The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) disclosed two additional fatalities related to coronavirus as the number of total cases jumped by more than 50.
Fourteen Delawareans passed away due to complications from COVID-19. Eight deaths are related to long-term care facilities, including seven in New Castle County (six at Little Sisters of the Poor near Newark) and one in Sussex County. The most recent deaths involving long-term care facilities include a:
- 66-year-old hospitalized female from New Castle County with underlying health conditions.
- 91-year-old female from New Castle County who had underlying health conditions.
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.
The latest Delaware COVID-19 case figures since March 11, also include:
- Males: 206; Females: 244
- Age range: 1 to 97
- Hospitalized: 63; Critically ill: 23
- Delawareans recovered: 71
- 4,995 negative cases*
- Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.
At a press conference on Friday, Gov. John Carney said hospitalizations are being closely watched by state health officials. Delaware has a limited number of intensive care beds.
Preparations are being made for alternate facilities that could be used to handle non-coronavirus cases.
The latest report did show that the long-feared curve in cases is occurring, although Carney said he has seen a few encouraging signs as more people stay at home and maintain social distancing.
Still, widespread community transmission is occurring throughout the state which means COVID-19 is actively circulating in the community.
Those sick with any of the following symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, or digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite – should stay home, state health officials stated.
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.
So far, people who have died in Delaware have been elderly with underlying health conditions.
Delawareans with general 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.
