Category: Public Health

NEW CASTLE (March 3, 2022)– The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) is hosting free monthly Naloxone Access Training for all members of the community. All trainings can be found here: http://delaware-DSAMH.eventbrite.com

Naloxone, known commonly by the brand-name Narcan, is a medication that is effective in reversing the effects of an opioid overdose in an individual. This is a free training and is open to the public. Participants will learn how to recognize and appropriately respond to an opioid overdose and are eligible to receive an Opioid Rescue Kit at the conclusion of their training. For more information, questions, or to schedule a group training, please email Narcan.train@delaware.gov or call 302-255-2777.

“Naloxone saves lives,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “Until we can connect a person suffering from opioid use disorder to treatment, we will work with individuals, loved ones and concerned members of the community to make sure they are prepared to respond if an overdose does occur. We urge anyone who needs access to naloxone to attend one of these free training sessions, where they also will receive an Opioid Rescue Kit.”

Each training has two sessions available. The first session is a 30- to 45-minute classroom-style training in small groups with an informative presentation and plenty of time for practice and questions. This is the best option for all audiences. The second session is a Point of Distribution (POD)-style training event best for returning trainees, or those who have used their naloxone kit previously. The POD session is open for one hour, but participants should plan only for a 15-minute window to complete the training during this hour. Participants do NOT need to attend for the full hour of the POD session. At the completion of both training sessions, each participant is eligible to receive an Opioid Rescue Kit.

Trainings are currently being held monthly at the following venues, dates, and times. Due to ongoing and changing COVID-19 precautions, all attendees are asked to register via the EventBrite page to ensure compliance with state and facility/site restrictions. Available tickets through http://delaware-DSAMH.eventbrite.com will be updated to reflect current capacity limitations at each location.

STARTING IN MARCH
Chapel on the DHSS Campus, 1901 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720

3rd Saturday of each month 11 a.m.-noon (training); noon-1 p.m. (POD)

Dover Public Library, 35 Loockerman Plaza, Dover, DE 19901

3rd Saturday of each month 2-3 p.m. (training); 3-4 p.m. (POD)

4th Thursday of each month 6-7 p.m. (training); 7-8 p.m. (POD)

Georgetown Public Library, 123 W. Pine St., Georgetown, DE 19947

1st Tuesday of each month 5-6 p.m. (training); 6-7: p.m. (POD)

Lewes Public Library, 111 Adams Ave., Lewes, DE 19958

2nd Saturday of each month 1-2 p.m. (training); 2-3 p.m. (POD)

Shipley State Service Center, 350 Virginia Ave, Seaford, DE 19973

3rd Tuesday of each month 11 a.m.-noon (training); noon-1 p.m. (POD)

Ocean View Police Department Training Room, 201 Central Ave., Ocean View, DE 19970

4th Thursday of each month 2-3 p.m. (training); 3-4 p.m. (POD)

STARTING IN APRIL

Chapel on the DHSS Campus, 1901 North DuPont Highway, New Castle, DE 19720

2nd Thursday of each month 11 a.m.-noon (training); noon-1 p.m. (POD)

Bear Library, 101 Governors Place, Bear, DE 19701

4th Monday of each month 5-6 p.m. (training); 6-7 p.m. (POD)

If you or a loved one is suffering from substance use disorder and need support, call DHSS’ 24/7 and confidential Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE (1-833-946-7333). A trained professional can offer a connection to treatment resources or services. For more information on overdose prevention, visit HelpIsHereDE.com.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

NEW CASTLE (March 2, 2022)– Delaware households with children affected by school closures or reduced in-person hours or attendance caused by COVID-19 will receive emergency food assistance benefits under the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) program. Eligible households will receive P-EBT benefits for each school day that their child did not receive meals at school during the current school year because of a COVID-related reason.

The State’s Division of Social Services, collaborating with the State’s Department of Education, will issue P-EBT benefits beginning Thursday, March 3. Benefits will be available on recipients’ EBT cards beginning Friday, March 4. The dates that benefits will be issued to individual households depend on when the Division of Social Services receives eligibility and attendance data from each school. Some households may experience a delay in receiving benefits, and benefits may become available within two or more weeks from the monthly issuance date.

“While Delaware schools have operated in person for the vast majority of the school year, we know that the Delta and Omicron surges, in particular, did impact in-person learning,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik. “Today, the transmission of COVID-19 is significantly reduced across our state, but we are still seeing cases in people of all ages, including students. When vulnerable students miss school for any COVID-related reason, that impacts their access to free or reduced-price meals. This temporary assistance will help affected families continue to provide a nutritious diet, which is essential to their children’s health and, in turn, strengthens their children’s ability to learn.”

The Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020 (PL 116-127), as amended by the Continuing Appropriations Act 2021 and Other Extensions Act (PL 116-159), the Consolidated Appropriations Act 2021 (PL 116-260), and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (PL 117-2) allows P-EBT to be extended through the 2021-2022 school year. Delaware will issue P-EBT benefits for August 2021 through June 2022 using the following schedule:

P-EBT benefit month	Date benefits will be available on EBT cards beginning
August 2021 & September 2021	March 4, 2022
October 2021 & November 2021	April 8, 2022
December 2021 & January 2022	May 6, 2022
February 2022 & March 2022	June 3, 2022
April 2022 & May 2022	July 1, 2022
June 2022	July 15, 2022

Children enrolled in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade at a Delaware school are eligible for P-EBT benefits for the 2021-2022 school year if two conditions are met:

• The child is certified either directly, through categorical eligibility, or through an application to receive free or reduced-price meals or attends a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school where all students receive free meals through the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program; and
• The child is not able to receive free or reduced-price meals at school because the school was closed or the child had an excused absence or attended school virtually due to a COVID-related reason.

Households will receive $7.10 for each school day that their child did not receive meals at school because the school was closed or the child had an excused absence or attended school virtually due to a COVID-related reason. The P-EBT benefit amount equals the federal reimbursement rate for breakfast, lunch, and a snack of $7.10 per child per eligible school day. Households will receive P-EBT benefits for all eligible children in their home in monthly issuances. Households will not receive P-EBT for the days that their children attended school in-person and received meals at school or for absent days that are not due to COVID.

P-EBT benefits may be used to purchase food at stores that accept SNAP EBT cards. SNAP households will have P-EBT benefits loaded to their existing SNAP EBT cards. Households that do not receive SNAP will have P-EBT benefits loaded to the P-EBT card that was sent to them in a previous school year. Newly eligible non-SNAP households will receive a P-EBT card in the mail along with details on how to use the card.

Eligible households will receive written notification in the mail regarding P-EBT benefits for the 2021-2022 school year. P-EBT eligibility is based on information received from Delaware schools.

Please contact the Division of Social Services at 1-866-843-7212 if you have questions about Delaware’s P-EBT program. Up-to-date P-EBT information can be found on Delaware’s P-EBT website.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, DE (February 25, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, Feb 24, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 256,337
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 127, a decrease of 105.6 from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 5.0%, a decrease of 3.4 percentage points from last week
• Hospitalizations: 98, a decrease of 45 from last week; critically ill: 11, a decrease of 2 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,706
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 46, including 28 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,687,413
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.5%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.9%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.4%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.5%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.. For information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Feb. 14– Feb. 20.

Weekly Overview (2/14/22– 2/20/22)	# of Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated	748
Total Cases	1390
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	54%

Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	36
Total Hospitalized	59
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	61%

Deaths	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	15
Total Covid-19 deaths	18
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	83%

Weekly Overview (2/14/22– 2/20/22)	# of Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted	1100
Total	1390
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	79%

Non-boosted Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalizations	52
Total Hospitalizations	59
Percent of Non-boosted Hospitalizations	88%

Non-boosted Deaths	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Deaths	16
Total COVID-19 Deaths	18
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	89%

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

• Total breakthrough cases: 21,924, or 3.68% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 280
• Total breakthrough deaths: 256

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more.

*Please note, these data may be updated as additional information is received.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, Feb. 24, there have been a total of 3,126 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 908 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 17 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 13– Feb. 19. As of Feb. 19, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 658 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 441 individuals from New Castle County, 87 from Kent County and 130 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab.

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov.

Resources

Individuals with general 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 delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday– Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 22, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Social Services will issue emergency benefits for February to eligible households as part of the State’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Benefits will be issued as part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and two cash assistance programs– Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and General Assistance (GA). The SNAP emergency food benefit will be issued Wednesday, Feb. 23, and should be available on recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards Thursday, Feb. 24. TANF and GA households should receive an emergency cash benefit check on or after Thursday, Feb. 24.

All households with open SNAP cases will receive at least $95 in emergency food benefits, to be issued as follows:

• SNAP households receiving the maximum food benefit amount for their household size or a prorated initial benefit will receive $95 in emergency food benefits.
• SNAP households with a calculated emergency food benefit amount less than $95 will have their emergency benefit increased to $95.
• SNAP households with a calculated emergency benefit amount of $95 or more will continue to receive the calculated emergency benefit amount to increase the household’s monthly benefit up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size.

The emergency assistance for TANF and GA families will increase a household’s monthly benefit for each program up to the maximum benefit amount for their household size. Households that already receive the maximum TANF or GA benefit amount or that have a prorated benefit in the month of January are not eligible for the September emergency cash funds.

The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) has issued emergency benefits each month to eligible households as part of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act of 2020, which was signed into law in March 2020.

“The past few months of the pandemic have been challenging for Delawareans, especially for vulnerable individuals and families,” said DHSS Secretary Molly Magarik. “These continued emergency benefits offer much-needed support to those impacted by the Omicron surge and now as we start on the path to recovery. We are thankful to the federal government and Delaware’s Congressional Delegation for their ongoing support in providing these crucial and necessary benefits that will help us ensure everyone is able to participate fully in the recovery.”

How the monthly emergency benefit is calculated: A household’s monthly emergency benefit equals the current maximum benefit amount for the household size minus the household’s current monthly benefit amount. For example, based on current USDA limits for SNAP benefits, if a household of one gets $100 in regular monthly benefits, that household will receive $150 in emergency benefits ($250 maximum benefit minus $100 monthly benefit).

Here are the current maximum monthly benefit amounts per household size for SNAP, TANF, and General Assistance:

Emergency SNAP Benefits

Number in SNAP Household	Maximum Benefit Amount New increased amount effective 10/2021
1	$250
2	$459
3	$658
4	$835
5	$992
6	$1,190
7	$1,316
8	$1,504
Each additional person	$188

An estimated 58,222 Delaware households will receive the emergency SNAP allotment in February, totaling about $11.4 million in emergency food benefits for the month.

Emergency cash benefits

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Number in TANF Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$201
2	$270
3	$338
4	$407
5	$475
6	$544
7	$612
8	$681
9	$750
10	$819

General Assistance (GA)

Number in GA Household	Maximum Benefit Amount
1	$79
2	$107
3	$144
4	$169
5	$209
6	$239

An estimated 153 households will be eligible to receive emergency cash assistance benefits in February, totaling about $21,866 in emergency benefits for the month.

In addition to the emergency benefits, households will receive their regular benefits for January on the usual issuance dates.

For more information about DSS’s benefit programs in response to the pandemic, go to division’s webpage.

To apply for benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST or call 1-866-843-7212. To reduce the potential spread of COVID-19, clients are asked to contact the Division of Social Services by phone or online. If clients do need an in-person appointment, they are reminded that face masks are required for all state employees and visitors to state offices and facilities.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 21, 2022)– A Dover primary care office is expanding behavioral health services for LGBTQ individuals thanks to federal grant funding. A Peaceful Place Integrated Care is using the grant to support the addition of a certified drug and alcohol counselor, a licensed clinical social worker, and a peer navigator to help treat patients with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health issues. The funds also support the use of telehealth to help patients continue accessing treatment.

A Peaceful Place is a minority-owned, woman-owned primary care office run by Ericka Daniel, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and family nurse practitioner. Daniel decided to open a practice that focuses on the unique needs of the LGBTQ population after she completed training in transgender health and non-binary gender education and realized there are few service providers with this specialized knowledge in Delaware.

“I would go to refer patients to LGBTQ-affirming health providers and realized there were hardly any,” Daniel said. ‘So, I decided to start my own practice.”

Daniel’s office provides primary care and wraparound behavioral health support services. Although she accepts all patients for primary health care, she seeks to create an environment that is especially LGBTQ-affirming. For example, the practice provides gender-affirming hormones for transgender individuals.

The practice also welcomes those who have substance use disorders and those diagnosed with hepatitis C. Daniel prescribes buprenorphine in both the oral and injectable forms, as well as naltrexone and vivitrol.

The Delaware Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) oversees the $37 million State Opioid Response (SOR) grant from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the source of the funding for A Peaceful Place. Rick Urey, Chief of Addiction Services at DSAMH, said that partnering with LGBTQ-friendly health care providers is critical to ensuring a pathway for all patients who need treatment for substance use disorders.

“We want anyone who needs treatment services to feel like they have places they can go where they are welcomed and respected,” Urey said. “Having an LGBTQ-friendly primary care office that also offers behavioral health services is a huge asset for our community. Not all health care providers understand how to prescribe medication for opiate use disorders, let alone how to integrate it with the specific health care needs of LGBTQ patients, especially those on hormone therapy.”

Daniel’s decision to integrate behavioral health services with primary care is driven by the frequent co-occurrence of mental health and substance use disorders in the LGBTQ community, as well as first-hand experience with her patients’ needs.

“LGBTQ patients have often suffered a series of traumatic experiences that can have a substantial effect on their physical and mental health,” Daniel said. “Due to perceptions about their lifestyle, it might have been separation, abandonment, and being ostracized by their faith communities. This causes a lot of trauma and people begin to self-medicate to numb that pain, which can lead to addiction and other risky behaviors.”

According to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, sexual minority adults are nearly twice as likely as their heterosexual counterparts to suffer from substance use disorder. Moreover, there were huge treatment gaps: less than 14% of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults with SUD reported not receiving treatment during the 2019 survey. A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh found that nearly 1 in 10 gay/lesbian youth reported a history of heroin use compared to 4.1% of bisexual and 1.1% of heterosexual young people.

Some of the contributing factors to a higher prevalence of substance use among sexual minorities may include social exclusion, physical abuse, rejection by family or community, or other types of discrimination. A widely cited study from the University of Michigan found that LGB adults who have experienced multiple forms of discrimination are four times more likely to experience substance use disorder.

“I don’t want them to have to worry about facing rejection by another health care provider,” Daniel said. “It’s critical that they can have their needs met for their opiate use disorder and/or hormone replacement therapy in a setting that is respectful and nonjudgmental.”

Trust built over time is critical for developing the best health care plans with her patients. “Some patients initially try to hide their addiction from their primary care physician, but when they come to us, we take a holistic approach to talking about their health, and over time they become comfortable talking with me about more aspects of their health,” Daniel said.

When clients faced financial problems, Daniel has applied for the state’s Opioid Impact Fee Fund scholarships to ensure their recovery is not jeopardized. “I’ve used this fund for hotel stays and to pay for utilities for patients who were struggling financially,” she says. The fund, established through Senate Bill 34, was signed into law in 2019 and has been administered by DSAMH. Nearly 600 scholarships for housing, transportation, basic necessities, and other needs have been awarded to date to support the recovery of people with substance use disorders.

“This is a judgment-free zone,” Daniel said of A Peaceful Place. “Everyone has a messy life, so don’t let that stop you from coming in. We just want you to be healthy, to be well, to live how you want to live, according to your own yardstick.”

Learn more about health care services provided by A Peaceful Place at www.apeacefulplaceintegratedcare.com or by calling 302-264-9436.

If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use disorder, you are encouraged to call DHSS’ 24/7 free and confidential Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE or text CONNECT to 55753.

Funding for these initiatives is supplied by grant number 5H79TI083305-02 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or polices of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, DE (February 11, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, Feb 17, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 254,719
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 232.6, a decrease of 146.1 from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 8.4%, a decrease of 1.8 percentage points from last week
• Hospitalizations: 148, a decrease of 54 from last week; critically ill: 13, a decrease of 8 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,660
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 59, including 36 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,679,444
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.2%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.7%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.2%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.2%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.. For information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Feb. 7– Feb. 13.

Weekly Overview (2/7/22– 2/13/22)	# of Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated	1161
Total Cases	2207
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	53%

Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	57
Total Hospitalized	109
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	52%

Deaths	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	19
Total Covid-19 deaths	25
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	76%

Weekly Overview (2/7/22– 2/13/22)	# of Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted	1781
Total	2207
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	81%

Non-boosted Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalizations	92
Total Hospitalizations	109
Percent of Non-boosted Hospitalizations	84%

Non-boosted Deaths	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Deaths	22
Total COVID-19 Deaths	25
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	88%

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

• Total breakthrough cases: 21,600, or 3.64% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 257
• Total breakthrough deaths: 253

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more.

*Please note, these data may be updated as additional information is received.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, Feb. 17, there have been a total of 3,057 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 902 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 13 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 6– Feb. 12. As of Feb. 12, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 640 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 435 individuals from New Castle County, 85 from Kent County and 120 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab.

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov.

Resources

Individuals with general 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 delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday– Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, DE (February 11, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, Feb 10, 2022. Over the past month, the state has seen a significant decrease in the average percentage of tests that are positive, declining from 32% on Jan. 11, 2022, to 10% on Feb. 10, 2022. The declining trends present a bright spot for the pandemic, however DPH continues to reinforce the importance of infection prevention and vaccination, particularly the role of boosters in providing increased protection against COVID-19.

Between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6, 82% of people who tested positive for COVID-19 in Delaware had not received a booster. The same was true for 81% of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study from April to December of 2021 showed people who were not vaccinated had five times higher risk of getting COVID-19 than adults who had been fully vaccinated and received a booster. Another CDC study showed getting a booster reduces chance of needing to go to the emergency room or being hospitalized by 94% compared to being unvaccinated.

“We know that getting vaccinated and boosted is key to reducing the chance of getting sick,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. She adds “Boosters are effective and extremely important for preventing infections but, more importantly, hospitalizations and deaths. Unfortunately, we surpassed 2600 COVID-19 related deaths this week. We have lost more than 400 Delawareans since Thanksgiving, most of whom were not up to date with their vaccines.” Booster vaccinations are available at any locations that offer the initial COVID-19 vaccine series.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 253,010
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 378.7, a decrease of 228 from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 10.2%, a decrease of 5.3 percentage points from last week
• Hospitalizations: 202, a decrease of 120 from last week; critically ill: 21, a decrease of 15 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,601
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 38, including 12 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,669,853
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 70.8%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75.4%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.9%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 66.8%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.. For information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Jan.31– Feb. 6.

Weekly Overview (1/31/22– 2/6/22)	# of Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated	1838
Total Cases	3294
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	56%

Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	61
Total Hospitalized	101
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	60%

Deaths	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	22
Total Covid-19 deaths	29
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	76%

Weekly Overview (1/31/22– 2/6/22)	# of Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted	2699
Total	3294
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	82%

Non-boosted Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalizations	82
Total Hospitalizations	101
Percent of Non-boosted Hospitalizations	81%

Non-boosted Deaths	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Deaths	25
Total COVID-19 Deaths	29
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	86%

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

• Total breakthrough cases: 21,004, or 3.56% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 240
• Total breakthrough deaths: 230

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more.

*Please note, these data may be updated as additional information is received.

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:

The Division of Public Health this week launched a COVID-19 variant chart on its My Healthy Community COVID-19 data dashboard. The data show the weekly proportion of sequenced cases identified as Delta or Omicron over time. Because this data is now easily accessible through the data dashboard, DPH will discontinue this section of the weekly update going forward. The public is encouraged to visit de.gov/healthycommunity for the latest variant data for Delaware.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, Feb. 10, there have been a total of 3,052 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 897 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 10 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 30– Feb. 5, 2022. As of Feb. 5, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 626 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 432 individuals from New Castle County, 84 from Kent County and 110 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab.

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov.

Resources

Individuals with general 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 delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday– Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, DE (February 4, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, Feb 3, 2022. Although DPH reports decreasing data trends in hospitalization and new positive cases, it warns against complacency. Delawareans should continue to exercise caution by wearing a mask in public and getting vaccinated to protect themselves against the deadly virus and its variants. Coronavirus deaths continue to account for double-digit deaths in Delaware each week this year.

Disinformation campaigns continue to cause panic that DPH and other states are forced to clarify. Vaccine misinformation leading to vaccination avoidance could contribute to deaths caused by virus. If you have a concern about how the vaccines work or how it provides the support your body needs to better fight off this deadly virus, please talk with your doctor and review the article from the CDC titled “The Immune System-the Body’s Defense Against Infection.”

• Get vaccinated and boosted. COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer the best protection against infection, hospitalization and death.
• Wear a well-fitting mask in public and when around others outside of your household. Make sure your mask fits properly over your nose and mouth.
• Stay home if you have symptoms or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Avoid non-essential in-person social gatherings.
• Go to the emergency room if you have a true emergency, but do not go to the ER only for a COVID-19 test. Our hospitals are strained, and emergency departments need to be preserved for life-threatening emergencies.
• Get tested if:
  • You have symptoms.
  • It has been five days after you were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • You are unvaccinated (those not vaccinated should be tested once per week).

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 250,311
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 606.7, a decrease of 605.9 from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 15.5%, a decrease of 2.8 percentage points from last week
• Hospitalizations: 322, a decrease of 131 from last week; critically ill: 36, a decrease of 12 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,563
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 65, including 15 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,656,842
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 70.3%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 75%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.6%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 66.4%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.. For information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Jan.24– Jan. 30.

Weekly Overview (1/24/22– 1/30/22)	# of Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated	3834
Total Cases	6794
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	56%

Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	128
Total Hospitalized	220
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	58%

Deaths	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	22
Total Covid-19 deaths	34
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	65%

Weekly Overview (1/24/22– 1/30/22)	# of Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted	5697
Total	6794
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	84%

# of Non-boosted Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalizations	189
Total Hospitalizations	220
Percent of Non-boosted Hospitalizations	86%

Non-boosted Deaths	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Deaths	29
Total COVID-19 Deaths	34
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	85%

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

• Total breakthrough cases: 20,211, or 3.4% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 224
• Total breakthrough deaths: 211

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more.

*Please note, these data may be updated as additional information is received.

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:

Of the samples collected during the week of Jan. 14– Jan. 20, the Omicron variant represented 96.5% of cases sequenced for a variant of concern, variant of interest, or variant being monitored. The remaining 3.5% of sequenced cases were identified as Delta.

As a reminder, DPH is now providing variant data based on sample collection date rather than sequencing date, due to the length of time between sample collection (when a person is tested) and when samples are sequenced by laboratories, which can be lagged by two weeks or longer. This will more accurately reflect the proportion of specific variants that are circulating in the community at various points in time.

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory and other laboratories regularly monitor for the presence of COVID-19 variants, including Delta and Omicron, through routine genomic sequencing of test specimens. Genome sequencing is a public health surveillance tool used to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 variants; it is not used to diagnose individuals with a specific strain of COVID-19, as treatment recommendations do not differ based on variant strains. COVID-19 tests identify current infection of COVID-19, but do not identify a specific variant of the virus the individual might have.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, Feb. 3, there have been a total of 3,048 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 897 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were seven laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 23– Jan. 29. As of Jan. 29, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 614 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 427 individuals from New Castle County, 81 from Kent County and 106 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab.

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov.

Resources

Individuals with general 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 delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday– Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

NEW CASTLE (Feb. 3, 2022) – With strong public demand for coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhanced federal subsidies, and Delaware’s reinsurance program keeping the cost of monthly premiums relatively steady, enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace for 2022 set an all-time high, increasing 26.8% over the open enrollment total for 2021.

During Delaware’s ninth open enrollment period, which began on Nov. 1, 2021, and ended Jan. 15, 2022, a total of 32,113 Delawareans enrolled for health insurance on HealthCare.gov. During the previous year, sign-ups during the open enrollment period totaled 25,320.

For those who enrolled by Dec. 15, 2021, and paid their first premium, coverage began Jan. 1, 2022. For those who enrolled by Jan. 15, 2022, and paid their first premium, coverage began Feb. 1, 2022.

“We are pleased that an increasing number of Delawareans decided to buy coverage through Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace,” Governor John Carney said. “Being able to provide access to high-quality, affordable health care is one of the cornerstones of the Affordable Care Act. We are grateful to the Biden administration and the Congressional Delegation for providing enhanced federal subsidies on the marketplace plans to help improve access to health insurance for Delawareans.”

The Biden administration used American Rescue Plan Act funds to increase tax credits and expand subsidies further into the middle class. For instance, a family of four (both parents in their 40s) making $50,000 were eligible for a tax credit of roughly $16,500, compared with $14,300 previously. The vast majority of enrollees on Delaware’s marketplace were eligible for financial assistance, which helps to reduce the cost of monthly premiums and/or deductibles, and also lowers out-of-pocket health care costs.

“As we begin the recovery from COVID-19, providing this crucial access to high-quality, affordable health care is another way we will improve the overall health and well-being of Delawareans,” said Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik. “We urge everyone to use their coverage to get caught up on necessary screenings, vaccines and annual check-ups, and to work with health care providers to manage chronic health conditions, address emerging health care needs, and to improve their overall physical and behavioral health.”

Delawareans were able to choose from 13 health plans on the health insurance marketplace through Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware. Two dental insurers– Delta Dental of Delaware, Inc. and Dominion Dental Services, Inc.– offer stand-alone dental plans on the marketplace. Monthly premiums for the 2022 health plans were about 3% higher on average than the 2021 plans due in part to increases in prescription costs and an anticipation of elective procedures resuming after being postponed due to the pandemic. This year’s single-digit increase in premiums follows decreases the previous two enrollment years, totaling more than 19%. Federal subsidies cut consumer costs across the country by an average of 40%, negating the small increase in base rates.

“Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace has seen great success in reducing our uninsured population– but the fact is that the pandemic increased it due to loss of employer-provided coverage. With the federal subsidies expanding, the 2021 Special Enrollment Period, and an extended enrollment period for 2022 plans, we were able to reach many of those in need of comprehensive coverage at an affordable price,” said Insurance Commissioner Trinidad Navarro.> “It is my hope that Congress will not let the enhanced assistance expire at the end of the year so we can continue to serve those economically disadvantaged and middle-income families who have been hit hardest by the financial impacts of the pandemic.”

In June 2019, Governor Carney signed enabling legislation to create a reinsurance program in Delaware, and in August 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) authorized the program. The program has lowered health insurance premiums for plans sold in the individual insurance market by partially reimbursing insurers for high-cost health care claims through a fund that uses a mix of federal funding and assessments collected by the Delaware Department of Insurance from health insurance carriers. Because the insurers’ claims costs are lower, the insurers can reduce the cost of premiums or limit increases. Delaware’s reinsurance program, which began Jan. 1, 2020, is administered by the Delaware Health Care Commission.

In September 2021, the Biden administration awarded Delaware $10.8 million through CMS to improve access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage through its section 1332 state-based reinsurance waiver.

With the end of open enrollment on the health insurance marketplace, Delawareans can enroll for coverage only if they experience a life event that qualifies them for a special enrollment period. Among the many qualifying life events are birth or adoption of a child, a permanent move, loss of other coverage through a job, and marriage or divorce. Visit HealthCare.gov/screener/ to see if you qualify.

In addition to the health insurance marketplace, some Delawareans might be eligible for coverage through Delaware’s expanded Medicaid program, which is open year-round. More than 10,000 Delawareans have received coverage under the Medicaid expansion. To be screened for eligibility or to apply for Medicaid benefits, go to Delaware ASSIST.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DOVER, DE (Jan. 28, 2022)– The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, Jan 27, 2022. DPH reports a 57 percent decrease in the seven-day average of new positive cases reported since the peak of the surge on Jan. 12, 2022. The current seven-day average of new positive cases reported has declined to 1,448 as of Thursday. Jan. 27.

Case totals remain elevated, so Delawareans should continue to take important steps to keep themselves and others safe and to maintain positive new data trends.

• Get vaccinated and boosted. COVID-19 vaccines continue to offer the best protection against infection, hospitalization and death.
• Wear a well-fitting mask in public and when around others outside of your household. Make sure your mask fits properly over your nose and mouth.
• Stay home if you have symptoms or if you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. Avoid non-essential in-person social gatherings.
• Go to the emergency room if you have a true emergency, but do not go to the ER only for a COVID-19 test. Our hospitals are strained, and emergency departments need to be preserved for life-threatening emergencies.
• Get tested if:
  • You have symptoms.
  • It has been five days after you were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
  • You are unvaccinated (those not vaccinated should be tested once per week).

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 246,037
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 1448.9, a decrease of 683.2 from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 21.6%, a decrease of 6 percentage points from last week
• Hospitalizations: 453, a decrease of 168 from last week; critically ill: 47, a decrease of 21 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,498
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 48, including 7 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,642,264
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 85%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who have received at least one dose (CDC data): 90.2%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who received at least one dose (CDC data): 92.1%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 66.1%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.. For information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Jan. 17 – Jan. 23.

Weekly Overview (1/17/22– 1/23/22)	# of Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated	6614
Total Cases	11661
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	57%

Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	183
Total Hospitalized	292
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	63%

Deaths	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	24
Total Covid-19 deaths	40
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	60%

Weekly Overview (1/17/22– 1/23/22)	# of Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted	10021
Total	11661
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	86%

# of Non-boosted Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalizations	258
Total Hospitalizations	292
Percent of Non-boosted Hospitalizations	88%

Non-boosted Deaths	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Deaths	33
Total COVID-19 Deaths	40
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	83%

Breakthrough Cases (cumulative since vaccinations began):

• Total breakthrough cases: 18,698, or 3.2% of fully vaccinated individuals
• Total breakthrough hospitalizations: 208
• Total breakthrough deaths: 191

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more.

COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:

Of the samples collected during the week of Jan. 7– Jan. 13, the Omicron variant represented 97.4% of cases sequenced for a variant of concern, variant of interest, or variant being monitored. The remaining 2.6% of sequenced cases were identified as Delta.

As a reminder, DPH is now providing variant data based on sample collection date rather than sequencing date, due to the length of time between sample collection (when a person is tested) and when samples are sequenced by laboratories, which can be lagged by two weeks or longer. This will more accurately reflect the proportion of specific variants that are circulating in the community at various points in time.

The Delaware Public Health Laboratory and other laboratories regularly monitor for the presence of COVID-19 variants, including Delta and Omicron, through routine genomic sequencing of test specimens. Genome sequencing is a public health surveillance tool used to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19 variants; it is not used to diagnose individuals with a specific strain of COVID-19, as treatment recommendations do not differ based on variant strains. COVID-19 tests identify current infection of COVID-19, but do not identify a specific variant of the virus the individual might have.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, Jan. 27, there have been a total of 3,045 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 896 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 12 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Jan. 16– Jan. 22. As of Jan. 22, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 607 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 423 individuals from New Castle County, 79 from Kent County and 105 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider’s office versus a lab.

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven’t already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov.

Resources

Individuals with general 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 delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

Monday– Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware’s free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play

Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.