Delaware’s Division of Public Health has announced the first presumptive case of the new coronavirus disease in the First State.
Testing for COVID-19 came up positive for a male University of Delaware faculty member.
State health officials say the man is over the age of 50, is not severely ill and is self-isolated at home.
Officials believe he contracted the disease out of state— and are aware of four additional individuals who may have been exposed at the same time.
Health officials are working to contact other individuals who may have been exposed to him.
“They will be contacted by us and we expect that to happen over the next few days," said Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay after a press briefing Wednesday. "But if they feel they were a contact and they have not heard from us or if they are concerned, they can call our call center and we can talk with them for sure.”
DPH has tested at least 31 individuals for COVID-19. So far, 21 tests have come back negative. Test results are pending for nine "people under investigation" who have symptoms and are at-risk based on travel history.
Public health officials say the state has been able to keep up with testing needs so far. LabCorp, a commercial lab chain, is also available for testing — for individuals with a physician's order. Tests in the state's public health lab in Smyrna are free to the patient.
Gov. John Carney said the state is prepared for the arrival of the novel coronavirus.
“We’ve been expecting and planning for this for weeks and we’re ready," said Carney. "I've asked Director Shaw and DEMA to coordinate a government-wide response ensure that we are able to keep our citizens safe in the least restrictive way possible.”
Rattay recommends people consider cancelling large events where many from vulnerable populations would be coming together. She says any events that go forward should give attendees enough space to stay six feet apart and the ability to wash their hands.
This story has been updated.
