In its weekly report, The Delaware Division of Public Health noted that the number of new daily coronavirus cases remains elevated, although the percentage of positive tests has declined.
The seven-day average for the percentage of persons testing positive for COVID-19 decreased from 6.6 percent as of Oct. 8, to 5.8 percent as of Saturday, Oct. 16.
The lower figures come as the University of Delaware reported the lowest weekly total of coronavirus cases since the fall session got underway. UD has stiffened penalties for those found to have attended parties.
The adjacent graph is from UD.
DPH is now posting both positivity rates – persons tested and total tests conducted – on its Covid-19 data portal.
The seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 2.8 percent on Saturday, up from 2.6 percent as of Friday. The total test percentage accounts for people who take multiple tests.
A total of 106 individuals are hospitalized due to Covid-19 in Delaware as of Saturday, up two from a day earlier. Current hospitalization totals increased to 116 earlier this week before declining again at the end of the week.
Twenty-eight of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, up to two from Friday. The total number of hospitalizations had fallen into the 40s last summer, but has been climbing since that time. The peak figure was more than 330.
Last week, Beebe Healthcare tightened visitation restrictions at its Lewes hospital, citing elevated levels of Covid-19.
One new death reported Saturday – an individual from Sussex County, who was in their 80s, had underlying health conditions and was a resident of a long-term care facility. The death increased Delaware’s total number of COVID-related deaths to 665
The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranges in age from 21 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 347 were female and 315 were male. A total of 330 individuals were from New Castle County, 119 were from Kent County, and 213 were from Sussex County.
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.
