Department Adds New Test Options and Increases Fees for Seed Lab

DOVER, Del. (December 13, 2023) – The Delaware Department of Agriculture (DDA) announced beginning January 2, 2024, their seed laboratory will offer additional testing service options to assist producers. For the first time since 1999, DDA is increasing fees for services performed by the DDA Seed Lab.

Under 3 Del. C. § 1507, DDA’s Seed Lab can charge for seed testing services. The laboratory has not changed its fee structure in 24 years; however, the rising costs of testing supplies and equipment necessitated this increase.

The Plant Industries Section, which oversees the DDA Seed Laboratory, has added services, including Noxious Weed Count ($10/sample) and Cold Germination ($15/sample). In early 2024, the lab will add the Falling Number test, which helps identify flour quality by testing the enzymatic activity and structural integrity of starch chains in cereal crops. The Falling Numbers test will be $50/sample.

The following fee schedule will take effect on January 2, 2024, and be applied to each sample submitted:

 

2024 Seed Lab fees for germination, purity, and nozious weeds per sample for soybeans, corn, small grains, vegetables, grasses, grasses mixes, each components, and flowers, ornamentals, and herbs

 

For testing, one pound of seed should be submitted in a clean bag labeled with the type of seed and the date it was harvested. Samples are expected to be free of foreign matter, including debris and chaffing from the seed. Uncleaned samples and samples containing other grains will be subject to a cleaning fee of $30 per sample.

The Seed Lab also offers the following analyses:

  • Vomitoxin: $46/sample
  • Aflatoxin: $46/sample
  • Round-Up Tolerance: $20/sample
  • Seed Count (conditioned samples only): $10/sample

For additional details about these changes or submitting samples for testing, please contact the Delaware Department of Agriculture’s Seed Laboratory at 302-698-4590 or visit https://agriculture.delaware.gov/plant-industries.

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DPH Sees Lower Post-Holiday Increases in Cases and Hospitalization Than In 2022

DOVER, DE (Jan. 13, 2023) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is seeing an increase in post-holiday COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, though the increase is not nearly as high as the 2022 post-holiday surge. Still, DPH encourages individuals to take specific action steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus, such as staying home when sick, testing when symptoms appear or when exposed to someone with COVID-19, staying up to date with vaccinations and boosters, and considering wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

This time last year, Delaware reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic at 3,666 reported on Jan. 6, 2022, and 759 hospitalizations on Jan. 12, 2022. As of the latest data posted to the My Healthy Community dashboard Wednesday, there were 266 new cases on Jan. 6, 2023, and 202 hospitalizations for Jan. 10, 2023. While the reduced number of cases reported does not take into account the large number of likely positive results from at-home testing, which are not reported to DPH, the fact that hospitalizations remain so much lower is a good indicator that there is not as much serious illness being caused by COVID-19 infection. Even with new emerging variants, the tools available to successfully fight COVID-19 have become increasingly effective.   

Viruses constantly mutate and evolve, and sometimes these mutations result in new variants of the virus. The updated bivalent booster provides the best level of protection against serious illness and hospitalization as it strengthens the antibody response against two strains of COVID-19:  the original strain of the virus and the Omicron variants. Health experts say if has been eight (8) months or more since your last vaccine, your protection is limited.  If you are 5+ and it has been at least two months or more since you completed your primary series, haven’t had a recent infection since July, or haven’t been boosted since August, you are eligible for an updated booster. Learn more about where to get a booster at de.gov/boosters.   

Treatment also remains one of the most effective tools for preventing severe outcomes from COVID-19. If an individual tests positive, especially if they are more likely to get very sick from the virus due to a health condition, treatments are available that reduce the risk of being hospitalized or dying from the disease. Those who test positive should contact a healthcare provider right away to determine if treatment is appropriate. Most treatments must be started within five days of when symptoms first appear, and the sooner treatment is started, the sooner it begins working to fight the virus.   

Individuals should ask about treatment if they test positive for COVID-19 and are either: 

  • 50 years or older (especially over 65, as risk increases with age) 
  • Unvaccinated 
  • Listed as having certain medical conditions – such as chronic lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, and more. 

More information, including test-to-treat sites and locations where treatment is available with a prescription, can be found at https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/covid-19-treatment-options/

In comparison to COVID-19 data released on Dec. 15, Delaware has seen an increase in the 7-day daily average of new positive cases, hospitalizations and critical hospitalizations.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:    

  • Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 324,137*   
  • 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 221.3, an increase of 62.2 average new positive cases reported since Dec. 15, 2022     
  • 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 15.5 percentage points, an increase of 6.1 percentage points reported since Dec. 15, 2022     
  • Hospitalizations: 202 current hospitalizations, 24 critical hospitalizations  
  • Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,220 – increase of 35 from last month including 29 from vital statistic review between Oct – Dec.
    *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: 2,099,714  
  • Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.2%     
  • Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 81.3%     
  • Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 82.9%     
  • Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 73.1%     

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 Jan. 2, 2023 – Jan. 8, 2023.    

  

  1. Not up-to-date: Case – Hospital – Death  

Weekly Overview
(01/02/23 – 01/08/23)  

Not up-to-date Cases  

Total Not up-to-date Cases  

1,232  

Total Cases  

1,448  

Percent of Not up-to-date Cases  

85%  

Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases  

Total Not up-to-date Hospitalized Cases  

290  

Total Hospitalized Cases  

357  

Percent of Not up-to-date Cases  

81%  

Not up-to-date Deaths  

Total Not up-to-date Deaths  

2  

Total COVID-19 Deaths  

2  

Percent of Not up-to-date Deaths  

100%  

    

Note:   

Case and Hospitalization Count: based on RTS (Report to State Date) Death: based on DoD (Date of Death) Not up-to-date: all cases that are not completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and/or have not received the most recent booster dose recommended by CDC. (CDC’s guidance updated Dec 9th, 2022)
DE resident only*   

     

Long-term Care Statistics:     

As of Thursday, Jan. 10, 2023, there have been a total of 5,278 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 1,016 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.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.  


Delaware Division of Public Health Announces Changes to Access for COVID-19 Testing in Delaware

DOVER, DE (Dec. 20, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing changes to COVID-19 testing access in Delaware. Based on operational needs, DPH’s valued partner Curative has decided not to renew its testing contract with the state when it ends in the next two weeks. As a result, Wednesday, Dec. 28 will be the last day for Curative test site collection. Other Curative sites, such as the one located at the University of Delaware, have already closed. The last day for Curative testing at Delaware State Service Centers will be Friday, Dec. 23.

“We greatly appreciate the incredible support and service that Curative has provided to the residents of Delaware throughout the pandemic,” said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. “We recognize that some people may be concerned about this change, but we want to reassure Delawareans that there remains ample access to COVID-19 testing in the state. DPH will continue to support federal programs that facilitate testing and treatments, continue to offer free testing at public health clinics, and inform the public about how to obtain at-home test kits, in most cases, for free. Testing remains a critical tool for detecting COVID-19 in patients, leading to faster treatment. Through our community partners we will continue to meet public health needs. Getting vaccinated is still the most effective way to help protect yourself against severe COVID-19 illness and death, and we encourage Delawareans to speak with their health care provider to discuss available options.” 

There are still many COVID-19 testing options available in Delaware: 

  1. Search our online testing locator at de.gov/gettested for other available testing locations such as pharmacies, Federally Qualified Health Centers or provider offices. *

*Most sites will require a person to show their insurance card. Those without insurance will be charged. Often, medically necessary tests will be no charge, but non-medically necessary testing could cost $130 or more for people who are uninsured.  Contact the site in advance to confirm insurance requirements.

Those who need test results for travel should search the testing locator to find out which sites offer PCR tests, as rapid antigen tests are not accepted to satisfy federal travel requirements. DPH suggests individuals contact the location directly to learn more about result turn-around times.

  1. Contact your primary care provider. 
  2. Those who are uninsured and underinsured can visit a DPH Public Health Clinic for free testing. 
  3. Secure an at-home test kit. 
    1. The White House just announced that it is making up to four free at-home tests per household available on Covidtest.gov. Tests will be mailed to your home after registration.
    2. Insured individuals are eligible for up to eight free at-home tests per covered member per month.  Most people with a health plan can go online, or to a pharmacy or store to get an at-home COVID-19 test at no cost, either through reimbursement or free of charge through their insurance. Learn more details here.
    3. Medicare Part B Recipients – Delawareans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, have access to over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost. The initiative continues until the COVID-19 public health emergency ends. People with Medicare can get up to eight tests per calendar month from participating pharmacies and health care providers.
    4. Community Organizations – They can order cases of free at-home test kits from DPH to distribute within your communities by filling out this form: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/177/2020/10/SHOC-Resource-Request-Form.pdf and emailing it to dhss06sg_shoc_operations@delaware.gov . If organizations have questions about completing the form, they can email the staff at SHOC operations using the email address indicated for submitting the form, and staff will assist them.
    5. At-home test kits are available for purchase at pharmacies, grocery stores and many other locations throughout the state. Most fall in the range of between $10 and $25. 

DPH reminds the public not to go to a hospital Emergency Department (ED) just for a COVID test. Hospitals are managing heavy volumes of patient visits for influenza and other respiratory viruses and a COVID-test in and of itself is not considered an emergency. You should visit an ED if you are having chest pains or difficulty breathing, have serious burns, or broken bones. If you need a PCR test so you can get COVID treatment prescribed for you, visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/covid-19-treatment-options/ and learn more about Test to Treat resources in the State.

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.   

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please dial or text 9-1-1.

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. 

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind, or speech-disabled can contact DPH by first dialing 711 using specialized devices (i.e., TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free; to learn more about how it works, visit delawarerelay.com.  


Governor Carney Formally Extends Public Health Emergency

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor Carney on Friday formally extended the Public Health Emergency order another 30 days to allow the State of Delaware and medical providers to continue COVID-19 vaccination and testing programs.

“Let’s keep doing the things we know that work,” said Governor Carney. “Stay home if you’re sick. Get vaccinated and boosted when you’re eligible. And get your flu shot if you haven’t yet.”

Under Delaware law, Public Health Emergency declarations must be renewed every 30 days.

Visit Governor Carney’s website to view the Public Health Emergency extension.

 


May Is Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month; May 19 Hepatitis Testing Day

Dover (May 4, 2022) – The Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing May as Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month and May 19 as Hepatitis Testing Day. There are several different viruses that can cause hepatitis. The most common type of viral hepatitis are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C. Both hepatitis A and hepatitis B are preventable with vaccines and while there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, it is curable with proper treatment. Hepatitis B and C are the leading causes of liver cancer in the United States.  The only way to know if you have a viral hepatitis is to get tested. 

It is estimated that 2.4 million people in the United States are living with hepatitis C and between 880,000 and 1.89 million people are living with hepatitis B. Many are unaware that they are infected since symptoms usually are slow to present themselves. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests everyone should get tested for viral hepatitis at least once in their lives. Some of the risk factors for contracting viral hepatitis include but are not limited to:  

  • Individuals born between 1945 and 1965 
  • IV drug users 
  • Unstable housing 
  • Travel to an area with endemic hepatitis A virus without being immunized 
  • Unprotected sex with multiple partners 
  • Job that exposes you to human blood 

“The Viral Hepatitis Program has been hard at work to build up the program’s outreach, prevention, and surveillance measures over the past year,” said DPH Treatment Program Administrator for the Viral Hepatitis and Vaccine Preventable Disease Programs Victoria Pyne, MA.  “Viral hepatitis is preventable and DPH’s viral hepatitis team is making efforts to raise awareness of the issue and encourage people to get tested at least once, as well as getting vaccinated for hepatitis A and hepatitis B.  Without testing, undiagnosed and untreated cases can lead to significant health complications. During Viral Hepatitis Awareness Month, we encourage people to get tested, learn the risks, and help the prevent the spread of viral hepatitis.”

For greater detail on the risk factors and disease information on each form of viral hepatitis, you can visit the CDC website: 

For more information, or to report a viral hepatitis case, call DPH’s Viral Hepatitis program at 302-744-4990.

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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.