As we dig deeper into the summer months, coronavirus (covid-19) begins to see a surge in daily positive cases across the globe. The fear of a second wave is beginning to set in.

Smyrna (DE): 21 States have seen an increase in their daily average of coronavirus (covid-19) cases. Alabama, Oregon, and South Carolina are among the states with the biggest increases. According to state data, Alabama saw a 92 percent change in its seven-day average, while Oregon’s seven-day average was up 83.8 percent and South Carolina’s was up 60.3 percent. Since Memorial Day, hospitalizations have increased as well.

Coronavirus (covid-19) is not just increasing here in the United States but also around the globe. Worried about a second wave of infections, one of the largest meat and vegetable markets which is also very popular to it’s residents was closed down in Beijing, following the discovery of a cluster of new cases.

And while Brazil’s death toll surpasses Britain, Russia more than doubled its official death toll related to covid-19 for April.

Back here in Delaware, we have seen a slow increase in daily case numbers. While New Castle County leads the state with the highest positive cases, Sussex County is on Delaware officials latest watch list after a group of teens who tested positive for covid-19, shared a rental unit at a Bethany Beach location with others. State officials say they possibly exposed up to 100 people or more.

Officials also say they also joined several gatherings in Rehoboth Beach during senior week activities. However, it is unknown if the teens were tested prior to their stay in Bethany Beach.

On Sunday, state officials reported one more additional fatality related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In total, 435 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 21 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 231 were females and 204 were males. A total of 197 individuals were from New Castle County, 84 were from Kent County, and 154 were from Sussex County.

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The most recent death announced today involved an 85-year-old male long-term care resident of Sussex County who had underlying health conditions.

The latest Delaware COVID-19 case statistics* cumulatively since March 11, provided as of 6 p.m., Saturday, June 20, include:

• 10,775 total positive cases
• New Castle County cases: 4,647
• Kent County cases: 1,613
• Sussex County cases: 4,495
• Unknown County: 20
• Females: 5,968; Males: 4,788; Unknown: 19
• Age range: 0 to 104
• Currently hospitalized: 79; Critically ill:15 (This data represents individuals currently hospitalized in a Delaware hospital regardless of residence, and is not  cumulative.)
• Delawareans recovered: 6,459
• 84,199 negative cases**

Information about testing events, including community testing sites and free-standing sites operated by the health care systems and hospitals, will be listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at: https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.  Please note for saliva-based testing events that while long-term care facilities are listed on the Curative registration site, they are not community-based testing sites. The long-term care facility registrations are not open to the public nor to family members of long-term care residents.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, 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.

Individuals who have complaints about individuals violating public gathering restrictions should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: COVID.DOJ@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses reopen should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov.

Individuals with 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 info@delaware211.org. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.  Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.      

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.