DHSS Press Release

WEEKLY COVID-19 UPDATE - MARCH 11, 2022:
DPH MARKS TWO-YEARS SINCE FIRST COVID-19 CASE, PRAISES DELAWAREANS' RESILIENCE

DOVER, DE (March 11, 2022) - It was two years ago today that Delaware announced its first COVID-19 case. Since then, the state has reported 258,024 positive cases, 2,753 deaths, and at its peak in January 2022, 759 hospitalizations. The Division of Public Health (DPH) recognizes the great losses suffered by Delawareans of friends, family members and other loved ones. Yet, these numbers would be far worse had it not been for Delawareans' action and resilience.

Nearly 600,000 residents (599,204) stepped up and became fully vaccinated. Of those, 292,788 have received a booster or additional dose. Countless others complied with masking requirements, social distancing, isolation and quarantine guidelines, and took advantage of testing opportunities statewide. This is a clear demonstration of the dedication Delawareans have for one another.

DPH is grateful for all who have stepped up to do what is necessary to control the spread of COVID-19, including its staff, and is especially grateful for our partners at all levels in the health care and medical fields, state and local governments, and community-based organizations. DPH continues to encourage residents to use the tools available to them to reduce their chances of contracting COVID-19, and be mindful of those who are increasingly susceptible to contracting the virus due in part to underlying conditions.

COVID-19 Prevention Tools:

• Get vaccinated and then boosted when eligible
• Mask up during times of high COVID-19 transmission
• Get tested when you have symptoms
• Stay home when sick

COVID-19 Temporary Testing Site Closures Starting Week of March 14

DPH is announcing the following temporary testing site closures beginning the week of March 14 to allow for staffing changes. Some sites may be down for several days so check de.gov/gettestedto confirm testing availability at the below sites, or to identify other sites near you. The following sites will be closed starting:

• Tuesday March 15 - Modern Maturity
• Wednesday March 16 -Claymont State Service Center
• Thursday March 17 - Northeast State Service Center
• Friday March 18 - Laurel State Service

DPH update on COVID-19 statistics in Delaware, as of Thursday, March 10, 2022

COVID-19 Cases and Hospitalizations:

• Total positive cases since March 11, 2020: 258,024
• 7-day average of new positive cases: 80.0, a decrease of 22.9 positive cases from last week.
• 7-day average for the percentage of total positive tests: 3.3%, a decrease of 0.9 percentage points from last week.
• Hospitalizations: 54, a decrease of 22 from last week; critically ill: 4, a decrease of 5 from last week.
• Total COVID-19 deaths: 2,753* deaths in last week's release were incorrectly listed as 2,713
• Total COVID-19 deaths reported since last week: 2

COVID-19 Vaccinations:

• Total number of doses administered in Delaware: 1,699,147
• Percentage of Delawareans 5+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 72%
• Percentage of Delawareans 12+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 76.3%
• Percentage of Delawareans 18+ who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 77.8%
• Percent of Delawareans who are fully vaccinated (CDC data): 67.9%

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. 28 - Mar. 6.

Weekly Overview (2/28/22 - 3/6/22)	# of Unvaccinated Cases
Total Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated	335
Total Cases	673
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Cases	50%

Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	9
Total Hospitalized	23
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Hospitalized	39%

Deaths	# of Cases
Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	1
Total Covid-19 deaths	3
Percent of Unvaccinated / Partially Vaccinated Covid-19 Deaths	33%

Weekly Overview (2/28/22 - 3/6/22)	# of Non-boosted Cases
Total Non-boosted	515
Total	673
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	77%

Non-boosted Hospitalizations	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Hospitalizations	18
Total Hospitalizations	23
Percent of Non-boosted Hospitalizations	78%

Non-boosted Deaths	# of Cases
Total Non-boosted Deaths	1
Total COVID-19 Deaths	3
Percent of Non-boosted Cases	33%

Long-term Care Statistics:

As of Thursday, March 10, there have been a total of 3,476 positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and 921 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.

Flu Update:

There were 43 laboratory-confirmed cases reported the week of Feb. 27-March 5. As of March 5, 2022, the most recent date for which flu statistics are available, there have been 733 laboratory-confirmed cases for the current season. The cases involved 462 individuals from New Castle County, 103 from Kent County and 168 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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