DOVER, Del.- Gov. John Carney on Monday declared a public health emergency, shortly after the state health department reported the number of people in Delaware who have tested positive for COVID-19 had risen to 87.
“We’re acting with urgency to prevent a spike in coronavirus cases that could overwhelm our hospital system,” Carney said in a statement. “These new orders will help make sure Delaware has the supplies and the health care professionals necessary to respond to COVID-19."
Under a companion order from the Delaware Emergency Management Agency and the Delaware Division of Public Health:
- Nurses, doctors, mental health care providers, pharmacists and other health care professionals who have active licenses or certificates of good standing in any U.S. jurisdiction are authorized to provide in-person health care services in Delaware throughout the emergency, as well as telemedicine services.
- Delaware health care professionals whose licenses expired in the last five years are authorized to provide health care services in Delaware, assuming their licenses were in good standing for the five-year period.
The declaration comes after the number of positive tests in Delaware rose by more than 30 on Monday from 56 lab-confirmed cases reported on Sunday night.
"We know this is a startling increase for Delawareans to see," said Delaware Health and Social Services Secretary Dr. Kara Odom Walker. "It is an indication of spread that we expected to see, but it is also reflective of the state’s increased testing capacity which is leading to more results – both positive and negative. It also shows us why we need Delawareans to stay home and stay safe."
Overall, 58 of the lab-confirmed cases in Delaware are from New Castle County, nine are from Kent County, and 20 are from Sussex County. State health officials said individuals range in age from 1 to 90. Seven people are currently hospitalized, with three of them being listed as critically ill.
State health officials have noted that community spread of the disease is likely, given that the source of infection for many cases is unknown.
DPH also provided the additional information:
"If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly 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 immunocompromised.
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.
As of Monday March 23, 2020, statewide testing at standing health facility testing sites began. These are not walk-in testing sites. A physician’s order or prescription is required for testing at one of the standing test sites (* Bayhealth patients will be pre-screened via phone without needing to see a provider first). Those without a primary care provider can call the DPH Call Center Line at 1-888-408-1899. Individuals awaiting test results, should wait to hear back from their medical provider. The DPH Call Center does not have test results."