Dover Speedway hosts COVID-19 drive-through clinic

State and federal officials are geared up to administer nearly 19,000 second doses of COVID-19 vaccine during a clinic at Dover International Speedway Feb. 21-26.

“This is a good day, a big day, for Delaware. This is big deal because it enables us to make good on our second-dose commitment to thousands of Delawareans, first responders, healthcare workers and our seniors 65 and older,” said Gov. John Carney during a Feb. 22 press conference at the speedway.

“It's our priority, our North Star, to get lifesaving vaccine into people's arms,” Carney said, adding the only thing holding back even more vaccinations is supply. “We could chalk up some big numbers if we get supply.”

Coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with several state agencies including Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Health and Human Services, Delaware Division of Public Health and speedway officials, the event was the first of its kind in FEMA Region 3, said Region 3 Director Tim Pheil.

Carney said 1,500 people were vaccinated Feb. 21 and 3,000 were expected to be vaccinated Feb. 22 during the first two days of the event.

So far, of the 180,000 Delawareans vaccinated, 50,000 have received second doses.

Pheil said the event is a standard that other states and agencies should follow as a story of strong collaborations.