Carney, regional governors work together toward reopening

Delaware joined regional states April 13 making a commitment to help develop a plan to reopen state economies while protecting public health.

Gov. John Carney joined governors from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and others in New England who said they will form a joint task force to immediately start a plan to lift restrictions while taking into account public health and economic concerns.

Carney said a formal decision-making effort is welcomed.

“We have seen the connections between our states through this,” he said. “This will help us as we think through what it takes to reenter and get our economies going again.”

Carney’s announcement came a day after the Delaware Division of Public Health announced nine new fatalities related to  COVID-19 and 117 new positive cases.

Three fatalities are from Sussex County: A 61-year-old hospitalized man, and two women who were in long-term care, ages 69 and 82. The other deaths were in people in long-term care facilities from New Castle County, except one person who had been hospitalized. 

DPH 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. In total, 35 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19.  Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 57 to 94 years old.

Patients are fully recovered seven days after the resolution of their symptoms. Three days after symptoms resolve, patients are no longer required to self-isolate at home; however, they must continue to practice strict social distancing for the remaining four days before returning to their normal daily routine.   

Widespread community transmission is occurring throughout the state, which means COVID-19 is actively circulating in the community. 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.

Statewide testing at standing, health-facility testing sites requires a physician’s order or prescription. 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 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.

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 healthcare, 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.