DHSS Press Release

WEEKLY COVID-19 UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 10, 2021: DAILY COVID-19 CASES HITS HIGHEST NUMBER SINCE JANUARY

DOVER (SEPTEMBER 10, 2021) - The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, September 9, 2021.

 

A total of 123,958 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 11, 2020. The seven-day average of new positive cases decreased to 389 as of Thursday, September 9, 2021. Delaware reported 665 new COVID-19 cases today, the highest number since January.

 

As of Tuesday, September 7, the seven-day average for the percentage of total tests that were positive was 8.6%, an increase from 7.4% of Tuesday, August 31. There is a two-day lag for presenting data related to percent of tests that are positive to account for the time delay between the date of the test and the date that DPH receives the test result.

 

In addition, 252 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, an increase of 19 from last week. Thirty-eight of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, a decrease of 10 from last week.

A total of 1,900 Delawareans have died due to complications from COVID-19. Twelve deaths were reported in the past week, six of which were from a review of vital statistics. The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 range in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old.

DelVAX Public Access Portal: Delawareans can now access their immunization record through the DelVAX Public Access Portal. Parents and legal guardians can print official immunization records for their child/children (ages 0 through 17 years), and adults (ages 18 years and over) can print an official immunization record for themselves. For information and link for the DelVAX Public Access Portal: https://www.dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/ipp/portalflyer.pdf. DelVAX is the official record for a person's vaccination data. Individuals who need assistance can call 1-800-282-8672, or email DelVAX@delaware.gov.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 76.8% of Delawareans ages 18+ have received at least one dose of the vaccine. As of 12:01 a.m. September 10, 2021, a total of 1,133,779 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been reported to the state's immunization information system, DelVAX. Among Delawareans 12+, 563,547 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, and 505,790 Delawareans are fully vaccinated. Delaware's latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity

 

Vaccines are the best protection we have against COVID-19 and circulating variants. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine and the vaccination rollout in Delaware, visit de.gov/covidvaccine

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:

The following report captures a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for August 30 - September 5. The report highlights the significant percentage of cases and hospitalized individuals in Delaware who are unvaccinated, or only partially vaccinated. Vaccination continues to be the most important factor in reducing deaths and hospitalizations from COVID-19.

Weekly Overview (8/30 - 9/5)
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	2369
Total Cases	2713
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	87%

Hospitalizations
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases Hospitalized Cases	120
Total Hospitalized Cases	133
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized Cases	90%

Deaths
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases Covid-19 Deaths	3
Total Covid-19 deaths	6
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	50%

Breakthrough Cases

To date, 505,790 Delawareans have been fully vaccinated. Of those, there have been 2,307 breakthrough cases of COVID-19, occurring in approximately five-tenths of 1 percent of vaccinated individuals. Fifty of the reported breakthrough cases identified since vaccinations began involved hospitalizations and 25 individuals passed away, although it does not mean COVID-19 was the cause of death. Breakthrough cases continue to be extremely rare given the total number of persons who are fully vaccinated, and the science is clear, the best way to prevent serious illness from COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.

A breakthrough case is defined as testing positive for COVID-19 after an individual has been fully vaccinated for two weeks or more - although it does not mean that the infection actually occurred after vaccination.

Update on COVID-19 Variant Cases in Delaware:

As of Friday, September 10, the Division of Public Health has identified the following COVID-19 variants in Delaware through routine surveillance of test specimens. These variants are based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list of Variants of Concern and Variants of Interest. The below table represents cumulative totals.

Variants of Concern

Variant	Origin	# of Cases
Alpha/B.1.1.7	United Kingdom	1007
Beta/B.1.351	South Africa	1
Gamma/P.1	Brazil	64
Delta/B.1.617.2	India	554

Variants of Interest

Variant	Origin	# of Cases
Eta/B.1.525	UK/Nigeria (formerly NEW York, US)	2
Iota/B.1.526/B.1526.1	NEW York, US	352

Of the test samples that were sequenced in the last week, 121 (72.9%) of the 166 test samples sequenced at the DPH Lab were positive for a variant strain, as were 27 additional specimens sequenced at an outside lab. Ninety-three percent of the 148 variant positive samples this week were identified as the Delta variant strain. The Delaware Public Health Laboratory has sequenced 4,275 specimens for COVID-19 variant strains to date.

DPH is carefully tracking the Mu variant, technically known as B.1.621, which is not currently on the CDC list for variant of interest or concern. To date, Delaware has detected 18 cases of the Mu variant.

Virus mutation is common. Sequencing for variants is a complex process and is not used for diagnosing COVID-19. It is used after a positive case of COVID-19 has been identified for surveillance purposes, or in identifying the presence of a variant strain in the community. When variant strains are identified, public health approaches and treatments do not currently change. Because these variants may spread more easily, it is even more important that unvaccinated individuals who are more susceptible to getting COVID-19 continue taking the necessary steps to avoid spreading the virus - wearing a mask, washing your hands, and being cautious when attending large gatherings.

 

The science is clear that the vaccines are extremely safe and effective even against variants - and Delawareans who are fully vaccinated have significant protection from COVID-19 infection and serious illness. We would encourage all Delawareans to get vaccinated - de.gov/getmyvaccine.

For more information regarding CDC variant classifications, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html.

 

DPH COVID Vaccine Mobile Units:

DPH officials in partnership with medical staff from the Delaware National Guard (DNG) have launched mobile units to offer COVID-19 vaccines in underserved communities. Medically trained DNG staff are offering the Pfizer vaccine (for ages 12+) and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (for persons 18+). These mobile units are visiting communities with low vaccination rates in an effort to eliminate potential barriers to access. The mobile units, which utilize trailers to transport the vaccine and provide vaccinations, are scheduled to visit these communities in New Castle, Kent and Sussex counties next week. COVID-19 testing will be available at each location.

Monday, September 13
New Galilee Church, Wilmington, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 14
Spence's Bazaar & Auction, Dover, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Country Farms, Dover, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 15
Byler's Store, Dover, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Wawa, 200 East St, Camden, 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Adams Four Shopping Center, Wilmington, 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 16
Seaford Mobile Gardens, Seaford, 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Friday, September 17
Kingswood Community Center, Wilmington, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Sunday September 19
Maxima Hispanic Festival, Wilmington Riverfront, 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

*dates may be rescheduled if there is inclement weather

For a full list of community-based events statewide including those organized by vaccinating partners and community groups at de.gov/getmyvaccine.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of 6:00 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 9, there have been a total of 2,871 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 834 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Symptoms and Testing:

It's especially important for unvaccinated persons to be aware of and self-monitor for the symptoms of COVID-19. DPH recommends that unvaccinated people get tested once a week. Even fully vaccinated persons should get tested if they develop symptoms or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19.

   

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or headache or congestion or runny nose without a known cause such as allergies. Other symptoms such as abdominal pain or lack of appetite have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation by a primary care provider.

    

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are:

 

Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

 

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

    

Delawareans 18 or older are encouraged to download COVID Alert DE, Delaware's free exposure notification app to help protect your neighbors while ensuring your privacy. Download on the App Store or Google Play

 

Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to: UIClaims@delaware.gov.

    

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware's response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

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.

Delaware's Government

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