Sussex nears New Castle for positive COVID-19 cases

Sussex County is creeping closer to New Castle County for positive cases of COVID-19. 

As of April 22, New Castle County leads the state with 1,389 confirmed cases, with Sussex County just behind at 1,377. Kent County reports 539 positive cases. The statewide number has increased to 3,308, with the residency for three cases unknown.

While New Castle continues to lead the way, Sussex County has a significantly higher number as it relates to percentage of population. As of April 22, Sussex has 587 cases per 100,000 people, while New Castle reports 248 cases per 100,000. The statewide number is 339 cases per 100,000.

The Division of Public Health reports three additional coronavirus-related deaths, including an 80-year-old Sussex County man, 74-year-old New Castle County man and an 85-year-old New Castle County women. All three were long-term care residents. In total, 92 Delawareans have died, ranging from 32 to 103 years old. Thirty-nine Sussex County residents have died. 

There are 290 people hospitalized, including 65 who are considered critically ill. 

A total of 643 people have recovered, and DPH reports 13,604 negative tests. 

There have been 244 positive cases involving residents of long-term care facilities in Delaware. Fifty-five residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died.   

The locations and number of deaths related to long-term care facilities are:   

• Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare (19)  
• Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)  
• Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center (5)
• Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation (3)  
• Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center (3)  
• New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center (3)
• Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill (2)
• Hillside Center (2)
• Governor Bacon Health Center (1)  
• Three other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility) 
• Two other Sussex County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)  
• One Kent County long-term care facility (1 death at the facility)

Statewide testing at standing health facility testing sites require a physician’s order or prescription to be tested. 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 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. 

For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.