COVID-19 claims first Sussex woman, 92
Seven Delawareans have passed away due to complications from COVID-19, with the most recent death a 92-year-old woman from Sussex County who had significant underlying health conditions, state health officials announced March 30. The source of exposure is currently under investigation.
The Division of Public Health reports 264 total laboratory-confirmed cases in the state since March 11. This includes 32 additional cases since March 29. Of the Delawareans diagnosed with COVID-19, 156 are from New Castle County, 27 are from Kent County, and 81 are from Sussex County.
Of the 264 cases, 130 are male and 134 are female. The individuals fall in the age range of 1 to 95. Forty-six individuals are currently hospitalized; 14 are critically ill. The source of exposure for many of these positive cases is unknown, which indicates community spread of the virus is occurring in the state.
Twenty-two Delaware residents have recovered from COVID-19. Delaware is considering patients 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.
The governor’s state of emergency, calls for all Delawareans to stay home, except if your business has been deemed essential. The order allows Delawareans who need to see a doctor, pick up a prescription, buy groceries, or engage in other activities essential to their health to leave their residences. If you are sick with any symptoms, including fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat and muscle fatigue, stay home.
For individuals who are sick, stay home and contact your primary care provider for guidance regarding symptoms and next steps. DPH urges individuals who are sick, even with mild symptoms that would be present with a cold or flu, to stay home to help prevent the spread of illness to others.
Statewide testing at standing health facility testing sites require a physician’s order or prescription to be tested. 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. Individuals awaiting test results, should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results. Delawareans with general questions about COVID-19 or their exposure risk can call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899, or 711 for individuals who are hearing-impaired, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.
Office: 302-744-4907
Cell: 302-242-0287 (cell)
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