After thousands attended a Bridgeville area rodeo event last Sunday, officials are encouraging attendees of the event to waste no time in getting tested for COVID-19.
DOVER (DE): The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is strongly encouraging COVID-19 testing for anyone who attended a rodeo event that took place Sunday, September 6, 2020, at Rancho El 24 in Bridgeville.
According to a news release, Individuals who attended this event are advised to get tested as soon as possible at a site most convenient to them by visiting the testing calendar on the state’s coronavirus website at de.gov/gettested.
Officials say, DPH and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) will hold a free testing event on Friday, September 11, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., at Woodbridge Middle School, 307 S Laws St., Bridgeville. This testing event will also be open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, and can be completed at delaware.curativeinc.com.
“There is significant concern for community spread of the virus as a result of this event,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We want to make sure that everyone who attended that event knows they’re at risk. It is important that anyone attending the event get tested as soon as possible to identify if they have been infected by the virus that causes COVID-19 and that they take the steps to isolate and protect their friends and family from also contracting the disease.”
Gov. John Carney was displeased and mad as hell when he spoke of the unauthorized event taking place at his Tuesday’s coronavirus news conference.
“I was very disturbed by photographs that I saw, that’s clearly not allowed–a gathering like that…I didn’t see folks wearing masks, and I saw people shoulder-to-shoulder, which is not currently permitted. It is, frankly, a prescription for disaster–a super-spreader as they call it–and it shouldn’t occur.”
There’s no word yet on how the event even took place without officials knowing about it.
Information about current and future testing sites is available at de.gov/gettested. The latest data on COVID-19 cases and deaths can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal at de.gov/healthycommunity.
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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, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache, congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider. 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: HSPContact@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open 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.
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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