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This page offers all of Delaware Public Media's ongoing coverage of the COVID-19 outbreak and how it is affecting the First State. Check here regularly for the latest new and information.

Delaware health care providers to get more COVID relief funding

Delaware Public Media

The state is dealing out another round of federal aid to Delaware’s health care industry. Officials say providers are still struggling because of COVID.    

“Based on the conversations with providers, we went back to the governor’s office and said, ‘can we do a second round of funding,’ because we were still hearing from providers about continued challenges,” said Delaware’s Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) Secretary Molly Magarik.     

The medical industry got just under $49 million in the first round of grants distributed last fall and now the state is offering another round of more than $30 million. 

Magarik says some providers in the state almost had to shutter during the lockdowns and are now having to hire staff. 

“It’s directly related to the fact that they were closed and their services were altered so significantly because of the pandemic,” she said. “So some of the effects are lingering effects and they need support to start to reopen and get back to normal again.”     

Magarik lists providers who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, home health care agencies and nursing homes among those who may qualify. 

The funding is reserved for investments related to the pandemic like purchases of PPE or related technology upgrades. The deadline to apply is July 16.

“Since the beginning of this crisis, Delaware’s health care workers have supported many of the most vulnerable Delawareans. Now, as we begin this period of recovery, we owe them our continued support,” said Gov. John Carney in a statement.

The money comes from the federal CARES Act passed in March of last year. All told, Delaware received more than $926 million from that bill and still has more than $194 million left to spend, according to the State Auditor’s Office.

DHSS has received about 13 percent of the funds, with the bulk of relief going to Delaware’s Department of State and Department of Labor.

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