The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the number of positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reported in the state.
Smyrna (DE): Friday night, the Department of Health reported a total of 165 total laboratory-confirmed cases in the state since March 11. This includes 22 additional cases since Thursday.
Of the Delawareans diagnosed with COVID-19, 106 are from New Castle County, 21 are from Kent County, and 38 are from Sussex County. The total number of positive cases represents a cumulative total of cases, including individuals who are currently ill, those who are considered recovered, and two deceased individuals announced on Thursday.
Of the 165 cases, 80 are male and 85 are female. The individuals range in age from 1 to 90. Twenty individuals are currently hospitalized, nine are critically ill.
According to Jen Brestel, spokeswoman for the Department of Health, “Patients are considered fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms (three days after symptoms resolve, they are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice extreme social distancing for the remaining four days).”
The source of exposure for many of these positive cases is unknown, which indicates community spread of the virus is occurring in the state. In an effort to provide more demographic information to the public, additional information has been incorporated into Delaware’s data dashboard located at de.gov/coronavirus., Brestel said.
By Saturday afternoon, DPH provided another update and have confirmed an additional 48 cases bringing the total positive cases to 213 with a total of 3 deaths compared to 2 the day before. There are currently 30 people who are hospitalized. That’s a 10 patient increase in hospitalization from the day before.
Health officials identified the man who died as a 76-year-old man from New Castle County. Health officials could not release any other information about the man but said that he had underlying health conditions prior to being hospitalized.
Earlier Thursday, officials announced the state’s first two deaths related to COVID-19. One occurred after the first known outbreak at a long-term care facility in Delaware.
The death of an 86-year-old man who had lived at Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Residence in Newark was announced Thursday night in a news release from state health officials. The man had underlying medical conditions, officials said. Six residents of the nursing home have tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of this individual’s death,” said Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker. “Unfortunately, this death and the confirmed cases at this facility underscore the need for all long-term care facilities in Delaware to follow strict screening protocols for anyone entering their facilities.”
Earlier in the day, a 66-year-old man from southern Delaware had been announced as the state’s first coronavirus death. The Sussex County man with underlying health conditions died while hospitalized out of state.
State health officials say that 9 patients have made a full recovery, however it is unknown if they made a full recovery while hospitalized or at home.
Through the Governor’s State of Emergency, Delawareans are to stay home, except if your business has been deemed essential. The Governor’s order does allow Delawareans who need to see a doctor, pick up a prescription, buy groceries, or engage in other activities essential to their health to leave their residences. If you are sick with any symptoms, stay home. 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.
Brestel said, “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. This includes people 60 years of age and older; people with serious chronic health conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease; or those who are immunocompromised.”
According to CDC recommended prevention, “For individuals who are sick, stay home and contact your primary care provider for guidance regarding symptoms and next steps. DPH recommends that individuals who are sick, even with mild symptoms that would be present with a cold or flu, are strongly advised to stay home to help prevent the spread of illness to others.”
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. Individuals awaiting test results, should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.
Delawareans with general questions about COVID-19 or their exposure risk can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899, or 711 for individuals who are hearing-impaired, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
