The number of Delaware coronavirus cases hospitalizations skyrocketed on Saturday as the state received a long-sought shipment of testing kits that provide near-instant results.
Figures from the Delaware Division of Health showed the number of people testing positive is now approaching the 600 mark.
The figure was up sharply from 450 cases on Friday. The number of people hospitalized also showed a sizable increase from Friday.
The spike in cases had been anticipated as more test results come in and community spread continues. Coronavirus can be spread by people with light or no symptoms.
On Saturday, 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 order had been held for days in Cincinnati by the Food and Drug Administration.
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 early next week.
The spike in cases comes as State Police hold checkpoints that told out of state motorists in Claymont and Coastal Highway near Rehoboth to go home or remain in quarantine in the state for two weeks.
Other information from the Division of Health:
Health care providers have been sending tests to outside labs with longer turnaround times.
The number of deaths remained unchanged at 14.
Other information from the Delaware Division of Health:
- Males: 271; Females: 322
- Age range: 1 to 97
- Number of critically ill: 24
- Delawareans recovered: 71
Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.
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.
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.
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.
If you think 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 – might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Statewide testing at standing health facility testing sites require a physician’s order or prescription to be tested (*Bayhealth patients will be pre-screened via phone without needing to see a provider first). These are not walk-in testing sites. Those without a primary care provider can call the DPH Call Center Line at 1-866-408-1899. Individuals awaiting test results, should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.
Delawareans with medical- or testing-related questions about COVID-19 or their exposure risk can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899, or 711 for individuals who are hearing-impaired, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
