Friends and neighbors,

With significant increases in confirmed cases of COVID-19 and related deaths in Delaware over the weekend, it is clear we are not out of the woods yet. While our healthcare workers and public health officials continue their heroic efforts to save lives, stop the spread, and get us moving in a better direction, I want to stress once again the importance of staying home, practicing social distancing, and wearing face coverings in public places.

In the meantime, this week will feature a number of economic recovery town halls in which our small business owners and state officials will begin working together on crafting a plan for reopening.

In this email, we cover:

• An updated number of cases in Delaware
• New face covering requirement
• Schools closed for rest of academic year
• How we are building our plan to reopen the economy
• Recovery town halls
• Expanding our healthcare response network
• Battling COVID-19 fraud
• Emergency funds for small businesses
• And much more

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, keep checking de.gov/coronavirus. For all questions and comments on reopening, you can now visit de.gov/economy.

As always, feel free to reach out to my office at nicole.poore@delaware.gov if you have any additional questions.

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Comprehensive Coronavirus Links, News and Resources

Number of cases in Delaware

Delaware recorded an additional 48 coronavirus-related deaths as of Sunday, bringing the total fatalities to 120. Saturday proved to be the deadliest day yet with 12 deaths in our state with those who died ranging in age from 32 to 103.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Delaware rose to 4,034 over the weekend, a 47 percent increase from this time last week. Sussex County, in particular, has seen a major spike in cases with 1,801 – far surpassing the 1,599 in New Castle County or the 625 in Kent County. Statewide, at least 317 individuals are currently hospitalized with 61 in critical condition.

More than 900 Delawareans have recovered from COVID-19, meaning seven days have passed since the resolution of their symptoms.

The Delaware Division of Public Health recently unveiled a new coronavirus tracker where you can find detailed information about the spread of the virus, including a breakdown of cases by age, sex, race/ethnicity and outcomes.

Up-to-date Coronavirus Information

Face Coverings Required in Public Settings

Starting at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, all Delawareans are required to wear face coverings in public settings where social distancing is difficult, including in grocery stores, convenience stores, laundromats, pharmacies, doctor’s offices and on public transportation.

Issued by Governor John Carney on Saturday, the new face mask requirement also requires that essential businesses provide face coverings and hand sanitizer to employees, instruct employees to always wear face coverings while working in public areas and deny entry to anyone not wearing a face covering.

“Now is not the time for Delawareans to get complacent,” Governor Carney said. “Wearing a face covering in public settings is important to prevent transmission of this disease. But wearing a face covering is not permission to go out in public more often. Delawareans should stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out for essential work or essential items. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily. You will only increase your risk – and the risk to your family, friends, and neighbors.”

The latest modification to Governor Carney’s State of Emergency does not apply to children 12 and younger. Children ages 2 and younger MUST NOT wear face coverings due to a risk of suffocation.

Face coverings are also not required at home or while exercising unless social distancing from people outside of your household is an issue.

Make sure you wash your face coverings daily after each use, and please protect the essential workers at your local store by placing your gloves, wipes and disposable face coverings in trash cans after you’ve used them.

Click here for directions on how to make a no-sew face covering at home.

Read more about Face Covering Order

Schools Closed for Academic Year

Governor Carney on Friday announced that all Delaware schools will remain closed for the rest of the academic year.

Here is the Governor’s full statement:

“We made the difficult decision today – in consultation with superintendents across our state – to close schools through the rest of the academic year. I know this will be difficult for a lot of Delawareans, and Delaware students. Nothing replaces in-person instruction, and the services that are delivered in our schools every day, but the health and safety of Delawareans is our first priority.

“I am confident that school leaders and educators across our state will continue to lean into remote instruction for the rest of this academic year. Our schools also have done a tremendous job delivering meals to students in their communities. That work will also continue. I want to thank all of our educators, students, school leaders and families for their work during this difficult time.”

Read more about School Closures

Restarting Delaware’s Economy

COVID-19 is still very active in Delaware and we have a long road to recovery ahead.

What we can – and must – do now is plan for how to safely reopen our state when the time comes. Here is the basic outline of how we’ll know when that time has arrived:

Whenever possible, we plan to use the CDC guidance from the White House Task Force as a road map. That means we will open the economy in phases.

To get to Phase 1, we’ll need to see 14 days of our cases going down. You can track those trends here.

We’ll also need to hire and train several hundred contact tracers so that when someone gets sick, we can quickly notify everyone they came in contact with and make sure they self-isolate.

We will need a reliable source of tests for screening the general public. So far, we have to be able to test anyone with symptoms, anyone who has been exposed, and anyone in vulnerable communities like Long-Term Care facilities and people with underlying health conditions. We’re working on this right now.

Once we start easing some of the restrictions, things won’t go back to the way they were, at least not for a while. Every business that opens will have to follow strict social distancing guidelines. In some cases, that might mean that they can’t operate at full capacity, or that their staff will need to wear masks.

I wish I could give you a date when it will be safe to reopen our state. The reality is we do not know when the number of cases will show a consistent decline and we can begin Phase 1. What I can tell you is we need everyone working together to bring this public health crisis to an end as quickly as possible.

Thank you for doing your part.

Join Our Recovery Town Halls

Throughout this devastating public health crisis, I have heard from many of the business owners in my district about the economic impact COVID-19 is having on their businesses and employees. While any timeline to reopen our state economy must be driven by science, we also want to hear from our business leaders to ensure their thoughts and concerns are being taken into account.

On Tuesday, April 28 at 6 p.m. Governor Carney and members of the General Assembly will host a virtual Small Business Recovery Town Hall for businesses in Southern New Castle County.

For members of the public who want to provide their feedback, Lieutenant Governor Hall-Long will host a virtual town hall for Southern New Castle County on Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m.

Visit de.gov/economy to learn more about these public engagement opportunities and additional ways you can share your thoughts and ideas on Delaware’s economic recovery effort.

Give Input on our Recovery Plan Here

Expanding our Healthcare Response Network

Governor Carney last week took steps to provide reinforcements for our front-line health care workers.

A State of Emergency modification issued Thursday will allow people licensed to practice medicine in other states to provide healthcare services in Delaware on a volunteer basis so long as they have been appropriately trained and their license was in good standing for at least five years before it expired or lapsed.

The same restrictions also are being lifted for pharmacists, respiratory therapists, physician assistants, paramedics, emergency medical technicians and nurses. All out-of-state providers must register with the Medical Reserve Corps to volunteer in Delaware.

Please sign up here if you fall into one of these categories and are willing to volunteer.

Read more about activating healthcare workers

Battling COVID-19 Fraud

Our state’s top prosecutors joined forces with a wide variety of state agencies last week to better protect Delawareans from fraud related to the coronavirus pandemic.

The new Coronavirus Anti-Fraud Coalition is made up of local, state and federal agencies, investigators and prosecutors with significant experience in handling complaints and cases related to consumer fraud, financial fraud, healthcare fraud and cybercrime.

The Coalition will share information and resources to monitor, identify and investigate misconduct to protect the people of Delaware from those exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic for their own advantage.
Any information, complaints, or concerns about potential scams can be reported to the Coalition by email to COVID.DOJ@delaware.gov or USADE-COVIDFRAUD@usdoj.gov.

Delawareans who may have been scammed also can reach out to the Attorney General’s consumer protection hotline at (800) 220-5424. In addition, you can also contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) by hotline (866-720-5721) or to the NCDF e-mail address disaster@leo.gov.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Delaware Housing Assistance Program Paused

Due to overwhelming demand, the Delaware State Housing Authority last week announced that it is temporarily pausing application submissions for the Delaware Housing Assistance Program.

Created in late March, DEHAP was designed to provide up to $1,500 for eligible Delaware residents to help with their housing bills. So far, DSHA has received more than 5,000 applications.

The program’s pause will allow DSHA to process all the pending applications and determine how federal funding approved by Congress can be used to extend the program.

While renters in Delaware should make every effort to stay current with their rent and other household bills, Governor Carney’s State of Emergency has placed a moratorium on evictions, late fees and utility shutoffs until this public health crisis is over.

If you know you will not be able to pay your rent, please contact your landlord as soon as possible to discuss your options.

Tenants who are being threatened with eviction during the pandemic should contact the Delaware AttorneyGeneral’s Consumer Protection Unit at (302) 577-8600 or by emailing consumer.protection@delaware.gov. Tenants also can contact Delaware Legal Help Link at https://delegalhelplink.org or the Delaware Community Legal Aid Society at www.declasi.org.

Read More about DEHAP

Emergency Funds for Small Businesses

Our small business community is being hit hard by this public health crisis. They need our support more than ever before.

Thankfully, the Delaware Division of Small Business has compiled a huge list of grant and loan programs available to them from the federal CARES ACT and state programs to private and nonprofit funds willing to help.

Small Business Economic Resource Page

Delaware Strong. Delaware Safe.

Every community, every business and every individual in the First State needs to pull together for all of us to get through this public health crisis.

I try to conclude these updates by highlighting some truly amazing efforts taking place across our state.

This week, I would like to give a huge thank you to some of Delaware’s best-known nonprofits and largest corporations for showing yet again why they are leaders in our communities.

AstraZeneca

Friends and neighbors,

We are still seeing increases in COVID-19 cases throughout our state and hospitalizations are also continuing to rise.

While this has been a difficult six weeks, we need to stay the course and work together to move our state out of this crisis. That’s why this week’s newsletter focuses on some of the resources available to help put food on our tables and a roof over our heads as we seek to prevent surges in new cases, protect hospital capacity for the most critically-ill patients and keep our most vulnerable residents safe and healthy.

In this email, you’ll find information on:

• An updated number of cases in Delaware
• Essential workers and job openings
• Unemployment extension
• Finding affordable health care
• How to track your stimulus check
• Emergency food distribution dates and locations
• New guidelines for long-term care facilities
• What we are doing to leverage federal funding

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, keep checking de.gov/coronavirus.

As always, feel free to reach out to my office at nicole.poore@delaware.gov if you have any additional questions.

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Number of cases in Delaware

Delaware recorded more than 30 new deaths over the last week related to the coronavirus, bringing the total fatalities to 72 – a number that includes “probable” cases, as per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Delaware rose to 2,745 over the weekend, a jump of nearly 1,000 cases from a week earlier. So far, 1,229 of the positive cases are in New Castle County, 430 in Kent County and 1,055 in Sussex County. At least 256 of those individuals are currently hospitalized.

Nearly 500 Delaware residents have recovered from COVID-19, meaning seven days have passed since the resolution of their symptoms.

Up-to-date Coronavirus Information

Thank You Essential Workers

Our state owes a debt of gratitude to the incredible men and women who are putting their own health and safety at risk on the front lines of this public health crisis.

Thank you to our doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Please consider treating them to a meal by click on these links:
ChristianaCare
Bayhealth Medical Center
Beebe Healthcare

Thank you to restaurant workers who continue to work through these difficult and uncertain times. Click here to make a donation to the Restaurant Relief Fund. to make a donation to the Restaurant Relief Fund.

Thank you to grocery store workers, the Food Bank of Delaware and other nonprofits helping to keep us well stocked with supplies so we can protect ourselves at home. Thank you to the first responders who are still answering our calls for help. Thank you to the workers at long-term care facilities who are protecting our most vulnerable residents. Thank you to the state employees who are continuing to make sure our residents can access the services they depend on.

And thank you to everyone out there who is staying home and practicing responsible social distancing.

Essential Jobs Are Available

Many of the businesses allowed to remain open during the COVID-19 State of Emergency have positions available.

Workers are needed more than ever in manufacturing, health care, grocery stores and other industries vital to our recovery. To help our residents find work, the Delaware Department of Labor has created a special listing of job openings across our state.

Click here if you are healthy, in need of work and willing to join this workforce of local heroes.

If you are looking to break into the healthcare field, the American Health Care Association is offering a free 8-hour course online for temporary nurse aides. For more information or to sign up, click here.

The Delaware Division of Public Health is also seeking volunteers with experience in health care willing to serve in the event that emergency medical support services are needed. That includes retirees and students pursuing careers as nurses, doctors, mental health providers and pharmacists.

Click here to sign up.

COVID-19 JOBLINK

Unemployment Updates

The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Stability Act, or CARES Act, created a new program called the Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC).

PEUC essentially does three things:

• Provides an extra $600 a week to people receiving state unemployment benefits.
• Extends unemployment benefits for up to 13 weeks.
• Provide unemployment benefits to people who do not typically qualify, such as independent contractors, the self-employed and employees of faith-based nonprofits.

Delaware was one of the first states in the nation to implement the first two measures with the added federal benefit included in unemployment benefit payments on April 5 – one week after the law’s passage.

The Delaware Department of Labor – like labor departments in states across the country – have seen an unprecedented surge in unemployment claims over the last month. Here in the First State, we have seen our average claims jump from less than 600 a week before this crisis to 20,000 a week – more volume than we saw after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks or the height of the Great Recession.

The U.S. Department of Labor is now requiring all states to each design a new system to pay out benefits under the third measure and ensure the validity of their claims to prevent fraud and abuse. The Delaware Department of Labor is currently working with a vendor to develop and test that new system, a process expected to take 3-6 weeks.

“These workers will receive the much-needed assistance provided to them under the CARES Act,” said DOL Secretary Cerron Cade. “We are working around the clock to make that happen; hopefully, ahead of schedule.”

Once the system is ready to receive applications from those who are self-employed or are independent contractors, DOL will require specific documentation available at the time you submit your application online. The documents you will need are as follows:

• Driver license or state-issued identification
• Your last year’s income tax statement or quarterly earnings statement
• State of Delaware Business License number
• Current bank account number and routing number

I will share a link to the new system with you as soon as it becomes available.

Guidance for Contractors and Self-Employed

Affordable Health Care Resources

Losing a job often means losing access to affordable health care.

While you might not be sick now, a global pandemic is no time to go without health insurance.

A loss of job-based health insurance could mean you’re eligible for coverage through the ACA marketplace. Tax credits also might be available to help you cover the cost of premiums.

Click here to contact a local navigator. You also can visit Healthcare.gov or call (800) 318-2596 for more information.

You also might qualify for Medicaid and other social service programs. Delaware Department of Health and Social Services has an easy-to-use online tool to determine your eligibility.
Delaware Dept. of Insurance FAQ

Track Your Stimulus Check

Stimulus checks from the federal CARES Act are now being sent out – payments that should help families struggling with the economic shock of the Coronavirus pandemic.

For those still waiting, the The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS have created a tool to help you check on the status of your payment, update your bank account or mailing address, and make sure you get a payment if you don’t typically file taxes.

Please be wary of scammers looking to take advantage of the stimulus package in this time of uncertainty.

Click here for some helpful tips from Attorney General Kathy Jennings on how to avoid these schemes and what to do if you think you’ve been scammed: https://bit.ly/3acVI0r

Get Your Stimulus Check

Help to Keep Food on the Table

The Food Bank of Delaware and the YMCA of Delaware are working hard to keep families from going hungry during this pandemic. Both organizations are distributing boxes of emergency supplies at sites throughout our state this week.

Here is a list of dates, times and locations where you can get much needed groceries:

Tuesday, April 21 9 a.m. — Dover YMCA at 1137 S. State St. in Dover
9 a.m. — Sussex YMCA at 20080 Church St. in Rehoboth Beach

Wednesday, April 22
11 a.m. — Dover International Speedway at 1131 N. Dupont Highway in Dover

Thursday, April 23
9 a.m. — Middletown YMCA at 404 N. Cass St. in Middletown

Friday, April 24
12 p.m. — Sussex Central High School at 26026 Patriots Way in Georgetown

Shop Safe, Shop Smart

Our grocery store workers are on the front lines of this public health crisis to ensure those with the ability to shop have access to food and household supplies as they quarantine in their homes.

Here are a few steps you can take to protect those workers and your neighbors on your next shopping trip:

• Limit your trips to the store as much as possible and only buy what you need most.
• Wear cloth face coverings while in the store.
• Reduce crowding by shopping alone.
• Practice social distancing by maintaining two shopping carts of space between you and someone else.
• Avoid handling items in the store.
• Put used gloves, wipes and disposable face coverings in trash cans.
• Leave your reusable grocery bags at home.
• Check your local store’s hours and procedures online before you head out.
• Be patient and give yourself more time to shop.
• Treat store employees with respect and kindness.

We’re still seeing increases in COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations. All Delawareans need to do their part to protect their neighbors, friends, and family.

Remember, we’re in this – together.

Map of Open Businesses

New Guidelines for Long-Term Care Facilities

Governor John Carney last week ordered nursing homes and other long-term care facilities to take additional precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

This latest modification to the order requires all nursing homes in Delaware to immediately:

• Establish a cohort of staff who are assigned to care for known or suspected COVID-19 residents.
• Designate a room, unit, or floor of the nursing home as a separate observation area where newly-admitted and re-admitted residents are kept for 14 days on, while being observed every shift for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.
• Designate a room, unit, or floor of the nursing home to care for residents with known or suspected COVID-19.
• Check Division of Public Health (DPH) guidance at least daily to ensure they are complying with the most current guidance and adjust their policies, procedures, and protocols accordingly.

“Our elderly populations, and especially Delawareans in long-term care facilities, are at very high risk for COVID-19 infection and hospitalization,” Governor Carney said.

“These stricter measures that we’re issuing today are intended to save lives.”

11th State of Emergency Modification

Seeking More Flexibility in Federal Relief Funds

The leaders of all four General Assembly caucuses jointly sent a letter to Delaware’s Congressional Delegation on Friday asking for flexibility with how the state spends its stimulus funds.

The federal CARES Act will provide more than $1 billion to Delaware for its fight against the COVID-19 crisis. But the funds are restricted to unbudgeted expenses related to the pandemic.

Delaware faces a daunting challenge to produce a balanced budget that maintains critical services to residents, and having flexibility with the CARES Act funds will allow us to use it to compensate for unprecedented revenue losses.

The letter to U.S. Senators Tom Carper and Chris Coons and Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester is signed by Senator David B. McBride, Sen. Nicole Poore, Sen. Bryan Townsend, Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf, Rep. Valerie Maglio Longhurst, Rep. Larry Mitchell, State Rep. Danny Short, State Rep. Tim Dukes, Senator Gerald Hocker and Senator Cathy Cloutier.

Read the full letter here

Friends and neighbors,

We are still seeing new cases of COVID-19 in Delaware every day and have not yet hit the peak of this pandemic in Delaware. Keep it up, stay home, and stay tuned for more info in the weeks to come. It is more important than ever to get the right info, at the right time, from the right sources.

In the email below, you’ll find another week’s worth of updates on:

• An updated number of cases in Delaware
• When to wear face coverings and how to make your own
• Unemployment help
• Changes to government services
• How to do your part
• and much more

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, keep checking de.gov/coronavirus.

As always, feel free to reach out to my office at nicole.poore@delaware.gov if you have any additional questions.

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Number of cases in Delaware

Delaware recorded 27 new deaths over the last week related to the coronavirus, bringing the total fatalities to 41 – a number that includes “probable” cases, as per guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranged in age from 33 to 96 years old.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Delaware rose to 1,761 over the weekend, a jump of more than 1,000 cases from a week earlier. So far, 919 of the positive cases are in New Castle County, 288 in Kent County and 551 in Sussex County. At least 204 of those individuals are currently hospitalized, 51 of whom are critically ill.

More than 277 Delaware residents have recovered from COVID-19, meaning seven days have passed since the resolution of their symptoms.

Up-to-date Coronavirus Information

Wear cloth face coverings in public

Please wear cloth face coverings during trips to the grocery store, pharmacy and any other location where social distancing might be difficult.

That’s the latest guidance from the Delaware Division of Public Health and follows a similar recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A cloth face covering can be factory-made or sewn by hand, or improvised from household items such as scarfs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, or towels. Medical or surgical masks should be reserved for health care workers.

Practice strict handwashing before and after touching the face covering. Face coverings are not a replacement for washing hands, practicing physical distancing, and staying home.

Click here to read more about the new guidance from DPH.

How to make a face covering

Short term rentals closed

Governor John Carney last week ordered a halt to most short-term rentals, including vacation homes, hotels, motels, condos and AirBNBs.

Some exceptions are being allowed for essential workers, health care providers, caretakers with family members nearby, journalists and Delawareans with public housing vouchers. Victims of domestic violence who need alternative shelter also are being exempted.
The modified order also closes more businesses, including pawn shops, video game stores and other electronics retailers.

Click here to read more about the latest State of Emergency modification.

Short-term rental FAQs

Unemployment Help

We are working hard to make sure our neighbors can put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads during the coronavirus pandemic.

Unemployment benefits are a lifeline for many in our community and that’s why Governor John Carney quickly expanded eligibility to that program. The Delaware Department of Labor now deserves our thanks – and our patience – as they work through the greatest surge in claims our state has seen in a generation.

Click here to file a claim if you have lost your job, been furloughed or had your hours cut due to COVID-19.

• Read all the instructions carefully.
• Provide an email address to quickly get alerts.
• Select your preferred method for receiving payments. You can choose direct deposit or debit card. If you chose to be paid through a debit card, you will receive a ReliaCard from US Bank in the mail.
• You will see a confirmation number once your claim has been submitted. If you do not get a confirmation number your claim was not processed.
• Submit a weekly pay authorization through web benefits at https://uicc.delawareworks.com/ or telebenefits on the Sunday after you file your claim and every week thereafter.
• You will receive a notice in the mail that explains what wages were used to establish your claim and your weekly benefit amount.

If you need help or have questions about your unemployment claim, please email uiclaims@delaware.gov.

Unemployment FAQ

Additional Resources

This public health crisis is difficult on us all. There is no shame in reaching out for help, whether it’s a low-interest loan to keep your business open, assistance with paying your rent or just someone to listen.

Mortgage and rent assistance

Delaware and the federal government have halted foreclosures and evictions. Delaware also has required utilities to suspend late fees and service disconnections. State programs also are available to help homeowners and renters impacted by COVID-19 continue paying their bills during this crisis.

Click here for more information about the housing assistance available from the Delaware State Housing Authority.

Business assistance

Hundreds of businesses in our state have been ordered to temporarily shut down while the coronavirus has taken a heavy financial toll on many more.

Several state and federal programs are available to help keep those companies afloat.

Click here to read more about the programs that the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering thanks to the federal CARES Act.

Click here for more information about Delaware’s $10,000 per month, low-interest loan program available to the hospitality industry, certain small businesses and nonprofits.

Need help sifting through those initiatives to figure out which one works best for you? Click here for a helpful chart.

Mental health and substance abuse supports

Weeks of social distancing from friends and family can be emotionally taxing.

If you’re feeling stressed and need someone to talk to, Aquila of Delaware recently launched an emotional support line staffed by clinicians and peer supports. Call (302) 266-2556 anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Call 2-1-1 if you want to reach a counseling service and don’t know where to start.

If you or a loved one is experiencing an acute mental health or substance abuse issue, please call the Delaware Behavioral Health Crisis Service hotline. In New Castle County, call (800) 652-2929. In Kent or Sussex counties, call (800) 245-6785.

Changes to Government Services

A number of state agencies that provide crucial services are making changes to their operations as they work to protect customers, clients and staff from infection.

Here is a quick rundown of some recent modifications:

Department of Health and Social Services

All walk-in access to DHSS offices was halted on April 6. Client needs are now being met in person by appointment only or through phone, email or online interactions, except for crisis services, emergency cases, or for people without phone or computer access.

Click here for more information about DHSS’s operations.

Division of Motor Vehicles

All four DMV locations began offering services only through online, kiosk, drive-through and emergency appointment last month. All customers visiting a DMV location will now be subject to health screenings before being allowed to enter the building. All renewals have been extended and renewal late fees are being waived so you can forgo a trip to the DMV until this crisis is over.

Click here for more information about DMV’s operations.

DART First State

All riders are now being allowed to ride on DART buses for free, although the number of riders on a bus at any given time will be limited based on seating capacity to ensure responsible social distancing at all times. All passenger boarding is through the rear door, unless boarding assistance is required. Riders are asked to only use public transit for essential trips to work, the grocery store, pharmacy or other critical destination.

To ensure social distancing, Click here for more information about DART First State’s operations.

Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control

Going outside for a walk, a jog or a bike ride is a great way to lift your spirits. But we still have to practice responsible social distancing — even while outside. That’s why DNREC is now limiting how many people are allowed at Delaware State Parks and wildlife areas at one time. Bathrooms are also now closed at all parks, wildlife areas and boat ramps. Beaches also remain closed except for exercise, dog-walking and some surf-fishing under restricted conditions.

Click here for more information about DNREC’s operations.

Protect Our First Responders

Our first responders are on the front lines of this public health crisis, protecting us from crime, battling fires and answering our calls for help even as we quarantine in our homes.

We also need to protect them by telling 911 operators if you or your family member has tested positive for COVID-19. Nearly a third of the Claymont Fire Co. is now in quarantine because two families did not disclose the risk in advance.

I promise our police, firefighters and EMTs will still respond to the call. But we need to give them the information they need to take proper precautions so they can stay in this fight.

Read more about Claymont Fire Co.

Join the Fight Against COVID-19

We might be stuck at home, but we are not helpless when it comes to protecting our neighbors and helping our community get through this public health crisis.

Here are just a few of the ways you can help:

COVID-19 RESPONSE

Do you have experience in health care, child care or behavioral health? If so, I urge you to lend your time and expertise by filling critical positions in our medical and emergency child care workforce. Click here to register.

DONATE PPE

First responders and health care organizations are in need of personal protection equipment, such as N95 masks, protective suits, safety glasses, medical gloves, thermometers and hand sanitizer. Click here for a list of collection locations. You also can click here to help with supplies or click here to request them.

STAY ACTIVE

Delawareans have formed Facebook groups, such as The Helpers Delaware and Help for Healthcare Workers Delaware, to collaborate on donation drives, food distribution and stitching together thousands of homemade masks.

SUPPORT OUR FRONT-LINE WORKERS

Click here for a wealth of ways in which you can donate to hospitals, nonprofits and food pantries.

READ TO CHILDREN

Our students need extra help these days to stay engaged, particularly younger children. Many of our neighbors could also use some help teaching from home. That’s why the United Way of Delaware is asking you to join their Virtual Reading Angels program, where volunteers can help kids stay connected through the power of a good book.Click here to learn how you can get involved.

Friends and neighbors,

Delaware City Mayor Paul Johnson and I are teaming up with Donate Delaware to help collect PPE with a very special guest, the Easter Bunny!

This Easter Sunday, April 12, starting at 8 a.m., the Easter Bunny will be driving through neighborhoods in the Delaware City/St. Georges area to collect unused personal protection equipment to support first responders and health care organizations.

Items needed include:

• All types of unused protective face masks, especially N95 masks
• Protective suits and medical scrubs
• Goggles, safety glasses and face shields
• Cleaning and sterilizing solutions and wipes
• Medical gloves
• Digital and disposable thermometers
• Hand sanitizer
• Disposable stethoscopes
• Phone chargers and cords

Look for the Delaware City fire engine! You can leave donations on the curb and waive to the Easter Bunny from your doorsteps or windows. Please make sure you maintain a safe distance from the engine and volunteers. Your safety and the safety of our first responders is critical.

Visit donatede.org to view the neighborhoods on the route. If you have any questions, please reach out to Taylor Hawk at taylor.hawk@delaware.gov

Nicole Poore
State Senator, 12th District
Majority Leader

Friends and neighbors,

We’re back with more updates on COVID-19 in Delaware for you and your family. In the email below, you can read this week’s most important updates, including new info on:

• An updated number of cases in Delaware
• DHSS estimated peak in hospitalizations and new cases
• Out-of-state self-quarantine order
• New rules for Delaware businesses
• Federal CARES Act infographic and breakdown
• Text updates and Delaware 2-1-1
• Family education resources
• How to get out of the house for some fresh air
• How to help

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, keep checking de.gov/coronavirus or call DPH’s coronavirus hotline at 1-866-408-1899

As always, feel free to reach out to my office at nicole.poore@delaware.gov if you have any additional questions.

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

Number of cases in Delaware

Delaware recorded nine new deaths over the last week related to the coronavirus, bringing the total fatalities to 15. All of the deaths have involved people 65 and older with underlying chronic health conditions.

The total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Delaware rose to 783 over the weekend, with over 100 new cases announced Monday afternoon alone. So far, 496 of the positive cases are in New Castle County, 128 in Kent County and 159 in Sussex County. At least 140 of those individuals are currently hospitalized, 25 of whom are critically ill.

More than 70 Delaware residents have recovered from COVID-19, meaning seven days have passed since the resolution of their symptoms.

If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, please call your family doctor or call the Division of Public Health’s Coronavirus Call Center at 1-866-408-1899, or 711 for individuals who are hearing-impaired, between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Questions also can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

Up-to-date Coronavirus Information

Stay Home. Protect Your Neighbors.

Public health officials are predicting the peak in new cases and hospitalizations could come later this month.

The most important thing you can do now to fight COVID-19 is to stay at home as much as possible. Violating the stay-at-home order can result in a $500 fine and even jail time. But more importantly, it’s just the right thing to do.

You can go to work if your job is essential, but then go back home.
You can go to the grocery store, but then go back home.
You can pick up a prescription, but then go back home.
You can walk your dog, but then go back home.

Staying at home is especially important for our seniors and other vulnerable populations.

We should all be doing our part to make sure our high-risk family members and neighbors are taking all of the necessary precautions to protect their health.

Stay at Home FAQ

Updated State of Emergency

Governor John Carney on Monday ordered a halt to most short-term rentals at hotels, motels and vacation homes, starting at 8 p.m. this evening.

Some exceptions will be allowed for essential workers, health care providers, caretakers with family members nearby, journalists and Delawareans with public housing vouchers. Victims of domestic violence who need alternative shelter also will be exempted.

The modified order also closes more businesses, including pawn shops, video game stores and other electronics retailers.

“All of Delaware’s restrictions are intended to prevent a surge in cases, preserve our hospital capacity, and save lives,” Governor Carney said. “This is not the time for a vacation or tax-free shopping in Delaware.

Read more about the new order by clicking the link below:

10th Modification to State of Emergency

Out-of-state Visitors Must Self-Quarantine

To slow the spread of coronavirus, Delaware has taken a number of steps in recent days to limit the influx of travelers from other states.

Gov. John Carney last week ordered anyone entering Delaware from another state to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days. That includes anyone who is visiting to fish, hunt, enjoy our state parks or our golf courses.

Delaware State Police have started setting up checkpoints to inform out-of-state visitors of the quarantine order.

Out-of-state residents are still allowed to come into Delaware to work for a business allowed to remain open during the State of Emergency, to care for a family member or to visit a health care provider.

Shopping is not a valid reason to visit.

Click here or here to read more about Delaware’s efforts to limit out-of-state visitors.
Out of State Visitor Rules

New Rules for Delaware Businesses

Gov. Carney last week issued new rules for Delaware businesses allowed to remain open during the State of Emergency.

Signs, like the one above, are being posted outside of “high-risk” establishments, such as health care facilities, child care centers, nursing homes and state offices. Those facilities must now begin screening workers for fever and other coronavirus systems before they can report for work.

Restaurants, grocery stores and other retailers are also strongly encouraged to screen employees for coronavirus symptoms. Other precautions those businesses must take include:

• Limiting entry to no more than 20 percent of their capacity as set by the state fire marshal – and no more than 10 percent during exclusive hours for high-risk populations.
• Clearly marking 6-foot spacing in check-out lines and other high-traffic areas.
• Ending self-service food options
• Requiring staff to enforce the new limits on the number of people allowed inside.

A wealth of new assistance also is now available to our small business community.

Thanks to the federal CARES Act, the U.S. Small Business Administration is offering several funding programs for companies struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Delaware is also offering financial assistance to small businesses impacted by the State of Emergency through the H.E.L.P. Program.

• New Business Rules
• Federal Assistance
• H.E.L.P. Program

Federal Help is on the Way

Many of you have questions about how the federal stimulus bill might help you and your family.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, or CARES Act, covers everything from direct payments to citizens and enhanced unemployment benefits to small-business loans and disaster relief for states and communities.

Click here for a helpful Q&A provided by U.S. Sen. Chris Coons.
Click here for a helpful summary from our friends at the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Thanks to separate legislation, additional assistance also is being provided to Delawareans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. All families will receive the maximum monthly benefit in both March and April under the federal Families First Coronavirus Response Act signed into law earlier this month. For the average SNAP household in Delaware, the increased benefit will translate to about $120 in additional food assistance each month.

SNAP Benefits

New Ways to Get Information

Delawareans now have two new ways to get information about our state’s response to COVID-19:

Text the word “add” to (302) 460-2501 for regular updates about the coronavirus.

Call 2-1-1 for general, non-health-specific questions about assistance with housing, food, utilities, transportation and mental health services. You also can dial (800) 560-3372. Individuals with hearing impairment can dial 7-1-1. Or simply text your zip code to 898-211.

Delaware 2-1-1

Family Education Resources

Most of our school districts and charters are rolling out new remote learning platforms to help keep our children engaged and educated even as they miss time away from the classroom.

Parental involvement in educational opportunities is more important than ever. But you are not alone.

Our friends in state government have created an incredible portal full of stay-at-home resources for the whole family.

Here you’ll find access to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, virtual tours of Delaware museums, videos about the First State’s natural environment, full access to our libraries and so much more.

Stay-at-home Resources for Kids and Families

Go Outside

Staying home doesn’t mean staying inside.

Getting some fresh air is a great way to lift your spirits. Try birding, cycling, hiking or jogging this weekend.

Most state parks and state wildlife areas are still open for daily visits. Just remember that public restrooms and playgrounds at those sites are closed.

And always keep 6 feet from others.

How to Help

All across Delaware, people are coming together — virtually in most cases — to help our health care workers, first responders and other community members get through this crisis.

Several of our local distilleries have converted a portion of their production lines to making hand sanitizer, including Dogfish Head in Milton, Painted Stave Distilling in Smyrna, EasySpeak Spirits in Milford and

Friends and neighbors,

A lot has happened in the past few days and it is becoming increasingly difficult to stay on top of each new development during this COVID-19 outbreak.

To help you find the most accurate, relevant information, I have summarized most of what we have received from our agencies, experts, and public health officials, including:

• An updated total number of cases in Delaware
• School closings
• Child care providers
• Hospital visiting hours
• Nursing homes
• Colleges
• Courts
• Prisons
• Small Business Support
• Unemployment
• Call center hours

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit de.gov/coronavirus or call DPH’s coronavirus hotline at 1-866-408-1899 (details for the hotline are at the bottom of this email) – and as always, feel free to reach out to my office at nicole.poore@delaware.gov if you have any additional questions.

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

UPDATED – State of Emergency

At 2:30 p.m. March 16, Governor John Carney updated the March 12 Emergency Declaration.

Read the full update here.

In addition to the requirements listed in the March 12 declaration, this updated State of Emergency will:

• Limit Delaware restaurants, taverns and bars to take-out and delivery service only to help prevent spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19);
• Ban public gatherings of 50 or more people, consistent with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC);
• Close gaming activity at Delaware casinos;
• Give Delaware’s Secretary of Labor authorization 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.

The updated State of Emergency goes into effect at 8:00 p.m. March 16.

Number of cases in Delaware and U.S.

The Delaware Division of Public Health announced an additional positive case of COVID-19 today, bringing the total number in Delaware to 8 as of Monday afternoon. All but one of the cases so far are connected to the University of Delaware. None of the people are severely ill and all of them are self-isolated in their homes.

The number of cases nationwide rose to more than 4,000 over the weekend, with 71 confirmed deaths.

Schools closed

Governor John Carney late Friday directed all public schools — including charter schools — to close from March 16 to March 27. During the break, school districts also will be undertaking a deep cleaning of their facilities.

Closing school for an extended period means more than lost lesson time. Many students rely on school meals for their daily nutrition. Districts across the state are announcing sites where students can pick up meals during the weeks ahead. Please visit your child’s school district website for complete information or check out this helpful listing:

The News Journal: Districts set up meal sites for students after schools close for two weeks

Child care providers

The state issued guidance to non-public school child care facilities over the weekend. The Department of Public Health is not recommending they close at this time.

Instead, they suggest providers:

• Increase handwashing procedures throughout the day for staff and children using soap and water and scrubbing vigorously for at least 20 seconds.
• Remind adults and children to avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Strictly enforce the child care facility’s illness policy for both children and staff.
• Separate sick students and adults from others until they can go home.
• Rigorously implement cleaning for toys and surfaces.
• Remove and sanitize mouthed toys immediately.
• Regularly launder soft items such as washable plush toys, bedding, and clothing.

Hospital visiting hours

Delaware’s hospital systems issued new patient visitor guidelines over the weekend:

Christiana Care is limiting visitors to one person at a time and requiring that they be 16 or older. Those visitors will be screened before entering. Visiting hours are from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Bayhealth is limiting visitors to one at a time and requiring that they be 18 or older. Visitors will be screened before entering. Visiting hours are from noon to 8 p.m.

Beebe Healthcare is asking patients to identify two essential visitors ages 17 and older. Visitors will be screened before entering. Visiting hours are not limited.

Nanticoke Health System is limiting visitors to one per patient and requiring that they be 18 or older, except for labor and delivery where two visitors will be allowed. Visitors may be screened before entering. Visiting hours are from noon until 8 p.m. They are no longer allowing the delivery of food, flowers, balloons or other gifts. The Riverview Cafe at Nanticoke Memorial Hospital is also closed to the general public until further notice.

Nursing homes

DHSS is recommending that all Delaware nursing homes, long-term care facilities and adult day-care centers temporarily end visitation, a guidance also offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC has found that early data suggests older people are twice as likely to suffer a serious illness from coronavirus disease.

In addition to restricting visitors, DHSS is urging Delaware’s long-term care facilities to:

• Make online methods of face-to face communication and phone calls available.
• Staff should be monitored if they are showing any signs of respiratory infection such as fever, cough or sore throat.
• Any staff member who has these signs or symptoms should not go to work. Any staff that develop these signs or symptoms on the job should immediately stop working, put on a face mask, and self-isolate at home.
• Nursing homes should increase availability of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, tissues, no-touch receptacles for disposal, and face masks at entrances, waiting rooms, and resident check-ins.
• Signage should be increased for vigilant infection prevention.
• Properly clean, disinfect, and limit sharing of medical equipment between residents and areas of the facility.

Colleges

Several of our higher education institutions have taken measures intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The University of Delaware has closed all UD owned and/or operated student housing facilities through the end of the semester. All courses will be conducted online and via remote learning beginning March 23 and will continue through the end of the semester.

Delaware State University has told students now on spring break to not return to campus until April 5. Students still on campus have been told to go home, if possible. Courses will be conducted online starting March 18 and continuing until at least April 3.

Delaware Technical Community College has extended spring break through March 22.

Wilmington University has moved all classes online until further notice. All university events have been canceled and all university campuses and sites will be closed through March 29.

Goldey-Beacom College is teaching all classes remotely. Students who wish to move out of student housing are being provided a full refund of those costs. Commencement scheduled for May 1 has been postponed.

Wesley College is conducting all courses online and students are encouraged to move home for the coming days. All campus activities are canceled or postponed, including athletic competitions.

Business Support

Delaware is working on requesting assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration that could allow for new loan options that will help our small businesses weather the COVID-19 epidemic.

We need your help.

Federal regulations require that the Delaware Division of Small Business provide SBA with information about multiple businesses that are negatively impacted to qualify for the declaration.

Please take a few minutes to fill out the form and email it to the Division of Small Business at business@delaware.gov.

(https://business.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/118/2020/03/SBA-EIDL-Declaration-Business-Form.pdf)

Unemployment

Some workers who lose work or work hours due to shutdowns related to COVID-19 can be eligible for unemployment benefits. Those who choose to self-quarantine without the direction of a physician likely will not be eligible, however.

For more information or to ask questions about your particular situation, please call (302) 761-6576 in New Castle County or (800) 794-3032 in Kent and Sussex counties.

Courts

All civil and criminal jury trials in Delaware have been suspended until April 15, under an order issued Sunday. Anyone who has been summoned for jury duty is excused and should not report to court. The grand jury and other court proceedings that involve smaller groups of people will continue.

Status hearings in specialty courts will also be postponed. Those include veteran’s court, mental health court, drug court and reentry court.
Under the order, probation violation hearings for non-incarcerated offenders will also be postponed. Probation hearings for incarcerated offenders will be heard at the discretion of the judicial officer.

Prisons

The Delaware Department of Correction has temporarily suspended visitation to all Level 5 prisons, all Level 4 work release and violation-of-probation facilities as a precaution to protect inmates and staff from coronavirus. All inmates arriving at Level 5 and 4 facilities, including pre-trial detainees and transfers from other states, will be monitored daily by medical personnel for 14 days for symptoms as a precaution against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

All Level 4 offenders who return from work shifts, furloughs or other approved passes in the community, will be screened upon their return to the facility. Screenings will include temperature checks and a review of other symptoms.

Inmates in DOC custody have access to a variety of phone and video visitation privileges, and while visitation is suspended, DOC will increase the use of these visitation options.

Visitation at the state’s juvenile justice facilities also has been suspended. During this time, the Division of Youth Rehabilitative Services will offer phone and video calls for our youth to ensure they remain in contact with their families. The division will continue to serve youth and meet their rehabilitative needs with core programming, which includes education and counseling.

Public Defender’s Office

The Office of Defense Services is increasing its usage of the state’s videophone network to meet with incarcerated clients.

Starting Monday, March 16, those non-incarcerated individuals seeking a Public Defender should call the following numbers to request an attorney:

(302) 255-0130 in New Castle County

(302) 739-4476 in Kent County

(302) 856-5310 in Sussex County

They ask that people do not come to their office locations to request a public defender.

Call center hours

The Delaware Division of Public Health is operating call centers that you can contact if you have any questions about COVID-19.

Please call 1-866-408-1899 between 8:30 a.m. and 8 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends. You also can email DPHcall@delaware.gov.

For the latest Delaware updates, please visit de.gov/coronavirus.

Friends and neighbors,

I want to let you know of some measures we are taking to help prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. Below you will also find the latest information about COVID-19 infections in our state.

Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf and Senate President Pro Tempore David McBride announced Thursday that the Delaware General Assembly is postponing next week’s legislative session.

“After careful consideration and consultation with various state agencies, we believe delaying our return is the right decision to ensure the safety of our staff, fellow lawmakers and members of the public who visit Legislative Hall when we are in session,” Rep. Schwartzkopf and Sen. McBride said in a joint statement. “At this moment, our postponement will extend until March 24. However, we will carefully monitor the spread of COVID-19 in Delaware and across the country, and we will re-evaluate when to return to session on a weekly basis. As we have said before, this is a rapidly shifting situation and we must remain flexible based on the changing circumstances.”

Effective Friday, Legislative Hall will be closed to the public. There will be no tours, and any meetings scheduled for the following week will also be postponed.

Governor John Carney also has issued a State of Emergency declaration that becomes effective at 8 a.m. on Friday, March 13, 2020.

Governor Carney’s emergency declaration also:

• Requires the Delaware National Guard to take precautionary and responsive actions to assist with Delaware’s response to the coronavirus;
• Advises event organizers in Delaware to cancel non-essential public gatherings of 100 people or more, to prevent community spread of coronavirus;
• Allows the State of Delaware to conduct public meetings electronically to prevent unnecessary public gatherings;
• Prohibits price gouging, or an excessive price increase of goods or services, during the coronavirus outbreak.

“We are taking this situation extremely seriously,” Governor Carney said. “We have been expecting positive cases in Delaware, and for the last two months we have prepared our state’s response in close coordination with the experts at the Delaware Division of Public Health and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency. Today’s emergency declaration will make sure we have the authority and resources necessary to effectively prevent the spread of this virus.”

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit de.gov/coronavirus or call DPH’s coronavirus hotline at 1-866-408-1899 (details for the hotline are below) – and as always, feel free to reach out to my office at nicole.poore@delaware.gov if you have any additional questions.

Thank you,

Nicole Poore
Senator, District 12

DPH ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL PRESUMPTIVE POSITIVE CASES OF CORONAVIRUS IN DELAWARE

DOVER (March 12, 2020) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is announcing three additional presumptive positive cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). All three individuals are under the age of 30 and are associated with the University of Delaware community.

The individuals are not severely ill and are currently self-isolated at home. The individuals were exposed to the same confirmed case of COVID-19 in another state as the first Delaware case. Epidemiologists from the Division of Public Health are working with the patients to identify any close contacts of these individuals who were possibly exposed. If other people are found to have possibly been exposed, state health officials will provide guidance to these individuals and monitor them closely for the development of symptoms.

DPH will not be disclosing additional information about the individuals.

“We understand that news of additional cases is concerning to students, staff, and families in the University of Delaware community,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “However, DPH is working closely with the administration at the University of Delaware on their coronavirus disease response.”

DPH has issued the following guidance for the University of Delaware community:

• Close contacts of these individuals, whether or not they have symptoms of illness including fever, cough, or shortness of breath, may return home during University of Delaware’s spring break. These individuals may not use public transportation to get home. They will need to remain home for at least 14 days after last contact with positive cases.
• Individuals who did not have contact with these individuals can return home and go about their daily lives. They should self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 and contact their primary contact provider if symptoms appear.

Students, faculty, and staff who have general questions about the University of Delaware’s response to COVID-19 can contact the University of Delaware’s Call Center at (302) 831-1188 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Families who have concerns are encouraged to contact their family care provider to discuss the possibility of testing if symptoms appear.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are most similar to lower respiratory infections with patients having fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19 infection at this time. While in some cases illnesses can be severe and require hospitalization, many individuals infected with COVID-19 recover by resting, drinking plenty of liquids and taking pain, and fever-reducing medications.

In Delaware, DPH has tested 41 individuals for COVID-19, including the individuals who tested positive for the disease. A total of 23 tests returned negative results, and 14 persons under investigation are awaiting test results.
Testing for coronavirus disease is not recommended for individuals who do not have any symptoms of illness. For individuals who have symptoms of illness (fever, cough, or shortness of breath) testing is available at both the Delaware Public Health Lab as well as certain commercial labs. Medical providers should evaluate patients and rule out other causes of illness first before recommending testing for COVID-19. While testing for the disease at the Public Health Lab requires DPH approval, providers do not need DPH approval to submit test samples at a commercial lab. With several commercial labs now having lab testing available, Delaware has enough capacity to accommodate testing. Providers only need to collect mouth and nose swabs as they would for flu to submit samples for testing at either venue. Commercial labs are required to report testing and results to DPH.

Delawareans with 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 TTY at 1-800-232-5460 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or email DPHCall@delaware.gov. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For more information, visit de.gov/coronavirus.