The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is sharing upcoming opportunities for individuals to get vaccinated against the monkeypox virus (MPX). The current case count for MPX in the state is 33, including 22 cases in New Castle County, two cases in Kent County, and nine cases in Sussex County. Delaware continues to offer vaccinations to people at a higher risk of exposure. 

DPH and Beebe Healthcare are partnering with AIDS Delaware and the Delaware HIV Consortium to offer MPX vaccination during the Sept. 17 AIDS Walk events in New Castle and Sussex counties. The AIDS Walk events are being held at Brandywine State Park in Wilmington and in Grove Park in Rehoboth Beach. Individuals do not need to be registered for the walk to be vaccinated. Pre-registration to receive the vaccine at the Brandywine State Park location with DPH can be done by calling the monkeypox hotline at 866-408-1899.  It is operational Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vaccinations will be administered between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. The vaccine is free. 

Pre-registration is not required for vaccination at the Rehoboth Beach event with Beebe Healthcare, being held between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. Staff will provide onsite assistance to schedule second doses. Individuals should bring their ID and insurance card.  While the vaccine is free, there may be a small administration fee (less than $30), which typically is covered by insurance, but may be billable to a patient without insurance coverage. 

Additional details about the AIDS Walk itself can be found at: https://aidsdelaware.salsalabs.org/2022AIDSWalkDelaware/index.html.

DPH is also announcing that it is expanding vaccine access to those deemed to be at a higher risk for MPX infection such as those treated for a sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the last six months, people who fall into any of the identified high-risk categories who are also experiencing homelessness or incarceration, or individuals traveling to an area with community spread of MPX cases. Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is not encouraging vaccination against monkeypox for the broader public or for everyone who is sexually active.

 

Vaccines are also available to those at highest risk including:

•  Those confirmed to have been exposed to someone with the virus
•  Persons known or presumed to be exposed to someone with MPX in the last 14 days
• Certain individuals who have sex with men and who have had multiple sex partners within the past 14 days
•   Those living with HIV or who are receiving HIV PrEP
•  Immunocompromised persons (including those with cancer, solid organ or stem cell transplants, those taking immunosuppressive therapy, and individuals with autoimmune disease)
• Those engaging in high-risk activities, including sexual practices, that increase exposure to MPX, such as: 

Gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men and have had multiple, or any, anonymous sexual partners in a social network experiencing monkeypox activity, this includes meeting partners through an online website, digital application (“app”), or social event (e.g., a bar or party)

o   Transgender women or nonbinary persons assigned male at birth who have sex with men

o   Sex workers (of any sexual orientation/gender)

o   Staff (of any sexual orientation/gender) at establishments where sexual activity occurs (e.g., bathhouses, saunas, sex clubs) 

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Individuals should be aware that the vaccine, a two-dose series given 28 days apart, is not considered effective until two weeks after the second dose. Those at higher risk should continue using preventive measures and reduce engaging in high-risk behaviors both prior to, and after, vaccination to reduce the chance of continued spread of MPX in the community.

 

Eligible Delawareans may also receive monkeypox vaccinations at: 

 

• Newark Urgent Care – Visit NewarkUrgentCare.org to view eligibility requirements and schedule an appointment. Vaccine clinics are on Thursdays, and there is no cost for the vaccine.
• Beebe Healthcare: Individuals can schedule an appointment at beebehealthcare.org/online-scheduling. Walk-ins will not be accepted.
• DPH clinics: Individuals should call the MPX hotline at 866-408-1899 for a screening evaluation. Walk-ins at DPH clinics will not be accepted. Monkeypox vaccinations at DPH clinics will continue to prioritize individuals at highest risk, as a result of confirmed or potential exposure to someone with MPX. As a result, your appointment may be scheduled a few days out.

Signs and Symptoms

 

The symptoms of MPX are similar to but milder than the symptoms of smallpox. Symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus. Most people who contract MPX will develop a rash, and some will develop flu-like symptoms beforehand. The flu-like symptoms may include fever, headache, muscle aches and backache, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, chills, or exhaustion. If someone has flu-like symptoms, they usually will develop a rash one to four days later.

 

If you suspect you are experiencing any symptoms associated with MPX you should immediately: 

 

• Contact your health care provider and discuss your symptoms and concerns.
• Self-isolate until all lesions have resolved, the scabs have fallen off, and a fresh layer of intact skin has formed.
• Avoid being intimate with others.
• Make a list of your close and intimate contacts in the last 21 days.

It can take three to four weeks for all symptoms to fully heal.  While there is no specific treatment for MPX, antivirals can be prescribed, though they are not always needed. To learn more information about monkeypox, please visit de.gov/monkeypox. DPH began posting MPX case and vaccine data on the website last week.

DPH launched a hotline for individuals with questions or concerns about MPX. The hotline number is 866-408-1899 and is operational Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Questions may also be emailed to DPHCall@delaware.gov. Both the hotline number and email address share staff with the COVID-19 Call Center. To learn more about MPX prevention programs and resources, visit de.gov/monkeypox.

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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.

DOVER, DE (July 15, 2022) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports that COVID-19 cases experienced an uptick in the daily 7-day average for the percentage of positive tests since the previous monthly COVID-19 update released on June 17, 2022.  Since that time, Delaware has also exceeded 3,000 COVID-related deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels data tracker, which was last updated on June 14, case levels in Kent County are considered high, while case levels in New Castle and Sussex Counties are listed as medium.

Many people are expressing concerns about getting vaccinated or boosted now, both because of reported lack of effectiveness against the circulating BA.5 variant and the expected updated vaccines in the fall. Regarding the BA.5 variant, approximately 67% of vaccines sequenced from mid-to late June contained a variant strain, which means that one-third contained the original strain of COVID-19 against which the vaccines are highly effective. Approximately 36% of variants sequenced were BA.5; BA.2 still accounted for more at around 50%. While the current vaccines may be less effective against protecting against infection if you get the BA.5 variant strain, they still offer some level of protection. The vaccines also remain highly effective at preventing more severe consequences like serious illness, hospitalization and death against all variants.  This is where getting a booster when eligible becomes particularly important. As immunity from your initial vaccine doses wane, the boosters become critical to increasing your antibody level and continue to provide your best chances at protection against serious illness. Some people who have not gotten either their first or second booster plan to just wait for the expected updated vaccines in the fall.  The CDC and White House advisors urge people not to wait, indicating that getting your booster now will not exclude you from getting one in the fall.  Better to have all the protection you can get now – and then by getting all the vaccine doses for which you are eligible.

You are eligible for a booster dose if you:

• Are 5+ and it has been 5 months since your second dose of Pfizer.
• Are 18+ and it has been 5 months since your second dose of Moderna.
• Are 18+ and it has been 2 months since your initial dose of Johnson & Johnson.
• Qualified for an “additional/third” dose of Pfizer or Moderna because you have certain immunocompromising conditions.
• You can get your second booster (fourth) dose four months after receiving your initial booster if you are 50+ or are immunocompromised.

Getting vaccinated and boosted when you are eligible remains one of the key ways to Stay One Step Ahead of COVID-19 in our state. View materials that are available for download or ordering free at covidmaterialsde.com.  .

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 289,266*
• 7-day daily average of new positive cases: 306.7 an increase of 46.8 average new positive cases reported since June 17, 2022
• 7-day daily average for the percentage of total positive tests: 17.5 percentage points, an increase of 3.4 percentage points reported since June 17, 2022
• Hospitalizations: 127, current hospitalizations; critically ill: 14
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 3,008, an increase of 31 since last month, including 25 deaths from a review of vital statistics 

*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 likely higher than what is reported.

Now some of our youngest Delawareans are eligible to be vaccinated. On June 18, the CDC gave final authorization to both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for children ages 6 months through 5 years old, making vaccines available to everyone ages 6 months and older. Additionally, the following week, the CDC authorized Moderna’s vaccines for children ages 6 – 17. Pfizer’s vaccine for this age group was already authorized. Just this week, the FDA granted full approval for Pfizer’s vaccine for ages 12-15. Information about the vaccine and where you can get your child vaccinated is available at de.gov/youthvaccine

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,855,875
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 74.4% 
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 78.5%  
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 80% 
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 70.2%  

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 July 04 – July 10, 2022.

 

1.  Non-boosted: Case – Hospital – Death

Weekly Overview (07/04/22 – 07/10/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted Cases	1249
Total Cases	1888
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	66%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases	88
Total Hospitalized Cases	135
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	65%
Non-boosted Deaths
Total Non-boosted Deaths	0
Total COVID-19 Deaths	2
Percent of Non-boosted Deaths	0%

 

Long-term Care Statistics:  

As of Thursday, July 14, 2022, there have been a total of 4,150 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 969 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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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.

DOVER, DE (Jan. 21, 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 20, 2022. DPH reports a welcomed decrease in new positive cases and hospitalizations over the last week, however, both cases and hospitalizations remain elevated statewide. 

While there has been a decline in new positive cases and hospitalizations in the past week, it is important that Delawareans take important steps to keep themselves and others safe 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. Review the face covering guidance from DPH.
• 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.

You should get tested: 

• If you have symptoms, especially if unvaccinated or have an underlying health condition. 
• If you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. You should get tested 5 days after exposure if possible. 
• If you are unvaccinated (you should get tested once a week).  

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 236,022
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 2,006.6, down from 3,187.6 last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 27.2%, down  from 31% last week
• Hospitalizations: 606, a decrease of 123 from last week; critically ill: 64, a decrease of 5 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,457
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 61 including 21 from a review of vital statistic records

COVID-19 Vaccinations:  

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,620,971
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who received at least one dose (CDC data) 84.2%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 89.5%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 91.5%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 65.7%

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.10 – Jan.16. 

 

Weekly Overview (1/10/22- 1/16/22)
Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-Boosted Cases	16657
Total Cases	18910
Percent of Non-boosted cases	88.1%
Non-boosted Hospitalized Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalized cases	390
Total Hospitalized Cases	432
Percent of Non-boosted hospitalized Cases	90.3%

Weekly Overview (1/10/22- 1/16/22)
Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	10663
Total Cases	18910
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	56%
Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	263
Total Hospitalized Cases	432
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized  Cases	61%
Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	23
Total COVID-19 Deaths	35
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated COVID-19 Deaths	66%

 

  

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began): 

• Total breakthrough cases: 16,469, or 2.84% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 197
• Total breakthrough deaths: 176

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:   

Of the samples collected during the week of Dec. 31 – Jan. 6, the Omicron variant represented 94.5% of cases sequenced for a variant of concern, variant of interest, or variant being monitored. The remaining 5.5% 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. 20, there have been a total of 3,040 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 892 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.  

Flu Update: 

There were 15 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 9 – Jan. 15. As of Jan. 15, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 595 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 414 individuals from New Castle County, 77 from Kent County and 104 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; 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 Apple 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, Del. – Governor John Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced two new prizes for the DE Wins! raffle, which include floor seats at a Delaware Blue Coats game and a family membership to the YMCA of Delaware.

The Delaware Blue Coats will offer four (4) floor tickets to a 2021-2022 basketball game. The YMCA of Delaware will be offering a one-year family membership, for two parents and up to four dependents.

“Delawareans are getting vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their communities,” said Governor Carney. “That’s why we’re getting closer each day to our goal of 70 percent of Delaware adults receiving at least one shot by July 4. That’s how we’ll beat this virus and get back to doing the things we love. Thank you to the YMCA of Delaware and the Delaware Blue Coats for your partnership in this effort. Find a vaccine clinic or provider near you by visiting de.gov/getmyvaccine.”

As of Monday, June 28, 69.8 percent of Delaware adults 18+ had received at least one shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“We truly want all eligible Delawareans to get vaccinated, not just to get us to that magic 70% mark in the next few days, but afterwards as well, because it’s the single most important thing you can do to keep COVID at bay,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH Director. “Even after July 4th, we will continue our vaccination efforts, especially working to reach those in the 18-34 year old age group with information they need to make a well-informed decision. All three vaccines have been proven safe and effective.  Let’s keep the momentum going and get more people protected by getting a COVID vaccine.”

Delawareans can see the list of prizes at DEwins.org.

The DE Wins! Vaccine Incentive Program runs through Tuesday, June 29. Winners for the grand prizes of $302,000 and two low-digit license plates will be drawn on June 30. A list of prize winners can be found on dewins.org/winners.

More information can be found at DEWins.org. 

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Modification signed Tuesday makes technical changes to order

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Tuesday announced that he intends to lift the COVID-19 State of Emergency Order on July 13.

Governor Carney first signed the emergency order on March 12, 2020 to confront the spread of COVID-19 in Delaware communities.

“We now have the tools to prevent COVID-19 infection, serious illness and hospitalization,” said Governor Carney. “Get vaccinated. Ask your friends and family if they’ve received their shot. These vaccines are extremely safe and effective. Even if you’re young, healthy and not worried about the effects of COVID-19, consider doing your part. Getting vaccinated will prevent new infections among our immunocompromised neighbors, and help us keep moving past this pandemic.”

As of Monday, June 14, 68.3 percent of Delaware adults had received at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Governor Carney also signed a modification on Tuesday that makes technical changes to the 29th emergency order.

Educators and staff in schools and child care centers are not required to wear masks when children are not present, according to Tuesday’s modification. Students and staff also are not required to wear masks outdoors.

Those who are unvaccinated are still strongly encouraged to wear a mask in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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