COVID-19 Update in Delaware: Cases, Rates, and Prevention Measures
The COVID-19 update in Delaware as of September 22, 2020, reveals 19,761 positive cases with varying rates across age groups and counties. Prevention measures emphasized include face coverings, distancing, hand hygiene, outdoor use, cleaning, and disinfecting. Furthermore, the report touches on Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) cases and guidelines for face masks for children in public settings. Vigilance is crucial in mitigating the spread of the virus, especially in high-risk zones like ZIP Code 19947. Measures like risk assessments, coordination, and reporting are essential for schools preparing to reopen.
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COVID-19 Update Dr. Karyl Rattay Director, Delaware Division of Public Health September 23, 2020 de.gov/coronavirus
COVID-19 in Delaware, as of September 22, 2020: 19,761 positive cases (209.1 per 10,000 population) 10,411 recoveries 62 current hospitalizations 628 deaths ZIP Code 19947 (Georgetown and surrounding area): highest rate of positive cases (832.6 cases per 10,000 population) Source: My Healthy Community, 9/15/20
Rate of COVID-19 cases by age and county, per 10,000 population, Delaware, March 11- September 14, 2020 AGE DELAWARE NEW CASTLE COUNTY KENT COUNTY SUSSEX COUNTY 0-4 55.1 47.0 36.4 91.0 5-17 81.5 65.0 49.3 145.8 18-34 286.2 225.3 194.7 557.0 35-49 263.0 194.7 215.1 488.6 50-64 200.4 170.6 190.2 259.6 65+ 175.6 174.0 178.8 168.6 Source: MyHealthyDelaware, 9/14/20
Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) The virus is still circulating. 4 cases reported to DPH Until we have a vaccine, we will have outbreaks. Nemours treated 16 cases (Delaware Public Media) We can t let our guard down. Source: CDC, 9/3/20
R E T U R N I N G T O S C H O O L Prevention = Critical FACE COVERINGS Required for Kindergarten and older and for all adults DISTANCING Classrooms, hallways, cafeteria, gym HAND HYGIENE Hand sanitizer UTILIZE OUTDOOR SPACES CLEANING AND DISINFECTING
R E T U R N I N G T O S C H O O L Coordination Risk assessments Reporting cases to and working with DPH COVID Coordinator
Face Mask Guidance for Children All children who are in kindergarten or older must wear face coverings in public settings, including school and child care buildings. All children 2 years of age and older are strongly encouraged to wear face coverings in public. Children < 2 years must not wear face coverings due to suffocation risk. A child with a medical condition that makes it hard to breathe or a disability that prevents the child from wearing a face covering is not required to wear one.
Face Mask Guidance for Children All age-groups are susceptible to infection. Overnight camp in Georgia: The attack rate of COVID-19 was 51 percent among those aged 6-10 years old, the highest among the age groups in the study. Face coverings were not used in this age group The good news is the most infections in this age group are asymptomatic or mild. However, this also means that health screenings are less likely to keep infected young children home. Spread from this age group does occur.
Face Masks and Coverings Face shields are not as protective because they do not fit tightly to the face. (Source: amazon.com) Masks with clear fronts are available for those working with the hearing impaired or others that need to see the mouth of the speaker. They must still have tight fit over nose and mouth. (Source: theclearmask.com) Masks with valves are not recommended as they do not filter the air you breathe out. (Source: Honeywell.com)
Face Mask Guidance for Children Experience over the past few months has demonstrated that children in the 5-10 age group are very capable of wearing face coverings. The AAP strengthened language was helpful: Cloth face coverings can be safely worn by all children over age 2. Apart from rare exceptions, children with underlying health conditions can safely wear face coverings, which both protect the children and reduce the spread of Covid-19 in the community.
Statewide COVID-19 Testing COVID-19 testing is easy, quick, and free. All ages. Find testing sites, patient fact sheets, office signs, and social media graphics at de.gov/gettested.
Who Should Get Tested? People with any COVID symptoms Anyone exposed to someone who has tested positive High and medium risk employment
Who Should Get Tested? Individuals who spend time with individuals in high risk categories Students and Teachers who are doing in person learning Anyone who has spent 15 minutes or more less than 6 feet from someone outside of their household
Childhood Immunizations Campaign
HepB, Varicella, Prevnar, and HepA Vaccine Administered, Delaware, August 2018-August 2020 Source: Delaware Immunization Program, September 2020
Reportable diseases Influenza and COVID-19 are reportable diseases. Immediately report all COVID-19 testing and results to DPH: Fax to 302-223-1540 Email to reportdisease@Delaware.gov 24-hour Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology phone line at 1-888-295-5156). Use COVID-19 reporting form.
For more information, contact: Karyl T. Rattay, MD, MS, FAAP Director, Division of Public Health Karyl.Rattay@Delaware.gov 302-744-4701
