The number of confirmed cases of the new coronavirus disease in Delaware has risen to 26.
Public health officials announced ten additional cases of COVID-19 Wednesday— six in New Castle County, one in Sussex County and the first three discovered in Kent County. Ages range from 18 to 80.
State officials say at least one Kent County patient is critically ill. They announced Monday that one patient in New Castle County is hospitalized.
State Department of Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker urged Delawareans to do more to stem the spread of the virus.
“We need to act as if we might be carrying the virus," she said. "We can’t risk infecting the most vulnerable populations including seniors and people with underlying health conditions.”
“If you are sick, especially with fever or cough or shortness of breath, do not leave your home," added state public health director Dr. Karyl Rattay. "Whether you think that you have been exposed to someone with coronavirus or not, it is critically important that you stay home.”
Milford School District told families on its website Wednesday that a parent with children in Benjamin Banneker Elementary School and Avenue Preschool tested positive. That person is self-isolating at home.
Wilmington’s Eastside Charter told its families Tuesday that one self-isolating case is a member of its staff. It recommends staff and families look for symptoms and contact their physician if anyone displays symptoms.
Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki confirms a Public Works Department employee has also tested positive. That person is in self-quarantine, and 11 other employees who interacted with that person over the past few days are also in self-quarantine.
At least eight of the confirmed Delaware cases were discovered through the ChristianaCare drive-through testing event held in Wilmington Friday, according ot state officials. The Division of Public Health has received all positive and negative results from that event.
Officials say one Sussex County resident who tested positive had a travel-related exposure. The sources of exposure for several of the New Castle County residents remains under investigation, including a case announced Sunday involving a member of Sen. Tom Carper’s Delaware-based staff.
Correction: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated the number of new cases state officials announced Wednesday. This story has also been updated.
