COVID-19 UPDATE FOR MARCH 18, 2020: State Health Officials Identify More Cases of COVID-19

COVID-19 UPDATE FOR MARCH 18, 2020:  State Health Officials Identify  More Cases of COVID-19 The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) reports there have been 26 total laboratory confirmed cases in all three counties in the state since March 11.  This includes nine additional cases since yesterday.  Of the Delawareans diagnosed with COVID-19, 19 are from New Castle County, three are from Kent County, and three are from Sussex County.     Of these cases, 14 are male and 12 are female.  The individuals range in age from 18 to 80.  Three individuals are currently hospitalized; one is critically ill.     "All Delawareans are part of our team.  We need you to help us stop the spread of the virus," said DPH Medical Director Dr. Rick Hong.  "It is important for everyone to start taking this virus seriously and practice social distancing.  If you are sick, please stay home."     If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from vulnerable populations. This includes people 60 years of age and older; people with serious chronic health conditions such as diabetes, lung disease, heart disease; or those who are immuno-compromised.     For individuals who are sick, particularly with fever and cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and contact your primary care provider for guidance regarding symptoms and next steps.     For those who have been tested for the virus, please note that the DPH Call Center does not have test results.  Individuals awaiting test results, should wait to hear back from their medical provider.  Many individuals infected with COVID-19 recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids and taking pain, and fever-reducing medications.  However, illness can be severe and require hospitalization in some cases.  Delawareans with general questions about COVID-19 or their exposure risk can call the Division of Public Health's Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899, or 711 for individuals who are hearing impaired, from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.  Questions can also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.     DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware's response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

NEWS: Updated Emergency Declaration Eases Restrictions on Alcohol Sales, Use of  Telemedicine; Closes Additional Businesses  Governor John Carney today issued a second modification to his emergency declaration that allows any restaurant, brewpub, tavern or taproom with a valid on-premise license to sell alcoholic beverages as part of transactions for take-out food, delivery, or drive-through food service.  Alcohol sales cannot exceed 40 percent of the total sales transaction.  All other rules and regulations regarding the take-out of alcoholic beverages apply, including that containers must be securely closed.  Alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed on-site, neither indoors nor outdoors.  This policy goes into effect at 8 p.m. tonight, March 18, and will last until the State of Emergency is rescinded.  The second update to the emergency declaration also requires the closure of bowling alleys, movie theaters, fitness centers and health spas in a continued effort to prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Delaware.  Any business that remains open is strongly encouraged to have hand sanitizers or hand washing stations available for its employees and patrons.  These updates go into effect at 8 a.m. tomorrow, March 19, and will last until the State of Emergency is rescinded. Governor Carney also temporarily lifted regulations to expand access to telemedicine.  Under the modified declaration: Patients do not need to present in-person before telemedicine services may be provided. Delaware residents do not need to be present in Delaware at the time the telemedicine services are provided. Any out-of-state health care provider who would be permitted to provide telemedicine services in Delaware if they were licensed under Title 24 may provide telemedicine services to a Delaware resident if they hold an active license in another jurisdiction. Today's modifications to the emergency declaration clarifies and preserves the following provisions the governor announced on Monday: Restaurants, bars and taverns shall only provide food and beverage service through take-out, drive-through, hotel room service, and off premises delivery. Bans public gatherings of 50 or more people for eight weeks or until the State of Emergency is rescinded. Closes gaming activity at Delaware casinos.  Authorizes Delaware's Secretary of Labor to develop emergency rules to protect Delaware workers and ensure that unemployment benefits are available for Delawareans whose jobs are affected by the coronavirus outbreak.  Restricts senior center, nursing home/retirement facility, assisted-living facility, etc. to permit a gathering of more than 10 persons that includes any person aged 60 or over, or any person with an underlying health condition that puts any person in attendance at increased risk if exposed to COVID-19. Authorizes Delaware Emergency Management Agency and Delaware Division of Public Health to cancel gatherings for public health reasons.  Click here the full modified State of Emergency declaration and additional details. The Department of Labor announced on Tuesday emergency rules to expand unemployment insurance benefits and ensure they are available to individuals whose employment has been impacted directly by COVID-19.