will significantly impact Sussex County,” said Governor Markell. “State and local officials are taking the necessary steps to prepare for possible evacuations and road closures and the National Guard has been deployed to Kent and Sussex Counties to support those efforts, as needed. Residents in flood-prone areas of the state should prepare accordingly and continue to monitor communications from state and local agencies for updates.”

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Flood-Prone Areas of Sussex County

Sussex County Delaware Bay Communities

Slaughter Beach

Prime Hook Beach

Broadkill Beach

Lewes Beach, east of the Rehoboth Lewes canal

 

Sussex County Ocean Coastal Communities

Areas within ¾ of a mile of the coast in the following communities:

Henlopen Acres

Rehoboth Beach

Dewey Beach

North Bethany

Bethany Beach

South Bethany

Fenwick Island

 

Sussex County Inland Bay Communities

Areas surrounding the Rehoboth Bay, Indian River and Little Assawoman Bay

Flood-prone areas south of Route 24 (John J. Williams Highway) including Angola, Long Neck and Oak Orchard

Flood-prone areas along Route 26 (Vines Creek Road and Atlantic Avenue)

Flood-prone areas along Route 54 (Lighthouse Road)

 

Sussex County Western Communities

Flood-prone areas in close proximity to the Nanticoke and Broad Creek Rivers

WHEREAS, as of Friday, October 2, 2015, a Nor’easter system has affected the State of Delaware and is projected to continue to impact the State as Hurricane Joaquim moves north and interacts with the system, and

WHEREAS, rain and high tides from that system have resulted in flooding conditions in Sussex County, Delaware; and

WHEREAS, weather conditions throughout Sussex County and continuing for the remainder of the week and into the weekend may continue to exacerbate said flooding; and

WHEREAS, the effects of this storm system threaten public safety and have the potential to cause major damage to the infrastructure of Sussex County; and

WHEREAS, based upon evidence presented to me by the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, I have found that the potential for the occurrence of an emergency is high in Sussex County; and

WHEREAS, flood-prone areas of Sussex County and throughout Delaware are at risk of significant flooding, and residents of those areas should seriously consider taking precautionary measures, including evacuating voluntarily or planning for potential evacuation and use of travel routes around flooded streets and roads; and

WHEREAS, it is necessary to pre-stage and potentially deploy resources and assets of the Delaware National Guard in anticipation of responding to any such threats to public safety;

NOW THEREFORE, I, JACK A. MARKELL, pursuant to Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, do hereby declare a Limited State of Emergency for Sussex County, Delaware.  This Limited State of Emergency is effective on October 2, 2015, as of 12:00 p.m.  The nature of the emergency is flooding and its potential effects caused by the storm beginning October 1, 2015, and continuing thereafter.  Along with such other actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code, I specifically direct and authorize:

1. All departments and agencies of the State of Delaware shall assist in response and recovery activities, as directed by and in coordination with the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, necessary in those areas of Sussex County affected by the storm.

2. The Delaware National Guard shall take precautionary or responsive actions directed by the Director of the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, in consultation with the Secretary of Safety and Homeland Security, upon request by local authorities in impacted areas of Sussex County.

3. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency shall activate the State Emergency Operations Plan and cooperate with federal authorities, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency in making application, if necessary for relief and assistance for those towns and communities adversely affected by the continuing storms, pursuant to the Delaware Emergency Operations Plan and any potentially applicable federal disaster or emergency relief laws, including but not limited to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

4. Unless otherwise directed, all normal operations of State government shall continue without interruption.

5. I reserve the right to take, or direct state or local authorities to take, without issuance of further written order, any other necessary actions authorized by Title 20, Chapter 31 of the Delaware Code to respond to this emergency.

Approved this 2nd day of October, 2015, at 12:00 p.m.

Live video of the event

Photos from the event

Fibertech to build approximately 36 miles of new network infrastructure to provide high-speed broadband in rural areas

Dover, DE – Building on Delaware’s recent recognition for providing the best high-speed broadband internet access in the country, Governor Markell today announced a $1 million grant for network services provider Fibertech Networks to improve connectivity in Sussex County, helping address some of the few remaining pockets where Delaware residents and businesses do not have high quality service.

The construction of approximately 36 miles of fiber optic network focused on rural areas is designed to build on last year’s completion of a fiber line running from Middletown to Georgetown through a project led by the Department of Technology and Information (DTI) and funded by the Delaware Economic Development Office. At that time, the Governor announced that new grant funding would be provided to private companies that offer the best plans to use the new fiber line to reach underserved Delawareans, with a focus on key sites like public schools and libraries, health care facilities, and places that provide government services.

“Online tools and resources exponentially increase the possibilities to advance education, careers, business growth, and public safety, which means better quality of life and a stronger economy,” said Markell. “But that also means there is a clear dividing line in today’s society between those who have access to high-speed broadband and those who don’t.

“In a 21^st century economy, we can only ensure all Delawareans have opportunities to reach their potential if everyone has access to these services, so despite our recent success in expanding access, we won’t be satisfied until that is the case. I congratulate Fibertech on this grant award and thank them for their work to further our state’s mission of universal broadband access.”

Fibertech, which already operates more than 300 miles of fiber optic network throughout Delaware’s three counties, will expand its network, building approximately 18 miles of new network to Seaford in the west and approximately 18 miles of new network to Lewes on the east. Both network segments will connect in Georgetown and therefore offer connectivity to Fibertech’s existing network infrastructure running through Kent and New Castle Counties with further connectivity to Philadelphia and New Jersey.

The Rochester, NY-based company will build on its efforts to offer network services to education, healthcare, government and financial institutions, along with and other large and medium-size businesses looking to meet demands for data and broadband connectivity. Fibertech extends its fiber optic network directly into business locations, allowing them to internally deploy a wide range of advanced telecommunications applications.

“The expansion of broadband in Sussex County will allow for an increase in access speeds in previously underserved areas,” said Delaware Chief Information Officer James Collins, who leads DTI. “This Delaware Broadband Fund grant is critical in creating opportunity and incentives for private vendors, Internet Service Providers, to do what they do best, bring direct services to schools, homes and farms, and to community and governmental centers.”

For those benefiting from the fiber line completed last year and the new construction, the state’s Sussex County broadband expansion efforts mean an increase in access speeds from 1.5 MB to potentially 10GB, with most users expected to opt for between 10MB and 100MB.

“The open-access network and investments we have made in Delaware have long helped bring more affordable broadband to businesses in New Castle and Kent counties,” said Mike Hurley, Sr. Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Fibertech. “We look forward to bringing these same capabilities to Sussex County and other areas. This project will facilitate building a transparent and agile infrastructure for State and local government that at the same time enhances modern commerce and increase regional competitiveness for businesses and underserved sectors.”

Funding for the grant comes from the Delaware Broadband Fund, established in 2013 by House Bill 96, which was sponsored by Representative Darryl Scott (D-Dover) and Senator Brian Bushweller (D-Dover). The legislation provides that the Fund will support and enhance rural broadband initiatives in under-served areas of the State, as well as broadband access at public schools and public libraries.

Markell and Collins announced the grant award at Burris Logistics Corporate Headquarters in Milford. As one of the nation’s largest and most sophisticated temperature-controlled food distribution companies, Burris leaders stressed the critical nature of their data communication network. Burris has leveraged the additional fiber installed a year ago to support company operations.

Burris develops custom storage and transportation programs that are uniquely designed to meet individual customer needs, offering over 60 million cubic feet of freezer warehousing space in 17 strategic locations across the country. Company officials made a presentation at the event to demonstrate the importance of high-speed broadband to their work.

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