DOVER, Del.- The Delaware Division of Public Health says the number of coronavirus cases in the First State has doubled and one new case is in Sussex County.
According to DPH, seven of the eight new cases are people in New Castle County. One is in Sussex--the first in the county. While DPH is not releasing the gender or ages of the new patients, the organization says four of them are men and four are women. This brings the total amount of positive COVID-19 cases in Delaware to 16.
DPH says the Sussex County patient traveled internationally but did not clarify where or when the patient traveled. DPH says the remaining cases are under investigation. According to DPH, six of the seven New Castle patients were tested at ChristianaCare's drive through event recently. All but one of the new patients are self-isolating at home--including the Sussex County patient; only one New Castle County patient is hospitalized.
DPSH says its not releasing additional information about the patients and it does not have the results for all the patients who attended the drive-through testing.
DPH is continuing to encourage well individuals to limit social contact and practice good hygiene. The organization says those with chronic underlying health issues and those over 60 should stay home.
DPH says those who are sick--particularly with fever, cough and shortness of breath should stay home and contact their doctor. Testing is not recommended for those who have no coronavirus symptoms. DPH says medical providers must collect specimens for testing--they are not collected at the DPH Lab or at commercial labs. DPH asks doctors to evaluate patients and rule out other causes of illness before recommending a COVID-19 test.
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.
