April 27
DPH updates COVID-19 numbers through Monday, April 27
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) announced that over the weekend 720 more positive cases have been confirmed and that 13 more Delawareans — 125 in all — have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The deceased range in age from 32 to 103 years old.
As of 12:10 p.m., Monday, April 27, the state’s COVID-19 case statistics cumulatively since March 11 include 4,162 total laboratory-confirmed cases — 1,629 of them in New Castle County, 652 in Kent County and 1,870 in Sussex County. The state said preliminary data based on reporting by state and commercial laboratories, indicate there have been 15,545 negative cases.
There are 325 Delawareans who are currently hospitalized and 996 Delawareans who have tested positive have recovered.
Highmark introduces online tools to check symptoms and enhance service
Highmark has relaunched its website, highmarkanswers.com, which provides up-to-date information on COVID-19 and details on hw the company can assist its members; such as waiving out-of-pocket costs for testing and treatment, as well as tips on how to stay safe and get care, including telemedicine.
Anyone can use the Healthbot to check their symptoms, which will then provide guidance on seeking appropriate medical care when necessary during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We wanted to make sure anyone – not just our members – could access the COVID-19 Symptom Checker because it is important during this time of uncertainty that people can find some answers and also some guidance on when to get care, and where to go for care,” said Stacy Byers, vice president of Customer Experience for Highmark in a statement.
According to Byers, more than 150,000 customers have accessed the website since it’s relaunch.
ChristianaCare awarded FCC grant to expand telemedicine program
ChristianaCare has received a $714,000 grant from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to support their telehealth services during the pandemic.
ChristianaCare is the first health system in Delaware to date to receive a grant under the FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program and one of 17 health care providers nationwide. The funding is part of the CARES Act, which issued $200 million to the FCC to support health care providers using telehealth.
These funds will allow the program to expand existing telehealth capabilities, increasing broadband access to telehealth services for vulnerable and underserved residents in Delaware by providing devices and data plans. It will also offer on-site telehealth services to communities with high disease rates and challenges accessing virtual health services. Access to broadband telehealth services enables COVID-19 patients to safely remain at home in isolation instead of presenting to hospital facilities for further evaluation and care.
Beebe opens COVID Positive Care Center in Georgetown
Beebe Medical Group has opened a COVID Positive Care Center in Georgetown, where patients in need of face-to-face care can receive services that may include provider visits, respiratory care, imaging and lab services.
The COVID Positive Care Center, located at the Georgetown Walk-In at 21635 Biden Avenue, Suite 101, Georgetown, will provide care for COVID-19 positive patients and patients who are suspected to have COVID-19 who need direct care but do not need to be hospitalized.
“By providing care for patients who are COVID-19 positive or under investigation for having the virus, we are providing a safe, centralized place for patients to go to receive all of their COVID-19 related care needs,” said Bobby Gulab, Chief Medical Officer of Beebe Medical Group. “We are helping to reduce community spread by giving patients a place for care and allowing other medical offices across Sussex County to care for their patients safely too.”
Beebe Walk-In – Georgetown will be temporarily closed while it is used for the COVID Positive Care Center. Walk-In Care options for residents and visitors are close by on Route 113 in Millsboro and at the Rehoboth Health Campus on Route 24.
The COVID Positive Care Center will require an order from a healthcare provider and an appointment.
April 25
Gov. Carney requires Delawareans to wear face coverings in public
Governor John Carney on Saturday issued the thirteenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, requiring Delawareans to wear face coverings in public, including in grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and on public transportation.
Children aged 12 or younger are exempt from having to wear a face covering. Any child 2-years-old or younger MUST NOT wear a face covering, due to the risk of suffocation.
“Now is not the time for Delawareans to get complacent,” said Gov. Carney in a statement. “We face a very serious situation, with additional cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations statewide. All of our actions are guided by science, and intended to save lives. Wearing a face covering in public settings is important to prevent transmission of this disease. But wearing a face covering is not permission to go out in public more often. Delawareans should stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out for essential work or essential items. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily. You will only increase your risk – and the risk to your family, friends, and neighbors.”
Under the order, businesses must also take certain steps to keep their employees and customers safe.
By 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, businesses must:
- Require employees to wear a face covering while working in areas open to the public and in areas where coming within 6 feet of other staff is likely.
- Provide, at the business’ expense, face coverings and hand sanitizer for their employees.
- Deny entry to individuals who do not have a face covering – or if one is not available for them.
- If any business denying entry is providing medication, medical supplies, or food, the business must provide alternate methods of pickup or delivery.
Delawareans are urged to use cloth face coverings and reserve medical-grade masks for use by health care workers and first responders. Medical-grade masks include N95, KN95, surgical, or other masks that would be appropriate for a health care setting.
“Wearing a face covering is not a substitute for existing guidance around hand-washing and social distancing,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Delaware Division of Public Health. “Delawareans should stay at home whenever possible, only leaving for essential activities. Wash your hands. Keep 6-10 feet between yourself and others.”
