Delaware saw a sizable increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations and an additional death on Monday.
The closely watched hospitalization figure rose by 39 from Sunday, with the total number of cases rising by 110.
The number of deaths rose to 15 after three days of no fatalities.
The increase came as the State of Delaware announced that Gov. Bacon Health Center and a portion of the Nemours complex in north Wilmington have been designated as reserve facilities that will be placed into service if a spike in hospitalizations occurs.
Delaware, like most states, has a number of intensive care beds at its hospitals.
The most recent death tied to the virus was an 84-year-old man from Kent County who had underlying health conditions. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 in Delaware ranged in age from 66 to 94 years old.
As hospitals continue to see an increase in hospitalizations due to COVID-19, the Division of Public Health will now report the total number of individuals hospitalized in Delaware hospitals, including both Delaware and non-Delaware residents. The remaining categories of case statistics reported by DPH represent Delaware residents only.
Other information:
- Age range of those testing positive; 1 to 97
- Currently hospitalized: 140; Critically ill: 25
- Delawareans recovered: 71
- 6,851 negative cases*
*Data on negative cases are preliminary, based on negative results reported to DPH by state and commercial laboratories performing analysis.
DPH epidemiologists are moving to a new data reporting system. During the transition period, not all fields (sex) have complete information, and some categories of data (critically ill, Delawareans recovered) reflect sdf statistics as of April 5, 2020.
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.
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.
Today DPH began a new collaboration with the United Way of Delaware to triage incoming calls related to COVID-19. Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1, 1-800-560-3372, 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or text your ZIP code to 898-211.
In addition, the Division of Public Health asks any Delaware health care, long-term care, residential, or other high-risk 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.
Widespread community transmission is occurring throughout the state, which means COVID-19 is actively circulating in the community. If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, or digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite. If you are sick and need essential supplies, ask someone else to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy to get what you need.
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.
Health-related questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.
