Positive COVID-19 cases flatten over the past week
The seven-day average of new positive cases increased slightly to 205.1, and the percentage of total tests increased a tenth of a percentage in the latest statistics released March 19 by the Division of Public Health.
The seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 as of March 18 was 17.8 percent, an increase from 15.9 percent reported March 11. As of March 16, the seven-day average for the percentage of total positive tests was 3.9 percent, a slight increase from 3.8 percent from a week earlier.
In addition, officials said, 110 individuals are currently hospitalized, an increase of 27 from of this time last week. Nine of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, down five from last week.
A total of 91,635 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 18, 2020.
A total of 1,522 Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 26 additional deaths since last week's update. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 range in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 761 were female and 761 were male; 753 were from New Castle County, 318 were from Kent County, and 451 were from Sussex County.
To date, DPH has identified 15 confirmed cases of the COVID-19 variant SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, and 1 confirmed case of the variant SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351, in Delaware through routine surveillance of test specimens. The cases include 15 adults ranging in age from 18 to 65, as well as a child under age 10. Twelve individuals were from New Castle County and four were from Kent County.
Virus mutation is common. Preliminary data suggests the UK variant, as well as Brazilian and South African variants, may spread more easily and quickly, which could lead to increased cases. Public health approach and treatments are not any different, but as these new variants may be more contagious, it is even more important that individuals remain vigilant and continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus – wear a mask, wash your hands, avoid gatherings.
COVID-19 vaccinations
A total of 356,829 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. A total of 373,960 doses have been delivered to the state, and 75,205 doses have been delivered as part of the federal provider programs. Delaware’s latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.
Long-term care statistics
There have been 2,634 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 724 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.
The locations and number of deaths involving residents of long-term care facilities are:
Atlantic Shores Rehabilitation and Health Center, Millsboro (24)
Brackenville Center, Genesis Healthcare, Hockessin (23)
Brandywine Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (37)
Brandywine Living at Seaside Pointe, Rehoboth Beach (5)
Brookdale Dover, Dover (15)
Cadia Healthcare Broadmeadow, Middletown (17)
Cadia Healthcare Capitol, Dover (21)
Cadia Healthcare Renaissance, Millsboro (11)
Cadia Healthcare North Wilmington/Silverside, Wilmington (33)
Cadia Healthcare Pike Creek, Pike Creek (3)
Churchman Village, Newark (21)
Country Rest Home, Greenwood (16)
Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, Smyrna (15)
Delmar Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Delmar (2)
Dover Place, Dover (7)
Foulk Manor South, Wilmington (14)
Forwood Manor, Wilmington (8)
Governor Bacon Health Center, Delaware City (1)
HarborChase of Wilmington, Wilmington (4)
Harbor Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Lewes (46)
Harrison House Senior Living, Georgetown (47)
Hillside Center, Wilmington (9)
Ingleside Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
Kentmere Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Wilmington (9)
Kutz Senior Living, Wilmington (10)
Little Sisters of the Poor, Newark (11)
Lofland Park Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (6)
ManorCare Health Services, Wilmington (20)
ManorCare Health Services, Pike Creek (29)
Methodist Country House, Wilmington (4)
Millcroft, Newark (3)
Milford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Milford (48)
New Castle Health and Rehabilitation Center, New Castle (12)
Newark Manor Nursing Home, Newark (11)
Parkview Nursing and Rehabilitation, Wilmington (26)
Pinnacle Rehabilitation and Health Center, Smyrna (39)
Regal Heights Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Hockessin (15)
Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Wilmington (9)
Seaford Center, Genesis Healthcare, Seaford (4)
Shipley Manor, Wilmington (12)
Silver Lake Center, Genesis Healthcare, Dover (3)
Somerford House and Place, Newark (6)
State Street Assisted Living, Dover (4)
Summit Assisted Living, Hockessin (4)
Sunrise Assisted Living, Wilmington (2)
The Center at Eden Hill, Dover (8)
The Moorings at Lewes, Lewes (4)
Westminster Village, Dover (23)
WillowBrooke Court Skilled Center at Manor House, Seaford (12)
WillowBrooke Court at Cokesbury Village, Hockessin (4)
Four other New Castle County long-term care facilities (1 death at each facility)
One other Sussex County long-term care facility (1 death at this facility)
Information about testing events, including community testing sites, permanent fixed testing sites, and free-standing sites operated by the healthcare systems and hospitals, will be listed on the testing section of the Delaware coronavirus website at de.gov/gettested.
