With farmers markets opening across the state on Friday along with Rehoboth beach and boardwalk, some are wondering if it is really time to begin lifting restrictions after a slight increase in positive cases in Delaware.
Smyrna (DE): We’ve seen it all too much lately. The number of positive cases appear high then suddenly we have a decrease for a day then it jumps back up slightly. This could be a sign that not all Delawareans are adhering to Governor Carney’s stay at home and social distancing requirements to put Delaware on the path to reopening the economy.
On Tuesday afternoon, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced 176 additional positive cases with 12 additional deaths and 183 additional recoveries related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). That’s 58 more cases compared to yesterday.
Editors Note: All data in this article reflects data received as of 6 p.m. the previous day from the Delaware Department of Health.
Since the first case in March, a total, 237 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Those who have dies from COVID-19 ranged in age from 22 to 103 years old. 126 of those deaths were females and 111 were males.
A total of 100 individuals were from New Castle County, 43 were from Kent County, 93 were from Sussex County, and one individual’s county of residence is unknown at this time.
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The most recent deaths announced today ranged in age from 66 to 89. Five were female and seven were male. Five were New Castle County residents, four were Kent County residents, two were Sussex County residents, and one individual’s county of residence is unknown at this time.
All 12 of the individuals had underlying health conditions. Seven of the individuals were residents of long-term care facilities.
The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m., Monday, May 11, include:
- 6,741 total positive cases
- New Castle County cases: 2,440
- Kent County cases: 1,060
- Sussex County cases: 3,205
- Unknown County: 36
- Females: 3,671; Males: 3,046; Unknown: 24
- Age range: 0 to 103
- Currently hospitalized: 276; Critically ill: 63 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not cumulative.)
- Delawareans recovered: 2,802
- 26,550 negative cases**
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.
Delaware is considering patients fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms. Three days after symptoms resolve, patients are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice strict social distancing for the remaining four days before returning to their normal daily routine.
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.
