Initiative Aims to Curtail Spread of COVID-19 in Sussex County

NEWS: Initiative Aims to Curtail Spread  of COVID-19 in Sussex County In an effort to curtail the rise of COVID-19 cases in Sussex County, Governor John Carney today announced a new partnership to increase testing, conduct more community outreach, and distribute additional coronavirus educational materials in southern Delaware. Sussex County is on the verge of surpassing New Castle County in total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, despite having less than half its population. "We've seen a significant surge in COVID-19 cases in communities across Sussex County," the governor said.  "Over the next week, we will be partnering with local hospitals, the Delaware Division of Public Health, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, and others to offer free, rapid coronavirus testing at community sites in Sussex County." The community testing plan is a three-pronged effort.  It includes testing through the use of rapid test kits and ensuring access to care; guidance on isolation and assistance when it is not possible to isolate safely; and education and outreach through the assistance of trusted community partners.  According to a statement from the governor's office, officials will also be distributing "care kits" with essential materials including hand sanitizer, bandannas, thermometers, and educational materials. Educational materials are being translated into Spanish and Haitian Creole to reach those who do not read English as their first language. "In addition to testing sites at poultry plants, there will also be community testing sites, which we expect will reach workers in other industries and their families," said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay.  "We believe this community-based testing strategy will be critical in identifying the extent of the spread of COVID-19 and of mitigating it." Click here to see the complete press release.

COVID-19 STATISTICS UPDATE FOR APRIL 22, 2020:  7 Additional Deaths 269 New Confirmed Cases 34 Additional Recovered Cases* State health officials today announced seven additional deaths* related to COVID-19. Six of the seven new fatalities had underlying health conditions and were between the ages of 62 and 88-years-old.  The remaining victim, a 50-year-old Sussex County woman, had no known previous health problem. Of the 89 total deaths linked to COVID-19 in Delaware, all but three had underlying health issues.  Fifty-two of the fatalities (58.4%) resided in long-term care facilities. Since March 11, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) has recorded 3,200 laboratory-confirmed cases of COVID-19.  Of that cumulative total, 1,352 were in New Castle County, 503 were in Kent County, and 1,317 were in Sussex County.  In 28 cases, the county of origin was not reported. For the latest information, go to de.gov/coronavirus. * DPH has shifted its reporting of case data.  The information reported in agency's daily updates are based on data received as of 6 p.m. the previous day.