68 new COVID-19 cases reported in Sussex
State health officials say 68 additional Sussex County residents have tested positive for COVID-19 as of April 11, bringing the county’s total to 404 since testing began March 11.
The statewide number of positive cases rose 153 to 1,479 – 824 female, 647 male, eight unknown.
One additional death was announced April 11, increasing the statewide total to 33. The Delaware Division of Public Health is now reporting deaths of laboratory-confirmed individuals and “probable” deaths where the individual had clinically consistent symptoms and was exposed to a confirmed case, but was never tested.
The most recent death involves a 96-year-old female long-term care resident from Sussex County who had underlying health conditions. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 57 to 96 years old.
There are currently 190 people hospitalized with COVID-19 in Delaware, with 55 listed as critically ill. A total of 191 people have recovered, while the state is reporting 9,624 negative tests.
Anyone with a question about COVID-19, whether related to medical or social service needs, should call Delaware 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Healthcare, childcare help sought
Gov. John Carney expanded his community call-to-action April 11, urging all Delaware citizens with healthcare and child care experience to offer their expertise in Delaware’s fight against COVID-19.
Last week, Carney urged citizens, businesses and nonprofits with access to emergency materials and supplies to support Delaware’s response.
The State of Delaware has launched an online application portal at de.gov/coronavirus to recruit Delawareans with healthcare and early education credentials to fill critical positions in our healthcare and emergency child care workforce.
“We need all Delaware citizens, businesses and nonprofits to support Delaware’s response to COVID-19,” said Carney. “If you have experience in healthcare or child care especially, please sign up at de.gov/coronavirus and help us fill critical positions. Thank you to all of Delaware’s healthcare workers who have been on the front lines, risking their own health and safety to protect others. Thank you to Delaware’s child care workers, our grocery store employees, teachers and all Delawareans who are stepping up for their neighbors during this difficult time. We’ll get through this, but it will take all of us.”
If you are looking for ways to support Delaware’s response – and specifically if you have expertise in areas of medicine, public health and/or behavioral health, apply through the online workforce portal. Applications will be reviewed by the Delaware Division of Public Health and shared with institutions in need across Delaware. Anyone who is licensed or certified to work in child care or education is also encouraged to submit their information for potential temporary employment by emergency child care sites. Applications will be reviewed by Delaware’s Office of Early Learning.
The community call-to-action also reminds Delawareans that donations of cleaning supplies and other items for emergency child care sites are urgently needed.
Click here if you are a citizen, business or nonprofit with materials and supplies to support Delaware’s response.
Critical needs include:
• Hand sanitizer
• Sanitizing wipes
• Nitrile gloves
• Tyvek suits
• N95 masks
• Face shields and/or eye protection
• Impermeable gowns
Delawareans with questions about COVID-19, related to medical or social service needs, should call 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Questions may 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.
