Among the concerns is an outbreak in Delaware’s long term care facilities where over 1,374 positive cases already exist.
DOVER (DE): Delaware officials are concerned as the daily positive covid-19 case counts continue to increase as well as hospitalizations. Health officials say Hospitalizations has increased by 25% since they last reported Delaware’s covid-19 statistics last Friday.
The number of new daily cases each day this week has remained elevated with a seven-day average of 131.1, as of Thursday.
Officials are also concerned about hospitalizations which seems to be on their latest watchlist. Health officials say 104 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 compared to last Friday’s report of 83. That represents a 25% increase in hospitalizations throughout Delaware. 21 of the hospitalizations are critically ill, up five from last week.
To date, a total of 651 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 9 additional deaths since last week’s update, including two as a result of a review of Vital Statistics records.
Among the concerns are an outbreak in Delaware’s long term care facilities. There are already over 1,374 positive cases and officials last week raised concerns of a new outbreak that has been occurring at three of the facilities since October 1, 2020.
And since the schools have started in-person classes, there have been a total of 57 students and 66 staff members who have tested positive for covid-19.
Five other states, Arizona, California, Florida, Mississippi and Texas have also reported daily increases and deaths in the past week. Previously, death rates had remained steady even as case numbers rose in those states.
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Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and rates information by ZIP code, and information on Delaware’s contact tracing efforts 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 or 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.
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Information about testing events, including community testing sites, permanent fixed 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: coronavirus.delaware.gov/testing/.
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.
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