COVID-19 pandemic in Delaware: Difference between revisions
Citation bot (talk | contribs) Add: date. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Spinixster | Category:COVID-19 pandemic in the United States by state | #UCB_Category 26/51 |
Citation bot (talk | contribs) Removed parameters. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | #UCB_CommandLine |
||
| Line 208: | Line 208: | ||
On December 21, the DE Division of Public Health (DPH) announced the introduction of a QR code for individuals when they download their COVID-19 vaccination record.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-21|title=DPH Launches QR Tool Giving Delawareans Convenient Access to Their COVID-19 Vaccine Record|url=https://news.delaware.gov/2021/12/21/dph-launches-qr-tool-giving-delawareans-convenient-access-to-their-covid-19-vaccine-record/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=State of Delaware News|language=en-US}}</ref> |
On December 21, the DE Division of Public Health (DPH) announced the introduction of a QR code for individuals when they download their COVID-19 vaccination record.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-21|title=DPH Launches QR Tool Giving Delawareans Convenient Access to Their COVID-19 Vaccine Record|url=https://news.delaware.gov/2021/12/21/dph-launches-qr-tool-giving-delawareans-convenient-access-to-their-covid-19-vaccine-record/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=State of Delaware News|language=en-US}}</ref> |
||
On December 23, US Senator [[Chris Coons]] announced that he had tested positive and would quarantine.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-23|title=U.S. Senator Chris Coons Of Delaware Tests Positive For COVID-19|url=https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2021/12/23/chris-coons-delaware-senate-congress-covid-positive-vaccination/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|website=CBS 3 Philly|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223175122/https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2021/12/23/chris-coons-delaware-senate-congress-covid-positive-vaccination/ |archive-date=December 23, 2021 }}</ref> The University of Delaware and Delaware State University announced that they would require all returning students to receive a COVID-19 booster shot before the start of the spring semesters. Delaware State University continued that they were delaying the students return to campus by two weeks, with the semester starting virtually on January 10.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holveck|first=Brandon|date=December 23, 2021|title=University of Delaware and Delaware State students must get the COVID-19 booster shot before spring semester|url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/coronavirus-in-delaware/2021/12/23/university-delaware-requires-covid-19-booster-shots-students/9007556002/ |
On December 23, US Senator [[Chris Coons]] announced that he had tested positive and would quarantine.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-12-23|title=U.S. Senator Chris Coons Of Delaware Tests Positive For COVID-19|url=https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2021/12/23/chris-coons-delaware-senate-congress-covid-positive-vaccination/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|website=CBS 3 Philly|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211223175122/https://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2021/12/23/chris-coons-delaware-senate-congress-covid-positive-vaccination/ |archive-date=December 23, 2021 }}</ref> The University of Delaware and Delaware State University announced that they would require all returning students to receive a COVID-19 booster shot before the start of the spring semesters. Delaware State University continued that they were delaying the students return to campus by two weeks, with the semester starting virtually on January 10.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Holveck|first=Brandon|date=December 23, 2021|title=University of Delaware and Delaware State students must get the COVID-19 booster shot before spring semester|url=https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/coronavirus-in-delaware/2021/12/23/university-delaware-requires-covid-19-booster-shots-students/9007556002/|access-date=2021-12-27|website=The News Journal|language=en-US}}</ref> |
||
On December 30, Governor Carney announced that a new state of emergency would be imposed starting on January 3, 2022, due to a rise in cases and hospitalizations caused by the [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Steele|first=Melissa|title=State of Emergency back on starting Monday, Jan. 3|work=Cape Gazette|date=December 30, 2021|url=https://www.capegazette.com/article/state-emergency-back-starting-monday-jan-3/232941|accessdate=December 30, 2021}}</ref> |
On December 30, Governor Carney announced that a new state of emergency would be imposed starting on January 3, 2022, due to a rise in cases and hospitalizations caused by the [[SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Steele|first=Melissa|title=State of Emergency back on starting Monday, Jan. 3|work=Cape Gazette|date=December 30, 2021|url=https://www.capegazette.com/article/state-emergency-back-starting-monday-jan-3/232941|accessdate=December 30, 2021}}</ref> |
||
Revision as of 00:40, 27 September 2023
| COVID-19 pandemic in Delaware | |
|---|---|
 COVID-19 sign in Rehoboth Beach in June 2020 | |
 Map of the outbreak in Delaware by confirmed new infections per 100,000 people over 14 days (last updated March 2021)
1,000+
500–1,000
200–500
100–200
50–100
20–50
10–20
0–10
No confirmed new cases or no/bad data | |
 Map of the outbreak in Delaware by confirmed total infections per 100,000 people (last updated March 2021)
10,000+
3,000–10,000
1,000–3,000
300–1,000
100–300
30–100
0–30
No confirmed infected or no data | |
| Disease | COVID-19 |
| Virus strain | SARS-CoV-2 |
| Location | Delaware, U.S. |
| Index case | New Castle County |
| Arrival date | March 11, 2020 |
| Confirmed cases | 232,852 |
| Suspected cases‡ | 22,435 |
| Hospitalized cases | 118 (current) |
| Recovered | 11,236 |
Deaths | 2,702 (confirmed and probable) |
| Vaccinations | 592,890 (72%) of population with at least one dose |
| Government website | |
| Delaware Department of Health and Social Services | |
| ‡Suspected cases have not been confirmed by laboratory tests as being due to this strain, although some other strains may have been ruled out. | |
| Part of a series on the |
| COVID-19 pandemic |
|---|
 |
|
.svg){kind=small} COVID-19 portal |
The COVID-19 pandemic was reported to have reached the U.S. state of Delaware on March 11, 2020, in New Castle County. The following day, March 12, Governor John Carney declared a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware due to a Public Health Threat. As of February 8, 2021, the Delaware Division of Public Health reported 80,594 cumulative COVID-19 cases and 1,208 deaths.[1] As of May 25, 2021[update], Delaware has administered 904,722 COVID-19 vaccine doses, equivalent to 52.9% of the population. 41.3% of the population is fully vaccinated.[2]
Timeline
March 2020
March 4
On March 4, in preparation for the spread of COVID-19 in Delaware, the Delaware Division of Public Health opened a coronavirus call center at its State Health Operation Center in Smyrna to assist with questions that businesses, schools, and people may have about the disease.[3]
March 11–13
On March 11, the Delaware Division of Public Health announced its first presumptive positive case of COVID-19 in Delaware. The positive case involved a man over the age of 50 in New Castle County who was associated with the University of Delaware.[4]
On March 12, Delaware Governor John Carney declared a state of emergency. This allowed for the Delaware National Guard to take precautionary actions and prepare for further response to the disease, for the state to conduct public meetings electronically, and prevented the price gouging of goods. Governor Carney also recommended that all non-essential public gatherings of more than 100 people be cancelled, following CDC guidelines.[5] Three more positive cases of coronavirus were confirmed on March 12. The patients were two graduate students and a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Delaware.[6] Delaware State University President Dr. Tony Allen advised all students to not return to campus until at least April 5. He also announced that all classes from March 18 until April 5 would take place online.[7]
On March 13, the Downtown Dover Partnership announced the cancellation of the St. Patrick's Day parade due to coronavirus concerns.[8] Late on March 13, Governor Carney closed all Delaware Public Schools from March 16 to 27.[9] In addition, the University of Delaware announced that all classes after spring break would be moved to an all-online format for the remainder of the semester. All University of Delaware residence halls were to be closed by March 22 at 10:00 pm.[10]
March 14–16
On March 14, the Delaware Division of Public Health announced two more positive cases of coronavirus in the state. The two new patients were both self-quarantining in New Castle County: a woman older than 50 and a man older than 60. This increased the number of total positive cases in Delaware to 6.[11]
Delaware announced their seventh case in the state on March 15; the case was associated with the University of Delaware.[12]
The Delaware Division of Public Health announced on March 16 that a woman over 50 in New Castle County was confirmed to have coronavirus. The total number of positive cases increased to eight in Delaware with the addition of this case.[13]
March 17–19
.jpg)
It was announced on March 17 that eight additional positive cases of coronavirus were confirmed in the state, including the first in Sussex County. Of the patients, four were men and four were women, though their ages were not revealed. This increased the total number of positive cases to 16 in Delaware.[14]
On March 18, the DDHS announced ten more positive cases in the state of Delaware, including the first three in Kent County. All three of Delaware's counties had at least one coronavirus case by March 18. The addition of these cases increased the cumulative number of positive cases to 26 for the state.[15]
Dover Air Force Base declared a public health emergency on March 18, allowing for tighter restrictions on the movement of people on the base, including personnel restrictions and access restrictions to the base's installation. In addition, the emergency allowed isolation and quarantine procedures for the base to go into effect.[16]
On March 19, the number of cases was confirmed to have increased to thirty: 23 in New Castle, three in Sussex, and four in Kent Counties.[17]
March 20–22
On March 20, the state reported 27 lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New Castle County, five in Kent County and seven in Sussex County, which brought the total to 39, with two people being in critical condition.[18]
The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) had reported 30 COVID-19 cases in the state just the day before. DPH recommended testing for people with a fever and either a cough or shortness of breath.[19]
September 2020
In its weekly update of health statistics related to corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services announced that the state surpassed 20,000 positive cases on September 25, 2020.[20]
Government agency closures
Schools
On April 24, Governor John Carney made the decision to close all Delaware schools for the remainder of the 2019–2020 academic school year. "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," he said.[21]
In preparation for the 2020–2021 school year, Governor Carney signed on August 26 the Twenty-fifth Modification of the Declaration of a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware Due to a Public Health Threat. This Declaration ordered all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) to follow instructions from the Delaware Department of Education (DDOE). The order also addressed school notification for COVID-19 positive cases, face coverings for students K-12, in-person education, child care, and other guidelines.
Libraries
On March 17, the Delaware Division of Libraries announced that all Delaware Public Libraries were to be closed until further notice, and were to be evaluated before reopening with adherence to guidelines from public health officials.[22]
Electronic checkout of materials from the Delaware Public Libraries continued without interruption via a digital media services app known as hoopla. By the end of March, outdoor WIFI hotspots were available in the parking lots of New Castle County libraries, parks, and selected government buildings.[23] In June, all three county libraries began offering curb-side pickup to allow patrons to check out books and other library materials without coming into library buildings.[24]
Government response
March 2020
Governor John Carney declared a state of emergency on March 12, allowing for the Delaware National Guard to prepare for the spread of COVID-19.[5] He closed all public schools in the state on March 13.[9]
The City of Dover cancelled all permits for event gatherings of more than 100 people on March 13, citing the governor's recommendation.[8]
On March 16, all public libraries within Delaware closed until further notice. Restaurants were ordered to stop dine-in services at 8:00 pm, moving to take-out and delivery-only services.[25]
On March 17, cash tolls were suspended at the mainline toll plazas along Interstate 95 and Delaware Route 1, with all tolls collected electronically through the high-speed E-ZPass lanes. Motorists without E-ZPass were billed by mail.[26][27]
On March 23, Governor Carney issued the stay-at-home order to stop the spread of COVID-19. All non-essential businesses were ordered to close. Governor Carney issued the order Sunday night, set to go in effect Tuesday morning at 8:00 am, stating "All non-essential businesses are closed. All Delawareans are instructed to stay in their homes, except when they are going to and from their place of business if it's permitted to stay open." This shelter-in-place order will remain in effect until May 15.[28] Additionally, Delaware schools were to remain closed through May 15 to fight the spread of COVID-19.[29]
_north_of_Exit_1_in_Brookside,_New_Castle_County,_Delaware.jpg)
On March 29, Governor Carney ordered all travelers from outside the state to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arriving in Delaware. Exemptions from the self-quarantine requirement included people only traveling through Delaware, people traveling to an essential job, and people traveling to care for family members.[30]
April 2020
On April 17, Governor Carney announced that schools in the state would remain closed until May 18, with updates coming if necessary. He also mentioned that there was not yet enough information to make a decision regarding the remainder of the year.[31]
On April 24, Governor Carney announced that schools in the state would remain closed for the remainder of the school year. Schools would continue to use remote learning.[32]
On April 25, Governor Carney announced that Delaware residents were required to wear face coverings in public, including when shopping, visiting a medical office or using public transportation.[33]
May 2020
On May 5, Governor Carney announced that the state would start testing all residents and staff at long-term care facilities.[34]
On May 7, the presidential primary election, which had been postponed from April 28 to June 2, was further postponed to July 7 by Governor Carney. He also announced that absentee ballot applications would be mailed to all voters.[35]
On May 8, Governor Carney allowed retail stores to open for curbside pickup. He also allowed barbershops and salons to reopen with restrictions.[34]
On May 21, collection of cash tolls resumed at the mainline toll plazas along Interstate 95 and Delaware Route 1.[27]
On May 22, Governor Carney allowed Delaware Beaches and community pools to reopen ahead of Memorial Day weekend. Social distancing was enforced while masks were required on the boardwalk.[36]
June 2020
On June 1, Delaware entered Phase 1 of its reopening plan. In this reopening phase, many businesses were allowed to reopen at 30 percent capacity, including restaurants, retail stores, shopping malls, museums, barbershops, salons, gyms, and casinos. In addition, outdoor gatherings of up to 250 people were allowed. With the move to Phase 1, the ban on short-term property rentals along with the 14-day self-quarantine requirement for out-of-state travelers were lifted.[37]
On June 8, tattoo shops, massage parlors, and nail salons were allowed to reopen at 30 percent capacity.[38]
On June 15, Delaware entered Phase 2 of its reopening plan. In this reopening phase, businesses open in Phase 1 were allowed to increase their capacity to 60 percent. In addition, childcare services were allowed to open to everyone after having previously been restricted to children of essential workers.[38]
On June 25, Governor Carney delayed entering Phase 3 of its reopening plan, explaining that "too many Delawareans and visitors are not following basic public health precautions."[39]
On June 30, Governor Carney ordered bars at Delaware Beaches to close indefinitely, beginning on July 3, ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend. During the month of June, cases spiked in Dewey Beach and Rehoboth Beach.[40] Bars were prohibited from allowing customers to sit or stand at the bar, however, bars remained open to prepare drinks to be served to customers sitting at tables.[41]
July 2020
![[icon]](/enwiki/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2020) |
On July 24, Governor Carney allowed driver education services to resume and also allowed for senior centers to reopen at 30 percent capacity.[42]
August 2020
| This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (September 2020) |
On August 4, Governor Carney announced that schools in Delaware could reopen for the upcoming school year in a hybrid model that would use a mix of in-person and online instruction and that schools would be required to follow health and safety precautions.[43]
September 2020
.jpg)
On September 1, hospitalization rates were the highest they had been since July. The state's rolling average was recorded at 5.2 percent for the seven-day period, higher than the mark of 5.0 percent or below recommended by the World Health Organization. In his weekly press briefing Governor Carney said, "We want to be below percent [and] we want to be going the other direction." Governor Carney also reported that he had spoken with Dr. Anthony Fauci on a White House Coronavirus Task Force call with other governors that past Monday, August 31. Fauci stressed exerting caution when it came to gatherings for the upcoming Labor Day weekend.[44]
On September 4, bars at Delaware beaches were allowed to reopen ahead of Labor Day weekend. Bar seating was required to be spaced out for social distancing, reservations were required for seating at the bar, and customers who wished to sit at the bar were required to order food.[45]
On September 15, 2020, the Delaware Division of Public Health, in partnership with the University of Delaware, launched the COVID Alert DE app. By exchanging an anonymous, randomly-generated digital code, the app uses Bluetooth technology to alert users if they have been in close contact (less than six feet for more than fifteen minutes) with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.[46]
By September 19, the University of Delaware vowed to crack down on social distancing violations amid the largest single-day spike of infections for the state, with 34 students testing positive for COVID-19.[47]
October 2020
On October 9, University of Delaware Athletics suspended 19 members of its swimming and diving teams after they violated the City of Newark's gathering limits related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The students had attended a large indoor gathering at an off-campus residence on September 26.[48]
On Friday, October 9, Sussex County Vocational Technical School District officials announced that two teachers had tested positive for novel coronavirus COVID-19. Sussex Technical High School, located in Georgetown, closed for two days of deep cleaning and those who had been in touch with the teachers were notified for self-monitoring.[49]
On October 10, Wilmington University announced that all courses would remain virtual through the Spring 2021 semester due to increasing COVID-19 cases as reported by Delaware and the CDC.[50]
November 2020
On November 17, Governor Carney announced new restrictions due to a rise in cases, which are effective November 23. Indoor gatherings at homes are limited to a maximum of 10 people, indoor gatherings outside of homes are limited to 30 percent capacity up to 50 people, outdoor gatherings are limited to 50 people, and indoor dining at restaurants is limited to 30 percent capacity. In addition, youth sports organizations, teams, and venues are prohibited from hosting or participating in tournaments with teams from outside of Delaware effective December 1.[51]
On November 27, the Delaware Restaurant Association posted photos of a crowded food court at the Christiana Mall on Black Friday. As a result, the state imposed a limit of 100 people at shopping mall food courts.[52]
December 2020
On December 3, Governor Carney issued a stay-at-home advisory from December 14 to January 11, 2021, asking residents not to gather indoors with people from outside their household. In addition, face coverings are required anytime people are indoors with people from outside their household. Governor Carney also recommended schools switch to all-virtual learning from December 14 to January 8, 2021, and return to hybrid learning on January 11, 2021. Winter sports competitions are not permitted under the stay-at-home advisory.[53]
On December 10, Governor Carney announced additional restrictions to slow the spread of the virus, effective December 14. Businesses larger than 100,000 square feet are limited to 20 percent capacity; most businesses and restaurants are limited to 30 percent capacity; retail smaller than 5,000 square feet, houses of worship, and funeral services are limited to 40 percent capacity; restaurants and bars must close at 10:00 pm; exercise classes at gyms are limited to 10 people while machines must be spaced ten feet apart; indoor gatherings at public places are limited to 30 percent capacity up to 10 people; and shopping mall food courts are limited to 20 percent capacity up to 100 people.[54]
On December 15, the first doses of the Pfizer–BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware were issued to healthcare workers. Elisabeth Cote, a progressive care nurse at Bayhealth Medical Center in Dover, received the first dose of the vaccine.[55] In Phase 1A of the vaccination process, healthcare workers, emergency management services personnel, and staff and residents of long-term care facilities were allowed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.[56]
January 2021
On January 8, Governor Carney lifted the 10:00 pm curfew for restaurants and bars and also allowed youth sports to resume at 30 percent capacity.[57]
On January 19, Delaware moved the Phase 1B of the vaccination process, which made the COVID-19 vaccine available to people over age 65 and frontline essential workers including fire, police, correctional officers, teachers, education staff, child care providers, postal workers, food manufacturing workers, agricultural workers, transportation workers, and grocery store workers. The state continued to vaccinate people from Phase 1A who had yet to receive the vaccine.[58]
February 2021
On February 4, Governor Carney allowed restaurants, gyms, retail stores, and some entertainment venues to increase capacity to 50 percent effective February 12. In addition, youth sports tournaments will be allowed to resume on February 12 if they have a safety plan approved by the state health department.[59]
March 2021
On March 16, the state expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine effective March 17. Starting that date, people age 50 and older are able to receive the vaccine through pharmacies, while people age 16 and older with high and moderate risk medical conditions and family caregivers of people with high and moderate risk medical conditions are able to receive the vaccine through medical providers and hospitals.[60]
On March 30, the state expanded eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine to all residents age 16 and older effective April 6. All adults can register for an appointment through a pharmacy, community vaccination site, or mass vaccination event, while medical providers will only vaccinate people age 16 and older with high and moderate risk medical conditions and disabilities.[61]
April 2021
On April 13, the state announced that medical providers will be allowed to vaccinate all residents age 16 and older, whether or not that have high-risk medical conditions.[62]
On April 27, Governor Carney increased the table size limit for outdoor dining to 10 people. In addition, the mask requirement for student athletes participating in several interscholastic sports was changed to require athletes to wear masks unless they are actively engaged in practice or game play.[63]
On April 28, during a virtual town hall meeting, Governor Carney and Delaware Public Health Director Dr. Karyl Rattay announced that fully vaccinated people are no longer required to wear a mask in outdoor settings unless they are outside with a large group.[64]
May 2021
On May 4, Governor Carney and health officials announced several changes to COVID-19 restrictions effective May 21. Capacity limits for restaurants, businesses, and houses of worship will be lifted and such facilities will be allowed as much capacity as social distancing will allow. Social distancing requirements will be reduced from 6 feet to 3 feet. Customers must remain seated indoors and outdoors at bars and restaurants unless the state approves a plan allowing for dance floors. Indoor and outdoor events over 250 people will still require plan approval from the state to ensure they comply with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.[65]
On May 14, Governor Carney announced the mask mandate will be lifted effective May 21 and that residents and visitors should instead follow CDC guidelines, which allow fully vaccinated people to not wear masks in indoor and outdoor settings, except crowded indoor settings such as public transit, airplanes, schools, healthcare facilities, prisons, and homeless shelters. Unvaccinated people should still wear masks when around people from outside their household.[66]
On May 25, Governor Carney and the Delaware Division of Public Health announced a public education and incentive program called "DE Wins!" the would encourage people to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Under the program, any Delawarean vaccinated between May 25 and June 29 will be entered to win $5,000 and additional prizes in drawings held twice a week by the Delaware Lottery. In addition, on June 30, all Delawareans who receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware will be entered to win $302,000 and two low-number Delaware license plates in a drawing held by the Delaware Lottery.[67]
July 2021
On July 13, the state of emergency declared in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic expired.[68]
August 2021
On August 6, the University of Delaware announced that all students and staff will be required to wear masks in indoor spaces regardless of vaccination status. The university is also requiring all students be vaccinated by August 15; unvaccinated students and staff must get tested weekly starting August 15.[69]
On August 10, Governor Carney announced that all people in public and private K-12 schools and child care facilities will be required to wear masks indoors, regardless of vaccination status, effective August 16.[70]
On August 12, Governor Carney announced that effective September 30, all state employees and staff in healthcare and long-term care facilities will be required to provide proof of vaccination or be regularly tested for COVID-19.[71]
September 2021
On September 28, Governor Carney announced that all employees in K-12 schools in Delaware must receive a COVID-19 vaccine or be tested weekly effective November 1.[72]
November 2021
On November 10, Governor Carney announced that the mask mandate for public and private schools will be extended to February 8, 2022.[73]
December 2021
On December 21, the DE Division of Public Health (DPH) announced the introduction of a QR code for individuals when they download their COVID-19 vaccination record.[74]
On December 23, US Senator Chris Coons announced that he had tested positive and would quarantine.[75] The University of Delaware and Delaware State University announced that they would require all returning students to receive a COVID-19 booster shot before the start of the spring semesters. Delaware State University continued that they were delaying the students return to campus by two weeks, with the semester starting virtually on January 10.[76]
On December 30, Governor Carney announced that a new state of emergency would be imposed starting on January 3, 2022, due to a rise in cases and hospitalizations caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant.[77]
January 2022
On January 10, Governor Carney imposed a new mask mandate for indoor public settings including convenience stores, grocery stores, gyms, restaurants, bars, hair salons, shopping malls, and casinos effective January 11 while also extending the mask mandate for public and private K-12 schools and child care facilities.[78]
February 2022
On February 7, Governor Carney announced that the mask mandate for indoor public settings will expire February 11 while the mask mandate for public and private K-12 schools and child care facilities will continue through March 31.[79]
April 2022
On April 18, after the federal mask mandate for public transportation was struck down, DART First State announced that masks will no longer be required on buses.[80]
Impact on sports
High school sports
On March 12, the Delaware Interscholastic Athletic Association (DIAA) cancelled the Delaware high school basketball season, leaving four boys teams and four girls teams remaining in the basketball state tournament.[81] Governor John Carney closed schools for two weeks; schools would not reopen during the 2019–2020 school year, and no spring sports competitions were held.[82]
On August 6, the DIAA board of directors decided to postpone the fall sports season in a 15–0 vote. On August 14, the Delaware State Board of Education approved the DIAA's decision in 5–2 vote.[83]
In September 2020, the interscholastic sports schedule was revised again. Governor Carney's Twenty-Sixth Modification of the Declaration of a State of Emergency for the State of Delaware Due to a Public Health Threat, signed on September 1, addressed athletics, following the Twenty-Fifth Modification about precautions for returning to in-person education. The Twenty-Sixth Modification defined sports activities as high, low, or medium risk according to levels of high contact, no direct physical contact, or intermittent contact, respectively. The order provided additional requirements about face coverings, social distancing, sanitizing, and general and risk-based requirements.
The DIAA board then voted on September 10 to allow fall season sports to start on September 28. The decision of whether or not to offer sports was left up to local school leaders and school districts. DIAA schools that choose to offer interscholastic athletics will be required to adhere to the guidance of the State Orders, Division of Public Health's guidelines, and DIAA regulations.[84][85]
After high school sports practice resumed at the end of September, athletes in football, volleyball, field hockey and boys soccer were getting used to playing with masks, as required of all DIAA teams by the Delaware Division of Public Health. Other measures included health questions and temperature checks before admission to gyms or stadiums. Volleyball huddles disappeared to lessen close contact and coaches reduced the amount of continuous running during track practice because of mask wearing.[86]
College sports
In college sports, the National Collegiate Athletic Association canceled all winter and spring tournaments, most notably the Division I men's and women's basketball tournaments, affecting colleges and universities statewide.[87] On March 16, the National Junior College Athletic Association also canceled the remainder of the winter seasons as well as the spring seasons.[88]
Delaware State University (DSU) reported on July 16, 2020, that the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) suspended all Fall 2020 sports. This suspension directly affected 245 DSU student athletes in eight programs: women's soccer, women's tennis, women's golf, equestrian, men's cross country, women's cross country, football, and volleyball.[89] On August 19, MEAC announced a new model allowing Fall 2020 sports to be scheduled in Spring 2021. MEAC teams were assigned to regional divisions requiring less travel in the conference.[90]
The University of Delaware allowed student athletes to return to campus on a voluntary basis for conditioning practice in June 2020. Approximately fifty athletes returned on June 10 after negative test results and will train under supervision of coaching and medical staff.[91]
Professional sports
On March 16, 2020, the NASCAR race weekend scheduled to be held at Dover International Speedway from May 1–3, 2020 was postponed.[92] The races from that weekend were rescheduled to the August 21–23, 2020 race weekend to form a doubleheader.[93] The races at Dover International Speedway were held without fans in attendance.[94]
Statistics
The "latest status" of statistics related to COVID-19 in Delaware is compiled by the Delaware Public Environmental Health Tracking Network. Data sources and information for the range of statistics include the following:
- Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS)
- American Communities Survey 5-Year Data Profile from the U.S. Census
- New COVID-19 hospitalizations data from the Delaware Health information Network (DHIN)
- Interim case definitions for "confirmed" and "probable" from the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
See also
- Timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
- COVID-19 pandemic in the United States – for impact on the country
- COVID-19 pandemic – for impact on other countries
References
- ^ "Outbreak.info". outbreak.info. Retrieved February 8, 2021.
- ^ "More Than 1.68 Million Shots Given: Covid-19 Vaccine Tracker". Bloomberg.com. Bloomberg. Archived from the original on December 4, 2020. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
- ^ "Delaware Opens Coronavirus Call Center". wboc.com. March 4, 2020. Archived from the original on March 5, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ "Public Health Announces First Presumptive Positive Case of Coronavirus in Delaware Resident". State of Delaware News. March 11, 2020. Archived from the original on April 7, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ a b Lu, Amy (March 12, 2020). "Governor Carney Declares State of Emergency Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak". wboc.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ "Coronavirus In Delaware: Governor Declares State Of Emergency As 3 More University Of Delaware Members Test Positive For COVID-19". March 12, 2020. Archived from the original on April 1, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ "Coronavirus". March 15, 2020. Archived from the original on March 15, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ a b Lehman, Tom (March 13, 2020). "Dover Cancels Permits for Large Events in Light of COVID-19 State of Emergency". wboc.com. Archived from the original on March 14, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ a b Semyon, Cassandra (March 14, 2020). "Delaware Schools on Hiatus for Two Weeks Due to COVID-19". wboc.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ "March 13 Coronavirus update: residence halls to close | UDaily". udel.edu. Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ "DPH Announces 2 More Likely Positive Cases of COVID-19 in Delaware". wboc.com. March 14, 2020. Archived from the original on March 15, 2020. Retrieved March 15, 2020.
- ^ "7th coronavirus case confirmed in Delaware". 6abc Philadelphia. March 15, 2020. Archived from the original on March 17, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
- ^ "JUST IN: Eighth positive coronavirus case confirmed in Delaware, DPH says". 47abc. March 16, 2020. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 16, 2020.
- ^ "First COVID-19 Case in Sussex County Reported, State Cases Double". wboc.com. March 17, 2020. Archived from the original on March 18, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
- ^ "UPDATE: Delaware COVID-19 Cases Rise to 26, Kent and Sussex Record 3 Positive Tests Each". wboc.com. March 18, 2020. Archived from the original on March 19, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ Kerr, Rose (March 18, 2020). "Dover Air Force Base Declares Public Health Emergency". wboc.com. Archived from the original on March 19, 2020. Retrieved March 19, 2020.
- ^ "Four additional cases announced in Delaware". 47abc. March 19, 2020. Archived from the original on March 20, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ "COVID-19 Update for March 20, 2020: DPH Announces Nine Additional Positive Cases". Delaware State Government News. Delaware State Government. March 20, 2020. Archived from the original on October 27, 2020. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
- ^ "Delaware COVID-19 Cases Rise to 38". wboc.com. March 20, 2020. Archived from the original on March 21, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2020.
- ^ "Delaware Surpasses 20,000 Positive Case of COVID-19; New Daily Cases Remain Elevated". State of Delaware News. September 25, 2020. Archived from the original on September 27, 2020. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
- ^ "Delaware Schools Closed through Academic Year - State of Delaware News". April 24, 2020. Archived from the original on May 6, 2020. Retrieved May 6, 2020.
- ^ "Letter from ALA - Delaware LibrariesDelaware Libraries |". Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
- ^ Irizarry, Joe (March 30, 2020). "New Castle County launches free WiFi hotspots during COVID-19 pandemic". www.delawarepublic.org. Archived from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
- ^ Battaglia, Roman (June 15, 2020). "New Castle County libraries now offering curbside pickup". www.delawarepublic.org. Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved September 27, 2020.
- ^ "Letter from ALA". Delaware Libraries. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 13, 2020.
- ^ Gamard, Sarah (March 16, 2020). "No cash at toll booths: Delaware drivers to be sent into EZPass lanes; bill will come in mail". The News Journal. Wilmington, DE. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ a b Perez, Nick (May 22, 2020). "Delaware's toll plazas resume cash collection". The News Journal. Wilmington, DE. Retrieved January 23, 2023.
- ^ Semyon, Cassandra (March 23, 2020). "Delaware Prepares for Stay at Home Order". wboc.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2020. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
- ^ Lehman, Tom (March 23, 2020). "Delaware Schools to Remain Closed Through May 15 to Fight Spread of COVID-19". wboc.com. Archived from the original on March 24, 2020. Retrieved March 24, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Carney Orders Out-of-State Travelers to Immediately Self-Quarantine for 14 Days". Delaware.gov. March 29, 2020. Archived from the original on June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
- ^ "Del. schools to remain closed until May 18th, additional updates from Gov. Carney". 47abc. April 17, 2020. Archived from the original on April 22, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2020.
- ^ Porter, Ira (April 24, 2020). "Carney announces Delaware schools will close for the year". Delaware News-Journal. Archived from the original on April 24, 2020. Retrieved April 25, 2020.
- ^ Shannon, Josh (April 25, 2020). "Delawareans must cover their faces when out in public, Carney orders". Newark Post. Archived from the original on April 30, 2020. Retrieved April 26, 2020.
- ^ a b Gamard, Sarah; Kuang, Jeanne; Parra, Esteban (May 5, 2020). "Some Delaware businesses can reopen on Friday. Find out which ones and their limitations". The News Journal. Wilmington, DE. Archived from the original on June 18, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
- ^ Gamard, Sarah (May 7, 2020). "Delaware postpones presidential primary for second time, state to mail ballot applications". The News Journal. Wilmington, DE. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
- ^ Goebel, Taylor (May 14, 2020). "Delaware to reopen beaches May 22 with restrictions: What you need to know". Salisbury Daily Times. Archived from the original on May 27, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
- ^ Staff (June 1, 2020). "Del. Enters Phase 1 of Reopening as Salons, Restaurants Open at 30% Capacity". Philadelphia, PA: WCAU-TV. Archived from the original on June 20, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
- ^ a b Perez, Walter (June 3, 2020). "Delaware announces plan to move into Phase II of economic reopening". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Archived from the original on June 11, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
- ^ "Carney announces delay of Phase 3 in Delaware". 47abc. June 25, 2020. Archived from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
- ^ "Carney closes beach bars ahead of Fourth Of July weekend". Cape Gazette. June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
- ^ "BREAKING: Gov. Carney orders bars to close at Delaware beaches after a cluster of cases". 47abc. June 30, 2020. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
- ^ "Governor Carney Signs 24th Modification to State of Emergency Declaration". Delaware.gov. July 24, 2020. Archived from the original on September 1, 2020. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
- ^ Alamdari, Natalia (August 4, 2020). "Carney gives approval for schools to move forward with hybrid start to school year". The News Journal. Wilmington, DE. Archived from the original on September 17, 2020. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
- ^ Mastro, Tim (September 1, 2020). "Delaware COVID positive rate, hospitalizations highest since July". Delaware State News. Archived from the original on September 2, 2020. Retrieved September 2, 2020.
- ^ Metzner, Mallory (September 3, 2020). "Many Delaware Beach Bars Decide Against Reopening Bar Seating for Labor Day Weekend". Salisbury, MD: WBOC-TV. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 3, 2020.
- ^ "UD, State partner to launch COVID-19 App | UDaily". www.udel.edu. Archived from the original on September 18, 2020. Retrieved September 18, 2020.
- ^ Chinchilla, Rudy (September 19, 2020). "University of Delaware vows crackdown after largest single-day COVID-19 spike". WDEL 101.7FM. Archived from the original on October 3, 2020. Retrieved September 20, 2020.
- ^ "Delaware Suspends 19 Members of Swimming & Diving Program for Corona-Violations". SwimSwam. October 9, 2020. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ McAneny, D. J. (October 9, 2020). "Sussex Tech to close campus for 2 days after pair of staff members test positive for COVID-19". WDEL 101.7FM. Archived from the original on October 12, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
- ^ "Spring 2021 Semester Online – Coronavirus | Wilmington University". www.wilmu.edu. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ "Delaware issues new restrictions on gatherings and youth sports, take effect on Monday". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. November 17, 2020. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
- ^ Hartman, Trish (November 29, 2020). "Delaware takes action after crowded food court photos surface; raises COVID concerns". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Archived from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
- ^ "Gov. Carney Announces Stay-at-Home Advisiory, Expands Mask Order". Salisbury, MD: WBOC-TV. December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
- ^ Staff (December 10, 2020). "Delaware governor announces new COVID-19 restrictions to combat case surge". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Archived from the original on December 10, 2020. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
- ^ "Bayhealth nurse first to get COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware". Cape Gazette. December 15, 2020. Archived from the original on December 15, 2020. Retrieved December 16, 2020.
- ^ Holveck, Brandon (January 5, 2021). "When can you get the COVID-19 vaccine in Delaware? What you need to know". The News Journal. Wilmington, DE. Archived from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
- ^ "Bar, restaurant curfew lifted in latest order". Cape Gazette. January 8, 2021. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
- ^ "Delaware to Transition to Phase 1B in COVID-19 Vaccination Plan". Salisbury, MD: WBOC-TV. January 19, 2021. Retrieved January 19, 2021.
- ^ "Delaware to ease some COVID-19 restrictions at restaurants, gyms". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. February 4, 2021. Archived from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved February 4, 2021.
- ^ Staff (March 16, 2021). "50+ can get vaccinated at pharmacies, 16+ with moderate to high-risk health conditions eligible at hospitals in Delaware". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Archived from the original on March 16, 2021. Retrieved March 16, 2021.
- ^ Staff (March 30, 2021). "Delaware expands COVID-19 vaccine eligibility to all residents 16+". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Archived from the original on April 5, 2021. Retrieved March 30, 2021.
- ^ "Delaware's COVID-19 Vaccination Program is Now Fully Open". Salisbury, MD: WBOC-TV. April 13, 2021. Archived from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
- ^ Staff (April 28, 2021). "Delaware governor revises outdoor table size restrictions, sports mask regulations". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Archived from the original on April 30, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
- ^ Greene, Sean (April 29, 2021). "Delaware's mask restrictions to continue, as many second vaccine shots continue". Wilmington, DE: WDEL. Archived from the original on April 29, 2021. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
- ^ "Delaware announces major changes to COVID-19 restrictions". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. May 4, 2021. Archived from the original on May 4, 2021. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
- ^ "Delaware to Lift Mask Mandate May 21st". Salisbury, MD: WBOC-TV. May 14, 2021. Archived from the original on May 14, 2021. Retrieved May 14, 2021.
- ^ "Delaware Announces DE Wins! Incentive Program to Drive COVID-19 Vaccinations". Salisbury, MD: WBOC-TV. May 25, 2021. Archived from the original on May 25, 2021. Retrieved May 25, 2021.
- ^ Holveck, Brandon (July 13, 2021). "More than a year later, Delaware's COVID-19 state of emergency is over". The News Journal. Wilmington, DE. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
- ^ Staff (August 6, 2021). "University of Delaware Issues Indoor Mask Mandate For All Students, Staff Effective Immediately". Philadelphia, PA: KYW-TV. Retrieved August 6, 2021.
- ^ Staff (August 10, 2021). "Face masks required in all Delaware schools, regardless of vaccination status". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Retrieved August 10, 2021.
- ^ "State, healthcare workers need proof of vaccine or testing". Cape Gazette. August 12, 2021. Retrieved August 12, 2021.
- ^ Staff; McCormick, Annie (September 28, 2021). "Teachers, school staff in Delaware must get COVID-19 vaccine by Nov. 1 or undergo testing". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Retrieved September 28, 2021.
- ^ Newman, Meredith (November 10, 2021). "Delaware extends COVID-19 mask mandate in all schools to Feb. 8". The News Journal. Wilmington, DE. Retrieved November 12, 2021.
- ^ "DPH Launches QR Tool Giving Delawareans Convenient Access to Their COVID-19 Vaccine Record". State of Delaware News. December 21, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ "U.S. Senator Chris Coons Of Delaware Tests Positive For COVID-19". CBS 3 Philly. December 23, 2021. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Holveck, Brandon (December 23, 2021). "University of Delaware and Delaware State students must get the COVID-19 booster shot before spring semester". The News Journal. Retrieved December 27, 2021.
- ^ Steele, Melissa (December 30, 2021). "State of Emergency back on starting Monday, Jan. 3". Cape Gazette. Retrieved December 30, 2021.
- ^ Staff (January 10, 2022). "Gov. Carney issues new indoor mask mandate beginning Tuesday". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
- ^ Staff (February 7, 2022). "Delaware lifting indoor mask mandate Friday; school mask requirement expires end of March". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
- ^ Brooks, Bob; Staff (April 19, 2022). "How Philadelphia-area mass transit, airlines are responding to latest mask ruling". Philadelphia, PA: WPVI-TV. Retrieved April 22, 2022.
- ^ Neiburg, Jeff; Myers, Brad (March 12, 2020). "DIAA changes course, cancels state basketball tournaments in Delaware". The News Journal. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ Newman, Meredith (March 14, 2020). "Coronavirus in Delaware: Governor closes public school, latest updates". The News Journal. Archived from the original on September 4, 2020. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ Tresolini, Kevin (August 14, 2020). "Fall out: State board approves DIAA ruling to delay school sports until December". Delaware Online. Retrieved September 4, 2020.
- ^ "DIAA Board of Directors' Special Meeting" (PDF). Delaware Department of Education. September 10, 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 5, 2020. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
- ^ Mammarella, Ken (September 10, 2020). "High school fall sports practices start Sept. 28; seasons end in December". Town Square Delaware. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved March 12, 2021.
- ^ "Sports with a mask on: How Delaware's new normal is impacting athletes – The News Journal". FastBreakingNews.net. October 7, 2020. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
- ^ NCAA cancels remaining winter and spring championships Archived March 12, 2020, at the Wayback Machine NCAA, March 12, 2020,
- ^ NJCAA cancels spring sports, basketball nationals amid coronavirus outbreak Archived March 18, 2020, at the Wayback Machine MLive.com, March 16, 2020,
- ^ "MEAC SUSPENDS FALL SPORTS DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC". Delaware State University. July 16, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ "MEAC ANNOUNCES SPRING 2021 PLAN FOR FALL 2020 SPORTS". Delaware State University. August 19, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ Laporte, Patrick (June 17, 2020). "First wave of student-athletes return to University of Delaware". The Review. Archived from the original on September 2, 2020. Retrieved October 12, 2020.
- ^ "NASCAR statement: All race events through May 3 postponed". NASCAR.com. NASCAR Digital Media, LLC. March 16, 2020. Archived from the original on March 17, 2020. Retrieved March 17, 2020.
- ^ "Daytona road course to replace Watkins Glen race". Associated Press. July 8, 2020. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
- ^ "Dover International Speedway's Aug. 21-23 NASCAR Weekend to be Held Without Fans Due to COVID-19 Concerns". Salisbury, MD: WBOC-TV. July 27, 2020. Archived from the original on July 27, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2020.
External links
- Coronavirus information from the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services
- Coronavirus: What You Need to Know from the University of Delaware
- COVID-19 Data Dashboard from the University of Delaware
- COVID-19 from Delaware State University
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Data Dashboard, State of Delaware: A Resource of COVID-19 Data and Facts for Delaware Families and Communities from Delaware Environmental Public Health Tracking Network
