DPH PROVIDING UPDATE ON INDIVIDUALS BEING TESTED

DOVER (March 12, 2020) - The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the number of individuals currently being tested for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In Delaware, DPH is currently monitoring 35 individuals. A total of 44 individuals have been tested for COVID-19, including the 4 individuals who tested positive for the disease. A total of 30 tests returned negative results, and 10 persons under investigation are awaiting test results.

Testing for coronavirus disease is not recommended for individuals who do not have any symptoms of illness. For individuals who have symptoms of illness (fever, cough, or shortness of breath), their primary care provider can collect specimens and send them to either the Delaware Public Health Lab or LabCorp for testing. Medical providers should evaluate patients and rule out other causes of illness first before recommending testing for COVID-19.

While testing for the disease at the Public Health Lab requires DPH approval, providers do not need DPH approval to submit test samples to LabCorp. With the addition of commercial lab testing now available, Delaware has enough capacity to accommodate its current testing needs. Providers can use flu kits to collect a nasal swab and include an additional oral swab for testing. Commercial labs are required to report testing and results to DPH.

Those at elevated risk for developing the disease is based on exposure due to travel to a country with a Level 2 Travel Alert or higher in the last 14 days; contact with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19; or older individuals (ages 65 and older) and those with chronic underlying health conditions.

Delawareans with 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 TTY at 1-800-232-5460 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email DPHCall@delaware.gov. For the latest on Delaware's response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For more information, visit de.gov/coronavirus.

The Department of 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. DPH, a division of DHSS, urges Delawareans to make healthier choices with the 5-2-1 Almost None campaign: eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day, have no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time each day (includes TV, computer, gaming), get 1 or more hours of physical activity each day, and drink almost no sugary beverages.

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.

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