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DHSS Press Release

Dr. Kara Odom Walker, Secretary
Jill Fredel, Director of Communications
302-255-9047, Cell 302-357-7498
Email: DPHMedia@Delaware.gov

Date: April 08, 2020
DHSS-4-2020

DHSS ANNOUNCES POSITIVE CASES INVOLVING PATIENTS AND STAFF AT DELAWARE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER

NEW CASTLE (April 8, 2020)-The Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) is announcing positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Delaware Psychiatric Center.

Five patients and three staff members have tested positive for COVID-19 at DHSS' public psychiatric hospital on the grounds of the Herman Holloway Sr. Campus near New Castle. The patients are isolated within a unit at DPC. The staff members are self-isolating at their homes.

"Our hearts go out to the patients and staff who have tested positive for COVID-19 at DPC," said DHSS Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker, a practicing family physician. "Our highest priority is the health and safety of the individuals we care for at DPC, as well as for the staff who provide the care each day. Unfortunately, we know the individuals we care for at DPC often have multiple underlying conditions, which puts them at a higher risk for COVID-19. Staff at our Division of Public Health are working closely with the staff at DPC to review screening and infection control protocols."

DPC is the seventh care facility in Delaware to report positive COVID-19 cases. To protect the health privacy of residents or patients, DHSS only identifies facilities with multiple cases. The facilities with positives cases are:

Little Sisters of the Poor in Newark
HarborChase of Wilmington
Governor Bacon Health Center in Delaware City
Forwood Manor in Wilmington
A nursing home in Kent County with one case
A nursing home in Sussex County with one case

DHSS' Division of Health Care Quality (DHCQ) is working closely with long-term care and other licensed facilities in the state to verify that there are strong screening, infection control and isolation measure in place at each facility, and if, not, to assist them in implementing stronger protocols.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

DHSS ANNOUNCES POSITIVE CASES INVOLVING PATIENTS AND STAFF AT DELAWARE PSYCHIATRIC CENTER

Delaware's Government