COVID-19 cases top 800 in Sussex, 61 deaths statewide
State health officials say 811 cases of COVID-19 have been reported among Sussex County residents as the Georgetown ZIP code continues to be a hotspot statewide, falling in the category of 76-100 cases on Division of Public Health maps.
Delaware reported April 17 a total of 2,323 positive cases statewide, with 61 deaths, nine more than April 16. State statistics show 223 people are hospitalized, while 423 people have recovered.
Twelve cases have been reported statewide among children up to age 4, while 52 cases have been reported in the 5-17 years age group. In the 18-49 year age group, cases have risen to nearly 1,200, while in the 50-64 age group, 649 cases were reported. In the 65 and older age group, which officials consider a vulnerable population, there have been 425 cases.
The most recent deaths all involve individuals with underlying health conditions, except for one individual, a 46-year-old man from Sussex County, no known underlying health conditions.
The remaining deaths include:
- 73-year-old male from New Castle County, hospitalized
- 74-year-old male from New Castle County, long-term care facility
- 83-year-old male from New Castle County, long-term care facility
- 85-year-old male from New Castle County, hospitalized long-term care resident
- 90-year-old male from New Castle County, long-term care facility
- 80-year-old male from Sussex County, long-term care facility
- 98-year-old female from Sussex County, long-term care facility
- 91-year-old female from Sussex County, long-term care facility
DPH epidemiologists are transitioning to a new data reporting system; during this period not all statistics are available for every patient.
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. In New Castle County, individuals can call ChristianaCare at 1-302-733-1000 and Sussex County residents who do not have a provider can call the Beebe COVID-19 Screening Line at 302-645-3200. Individuals awaiting test results, should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results.
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.
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.
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.
