UPDATE: Delaware reports nearly 600 cases COVID-19

COVID-19 cases in Delaware stand at 593, while Sussex County recorded 20 additional cases since April 3 and now stands at 125 positive cases, Delaware Division of Public Health officials announced April 4. The total number of deaths stands at 14 statewide with no new fatalities, officials say.

New Castle County continues to lead the state with 400 cases, while Kent County cases rose to 68. Among them, females accounted for 322 cases while 271 males were diagnosed. Officials say 95 people are currently hospitalized, among them 24 are critically ill. 

There have been a total of eight deaths related to long-term care facilities; seven were in New Castle County including six at Little Sisters of the Poor, and one was in Sussex County. 

Officials also announced that on April 4, the Division of Public Health lab received a shipment of 5,000 rapid test kits from Pinnacle BioLabs, a Nashville-based company. Results can be provided in 5 to 15 minutes.

DPH’s order had been held for days in Cincinnati by the Food and Drug Administration. The kits will be used primarily to test healthcare workers, first responders, and residents of long-term care facilities where outbreaks are suspected.  After validation is completed, DPH expects to begin using the rapid test kits early next week.

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.     

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.     

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.     

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.     

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus. 

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect updated information from the Division of Public Health that the outbreak that occurred at the Governor Bacon Health System involved only one and not two staff members who tested positive for COVID-19.