Monday saw the lowest positive case increase since the state reported it’s first positive case back in March.
Smyrna (DE): State health officials report only 118 additional positive cases with one death and 82 additional recoveries. This could be the sign Delaware Governor John Carney has been looking for. We might not be there yet but it’s definitely a start as Carney works to reopen Delaware’s economy.
Last week, Carney allowed some non-essential businesses to open with restrictions, but not all businesses were allowed to open under Carney’s new modification to his state of emergency.
Retailers that were allowed to open included clothing stores, shoe stores, sporting goods, hobby, musical instruments, book, periodical, music stores, department stores, tobacco and Vape, other general merchandise, office supply, stationery, and gift stores. Used merchandise stores and consumer goods rental was also allowed to reopen.
All retailers that were allowed to reopen for curbside must continue to adhere to Carney’s social distancing guidelines. Facial coverings while in any public establishment is also required.
“I understand how hard this has been for Delawareans across our state. We’ve tried to find ways to ease the pain without compromising public health,” said Governor Carney. “But even these limited steps allowing businesses to offer additional services will require strict compliance with safety standards, especially social distancing. We cannot afford to go backwards and see new cases and hospitalizations spike. Getting used to a new normal won’t be easy, but this is the first step to being able to reopen our economy.”
On Monday, Delaware saw it’s lowest reporting of positive cases in the state since the first case was reported back in March. the Department of Health say there was 118 positive cases with 82 additional recoveries, and one additional fatality related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
In total, 225 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 22 to 103 years old. Of those who have died, 121 were females and 104 were males.
A total of 95 individuals were from New Castle County, 39 were from Kent County, and 91 were from Sussex County.
The most recent death announced today was a 54-year-old female long-term care resident from Kent County with underlying health conditions.
The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m., Sunday, May 10, include:
- 6,565 total positive cases
- New Castle County cases: 2,390
- Kent County cases: 1,044
- Sussex County cases: 3,091
- Unknown County: 40
- Females: 3,566; Males: 2,972; Unknown: 27
- Age range: 0 to 103
- Currently hospitalized: 275; Critically ill: 58
- Delawareans recovered: 2,619
- 25,363 negative cases**
Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and rates information by ZIP code, can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal.
Expanded community testing is occurring in Sussex County. Sites can be found at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/. These sites do not require a physician’s order. These community testing sites are for community members and employees along the Route 113 corridor in Sussex County, including areas as far west as Seaford/Laurel with a focus on employees of essential businesses, at-risk populations and their families, those exposed to someone with COVID-19, or someone caring for a sick family member with COVID-19. The hours of operation for these sites may be limited by the number of supplies available for the specific event.
If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste. Other symptoms such as headache or digestive symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite) have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation. 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.
If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions – including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment – may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
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. In New Castle County, individuals can call ChristianaCare at 1-302-733-1000 and Sussex County residents who do not have a provider can call the Beebe COVID-19 Screening Line at 302-645-3200. Individuals awaiting test results should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.
The Governor recently announced a significant statewide expansion of the state’s COVID-19 testing program, in partnership with Delaware’s hospital systems, community health care centers, primary care providers, and long-term care facilities. The new testing program will allow the State of Delaware to conduct 80,000 tests monthly – more than four times the current level of testing statewide.
Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
In addition, the Division of Public Health asks any Delaware health care, long-term care, residential, or other high-risk facility with questions or concerns to email: DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call the DPH Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 and press ext. 2.
Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
