April 5, 3:30 p.m.
Delaware Public Health announces new cases; total 673
In total, 14 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19.
To date, there have been 673 total laboratory-confirmed cases among Delaware residents. Of those, 436 are residents of New Castle County, 151 are from Sussex County and 86 are from Kent County, with 101 patients currently hospitalized. There are 71 Delawareans who are considered to have recovered. Preliminary data provided by DPH shows there have been 6321 negative cases*.
Delaware is considering patients fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms. Three days after symptoms resolve, patients are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice strict social distancing for the remaining four days before returning to their normal daily routine.
*Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis. Multiple negative tests per person are only counted once.
April 4, 5 p.m.
DPH receives 5,000 rapid test kits, provides case update
The Division of Public Health Lab received a shipment of 5,000 rapid test kits from Pinnacle BioLabs, a Nashville-based company making the tests.
The kits will be used primarily to test health care workers, first responders, and residents of long-term care facilities where outbreaks are suspected. Results can be provided in 5 to 15 minutes. After validation is completed, DPH expects to begin using the rapid test kits immediately.
Starting Monday, the Division of Public Health will begin a new collaboration with the United Way of Delaware to increase call center services and will now divide calls this way:
- All social service, essential business, unemployment or stay at home-related calls – including inquiries about food assistance, housing or utility assistance, etc. – should now go to Delaware 2-1-1, 1-800-560-3372, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Delaware 2-1-1 has increased its hours, added operators, and now is available seven days a week.
- All medical and testing calls should continue to come to DPH’s Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 or 711 for people with a hearing impairment. The call center hours are 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
In addition, the Division of Public Health asks any Delaware long-term care 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.
In Delaware since March 11 there have been 593 total laboratory-confirmed cases. Of those, 400 are residents of New Castle County, 125 are from Sussex County and 68 are from Kent County. Currently, 95 patients are hospitalized and 24 are considered critically ill. Preliminary data provided by DPH shows there have been 5,874 negative cases*.
The Delaware Division of Public Health has announced one additional fatality related to COVID-19.
In total, 14 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. There have been a total of eight deaths related to long-term care facilities, including seven in New Castle County (six at Little Sisters of the Poor) and one in Sussex County.
To protect personal health information, DPH will not disclose additional information about the individuals who passed away, nor will DPH confirm specific information about any individual case, even if other persons or entities disclose it independently.
Delaware is considering patients fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms. Three days after symptoms resolve, patients are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice strict social distancing for the remaining four days before returning to their normal daily routine.
*Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis. Multiple negative tests per person are only counted once.
