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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.

COVID-19 hospitalizations top 100 as 80 new cases announced

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Public health officials announced 80 more cases of COVID-19 Sunday, bringing the state’s total so far to 673. 

The number of hospitalizations due to the virus has passed 100, nearly doubling since Thursday.

The state’s tally of deaths related to the virus remains at 14— with the last fatality announced Friday.

 

And the Department of Correction reports additional cases connected to its facilities.  DOC says two contract behavioral healthcare workers have tested positive.  One works at the Vaughn Correctional Center near Smyrna and the other at the Young Correctional Institution in Wilmington.

DOC previously reported two correctional officers at Vaughn tested positive – as well as a contract healthcare worker at the New Castle Community Corrections Center.

Gov. John Carney said Saturday on social media the state expects to see a “real spike” in cases over the next few weeks.

 

President Trump approved Delaware’s major disaster declaration request Sunday. That allows the First State to tap into federal assistance for state and local recovery efforts. That aid, which can include direct payments, is available to state government, some local governments and certain private nonprofits.  The President has declared major disasters in 36 states so far, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland.

 

The state received a delayed shipment of 5,000 rapid test kits Saturday — which can return results in 5 to 15 minutes.  The Division of Public Health says some were used Sunday at a trial drive-through testing site for first responders and healthcare workers. 10 people tested were cleared to return to work.  The tests will also be used at long-term care facilities where outbreaks are suspected.

 

State public health officials say they have received more than 6,300 preliminary negative results, and that 71 people have recovered from the virus. 

 

Sophia Schmidt is a Delaware native. She comes to Delaware Public Media from NPR’s Weekend Edition in Washington, DC, where she produced arts, politics, science and culture interviews. She previously wrote about education and environment for The Berkshire Eagle in Pittsfield, MA. She graduated from Williams College, where she studied environmental policy and biology, and covered environmental events and local renewable energy for the college paper.
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