Nine additional COVID-19-related deaths reported
Nine additional people have died as a result of COVID-19, the Delaware Division of Public Health announced April 10, bringing the total to 32. The age range of the latest deaths is from 61 to 94. All had underlying health conditions. Three were from Sussex County; two from long-term care facilities and one who was hospitalized.
The overall number of positive cases in Delaware rose by 117 on April 10 to 1,326. Of that number, there are 336 positive cases in Sussex County, 230 in Kent County and 751 in New Castle County. There are nine positive cases where health officials cannot verify the patient’s county of residence. There have been 9,089 negative tests.
A total of 177 people have recovered from the coronavirus, while 181 are hospitalized.
Department of Correction
The Delaware Department of Correction has announced four additional positive COVID-19 test results. Two inmates, a probation and parole officer and a correctional officer are among the four new cases.
In total, four inmates, two probation and parole officers and 10 correctional officers have tested positive for coronavirus.
Both inmates are in the same housing unit as the first two inmates who tested positive at James T. Vaughn Correctional Center. Both inmates were immediately isolated upon registering a fever; both were tested for COVID-19.
The probation and parole officer is assigned to Sussex Correctional Institution in Georgetown. The officer was last at the facility April 3. After beginning to experience flu-like symptoms, the officer began to self-isolate at home. As symptoms developed, the officer sought medical attention and received a COVID-19 test.
The correctional officer, also assigned to the Sussex Correctional Institution, was last at the facility April 1. After beginning to experience flu-like symptoms, the officer began to self-isolate at home. As symptoms developed, the officer sought medical attention and was tested for COVID-19.
Carney formally extends state of emergency
Gov. John Carney formally extended the state of emergency order April 10. It was declared March 12, and it must be renewed within 30 days if a governor deems it necessary to continue the state of emergency.
Delawareans are urged to celebrate the holiday weekend only with immediate family members to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Houses of worship must, whenever possible, conduct their activities from home or through remote audio or video services. No more than 10 individuals – including clergy, staff and participants – may be present inside a religious facility during any service.
“This is a difficult weekend as we continue to fight the spread of COVID-19 in Delaware,” said Carney. “I know that so many Delaware families across our state – including mine – traditionally celebrate Easter and Passover surrounded by family. This year will be much different for all of us. The best thing you can do this weekend is stay home. Celebrate with your immediate family members. Protect your family – especially those who are immunocompromised – by not putting them at greater risk. Don’t gather in large groups. Call to check in on your parents and grandparents and connect virtually with family and friends. We’ll get through this, but it’s going to take all of us.”
