Coronavirus-related hospitalizations rise as positive test percentage falls

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Delaware continues to see an increase in hospitalizations for coronavirus complications as the percentage of positive cases drops.

A total of 158 new positive cases were reported on Sunday night, with a 5.5 percent positive rate in the 7-day rolling average. That was down three-tenths of a percent from the previous day. 

The number of positive cases remains elevated after dropping below 100 during much of the summer.

Two deaths recorded Sunday increased Delaware’s total number of COVID-related deaths to 656.

The department reported 105 current hospitalizations down 3 from the previous day. However, 25  people are in critical condition, the highest figure in weeks if not months. The rate of hospitalizations also  remains elevated after dropping below 50 in past weeks.

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Delaware is moving to a new metric in reporting cases that more fully takes into account a person testing more than once. A similar system is used on the widely followed Johns Hopkins dashboard and should allow improved  “apples to apples” comparisons with other states.

Delaware’s rate of positive cases was comparable to Maryland’s figure and below Pennsylvania. numbers.

The number of new daily cases has  remained elevated.

A data quality enhancement was put in place this week in determining the county of residence for cases in which the county was previously unknown. As a result, county totals have increased as part of this update, with the unknown county total decreasing. Statewide statistics have not been affected.

Additional demographic data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, including race/ethnicity, more age-specific data and rates information by zip code, and information on Delaware’s contact tracing efforts can be found on the Division of Public Health’s My Healthy Community data portal at de.gov/healthycommunity.

Individuals who have complaints about individuals violating public gathering restrictions should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that a business may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to: HSPContact@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov.

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