March 26, 1 p.m.
Delaware reports first COVID-19 death, cases total 130
Delaware Division of Public Health is confirming the first COVID-19 related death from the State of Delaware.
The deceased is an 66-year-old male from Sussex County who passed away while hospitalized out of state.
There are 130 lab-confirmed cases in the state since March 11, including 11 additional cases since yesterday. Of those diagnosed,, 86 are from New Castle County, 17 from Kent County, and 27 from Sussex County. The total number of cases represents a cumulative total of cases, i.e. individuals who are currently ill and those who are considered “recovered,” of which there are four.
Patients are considered fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms (three days after symptoms resolve, they are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice extreme social distancing for the remaining four days).
Of the 130 cases, 63 are male and 67 are female, with individuals ranging in age from 1 to 90. Thirteen are currently hospitalized within Delaware and seven are critically ill. An additional two Delaware residents are hospitalized out of state.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the gentleman who died, as well as to all who have been diagnosed with coronavirus disease,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay in a statement. “This is a tragic reminder that that this disease can be fatal. We need to make sure that we are protecting vulnerable persons from this disease, particularly older individuals and those with chronic health conditions. This reinforces why it’s so important for everyone to stay home – especially those who are ill with any symptoms including fever, cough, body aches, sore throat, shortness of breath and even stomach aches, nausea and diarrhea.”
March 26, 1 p.m.
Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs museums closed; special programs postponed
Following Gov. Carney’s State of Emergency, the five museums managed by the Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs were closed March 24 and their programs postponed until further notice.
Staff members of the museums will answer questions via Facebook, phone and email during the State of Emergency, the closure also applies to the Buena Vista conference center and other state-owned historical sites community managed organizations.
March 26, 12 p.m.
Sen. Coons secures critical relief for small business in third COVID-19 response package
Sen. Chris Coons announced sweeping measures to aid small businesses as part of the $2 trillion response package to address the outbreak of COVID-19. The package includes more than $377 billion in grants, debt relief, and forgivable, guaranteed loans to alleviate the impact of the pandemic on small businesses, nonprofits, and self-employed Americans nationwide.
“Small businesses are the heart of our economy. With small businesses facing disproportionate impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak, this third stimulus package clearly needed to focus on helping people in industries like food service, retail, and hospitality,” said Sen. Coons in a statement. “I’ve been hearing from small business owners up and down the state of Delaware, and I’m proud to help deliver much-needed relief to them during this time of great uncertainty.”
The $377 billion small business package in the third COVID-19 stimulus bill includes:
- Six months of debt relief on Small Business Administration loans
- Expanded access to loans that incentivize worker retention
- $10 million in federal grants for small business
