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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.

State continues to monitor COVID variants

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

State health officials continue to keep an eye on the spread of COVID variants in Delaware.

The spread of the virus and resulting hospitalizations continues to be relatively low in all three Delaware counties, and state health officials say there are currently no zip codes in Delaware qualifying as an area of concern. 

Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay says the state is currently testing about 10 percent of its positive cases and about half are coming back as positive for variant strains.

“That’s actually been decreasing,” said Rattay. “A few weeks back it was 66 percent. Last week it was 57 percent. So about half of the specimens we’re seeing now are these variants of concern or interest.”

The state has documented just under 1,000 variant cases statewide—most common is the UK variant followed by one of three New York variants. There are also variants from California, Brazil and South Africa.

And Rattay notes one individual has tested positive for the India variant after some overseas travel.

“It does appear to be more contagious, even than the UK variant,” she said. “But we still need to learn more about the implications of the India variant.”

Rattay also notes 302 so-called breakthrough cases statewide—in which someone tested positive for the virus after being fully vaccinated against it.

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