DPH ENCOURAGES MASKING, OTHER PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES FOR VISITORS TO LEGISLATIVE HALL

DOVER, DE (Jan. 30, 2023) - The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has been notified of multiple positive cases of COVID-19 that could be related to several in-person events last week in and around Legislative Hall. Out of an abundance of caution, DPH is offering recommendations to those planning to attend Joint Finance Committee hearings beginning Tuesday Jan. 31, to reduce any potential risk of spread of the virus.

"We want the public to know about the potential risk so that they can evaluate their own situation and make informed choices about how to participate in the legislative process," said DPH Interim Director Dr. Rick Hong. "Having this information is particularly important for older Delawareans and those with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions so they can decide how they best want to protect themselves."

DPH recommends that individuals visiting Legislative Hall this week consider wearing a high-quality mask to reduce the chance of COVID-19 transmission, and keep a six-foot social distance when possible from people outside of your household.

Alternately, individuals can attend and participate online via registering through the committee meeting page on the Joint Finance Committee's homepage. (link: Joint Finance Committee - Delaware General Assembly).

Regardless of vaccination status, you should stay home to isolate from others when you have COVID-19 for at least five days, followed by another five days of mask wearing when out in public.

You should also isolate if you have symptoms and suspect that you have COVID-19 but do not yet have test results. If your results are negative, it is recommended you take two tests 48 hours apart. It's possible that you have COVID-19 but that it did not show up when you tested initially. If both tests come back negative, you can stop isolating.

If you find out you were in contact with someone who has COVID-19, begin wearing a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) any time you are around others either inside your home, or indoors in public. Wear a mask for 10 full days and do not go anywhere where you are unable to wear a mask. If you do not have symptoms, or do not develop symptoms, there is no need for you to stay home (quarantine). If symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other COVID-19 symptoms occur, isolate at home immediately, get tested, and stay home until you know the result.

For more information on COVID-19 testing visit de.gov/gettested. For more information about isolation and exposure recommendations visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/quarantine-isolation/. Finally for more information about masking visit https://coronavirus.delaware.gov/guidance-for-face-coverings/.

If you are over age 50, particularly if you have a chronic health condition, or are unvaccinated, you should talk to your health care provider about COVID-19 treatment options. You can learn more at de.gov/covidtreatments.

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.

For the latest on Delaware's response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH 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 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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