DHSS Press Release

WEEKLY COVID-19 UPDATE - MARCH 4, 2022: COVID-19 CASES, HOSPITALIZATIONS DECLINE; GUIDANCE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO WEAR MASKS INCLUDED

DOVER, DE (March 4, 2022) - With new positive cases and hospitalizations continuing to decline in Delaware, mask mandates for schools and state buildings were lifted earlier this week across the state, consistent with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC guidance is based on county or community levels of spread and the level of hospitalizations. Even with the end of mask mandates, there are times when it is still recommended or even required, to wear a mask:

• During isolation and quarantine per CDC guidance (recommended)
• In hospitals and certain other health care facilities, long-term care facilities and public transportation (required)

The Division of Public Health (DPH) reminds the public that people may choose to mask at any time, and encourages you to consider your personal risk for contracting or serious outcomes from the virus when making the decision.

Consider masking up:

• If you are unvaccinated, including children ages 2 through 4
• If you are immunocompromised, or live, work or are visiting someone who is
• If you are at higher risk for severe illness (older and pregnant people)
• When community levels of COVID are high (see CDC County Check tool)

DPH is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of Thursday, March 3, 2022.

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 257,065
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 102.9, a decrease of 24.1 percentage points from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 4.2%, a decrease of 0.8 percentage points from last week
• Hospitalizations: 76, a decrease of 22 from last week; critically ill: 9, a decrease of 2 from last week
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,713
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 7, including 2 from a review of vital statistics records.

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,693,944
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 71.7%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.1%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.6%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.7%

All qualifying Delawareans should get vaccinated. Individuals who qualify for a booster dose should get one as soon as possible. For the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware, visit de.gov/getmyvaccine.. For information on boosters, visit de.gov/boosters. Delaware's latest COVID-19 vaccination statistics can be found under the Vaccine Tracker dashboard at de.gov/healthycommunity.

COVID-19 Case Vaccination Status Report:

The following reports capture a weekly breakdown of vaccination status for cases, deaths, and hospitalizations for the time frame for Feb. 21 - Feb. 27.

Breakthrough Cases

DPH will no longer provide breakthrough case updates in the weekly press releases. The weekly summary of the vaccination status and non-boosted cases are better indicators of effectiveness of vaccines in preventing disease, hospitalizations and deaths. Breakthrough information that is cumulative since vaccine rollout began can be found on the Overview section (landing page) of My Healthy Community. Data is updated every Friday.

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, March 3, there have been a total of 3,353 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 914 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 29 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 20 - Feb. 26. As of Feb. 26, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 687 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 449 individuals from New Castle County, 92 from Kent County and 146 from Sussex County. This number reflects only the number of lab-confirmed cases; the actual number of cases circulating statewide is likely higher as not all people with the flu seek treatment, and many cases are diagnosed through rapid test kits in a provider's office versus a lab.

All individuals 6 months and older are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against the flu if they haven't already. Flu vaccines are available at pharmacies (including those in grocery stores), participating medical provider offices, Federally Qualified Health Centers (for their patients), as well as Division of Public Health clinics. DPH is also advising the public that the flu vaccine can be administered at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine.

For the latest information on the flu in Delaware, visit flu.delaware.gov.

Resources

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

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

Anyone who is deaf, hard of hearing, Deaf-Blind or speech disabled can contact DPH by dialing 711 first using specialized devices (i.e. TTY, TeleBraille, voice devices). The 711 service is free and to learn more about how it works, please visit delawarerelay.com.

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.

Delaware's Government

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