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Hello friends and neighbors,
This pandemic is not over.
COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths are continuing to rise rapidly across the country. I want to be sure you are getting the latest information about what we are doing here in Delaware to control the spread and keep our economy moving.
Please continue to wear face coverings in public, wash your hands often, stay home whenever possible and get tested often.
In this newsletter, you will find updates on
- New COVID-19 restrictions
- Community testing sites
- Tips on holiday shopping safely, and more
Be well and stay safe,
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Jack Walsh
Senator, 9th District
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Delaware documented 7 coronavirus-related deaths last week, bringing the total number of fatalities to 770 since this pandemic began. Of those, about 56 percent were residents of long-term care facilities.
The cumulative number of confirmed COVID-19 cases recorded in Delaware since mid-March has now hit about 35,250 -- three times the number since July. The rate of infection statewide is 375 cases for every 10,000 people. In New Castle County, the rate is now 355 cases per 10,000 people, compared with 283 in Kent County and 525 in Sussex. The seven-day average of new cases rose to nearly 472 per day as of November 26.
Hospitalizations increased by nearly 20 percent last week to 211 people, while the number of people in critical condition rose to 31.
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COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS REINTRODUCED
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GET TESTED NOW, GET TESTED OFTEN
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More than 47,000 COVID-19 tests were conducted in Delaware the week before Thanksgiving as people undertook extra precautions before visiting family or returning home from college.
Getting tested before the holiday is only the first step. To help control the spread, you also should get tested after seeing loved ones in person. Keep in mind that it can take 4 to 6 days from your exposure to the virus before a test will reveal a positive result.
Below you will find a list of testing sites available in our area this week.
Walgreens is also offering test sites at 8 locations across the state with five more to be added, starting Tuesday, December 1. All Walgreens Pharmacy testing sites are now operating by appointment only.
Click here to check available Walgreens locations and reserve an appointment.
Click here for a full list of state-run and community testing sites in Delaware.
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Supporting our local small business community has never been more important than now.
Small businesses statewide have created innovative ways to shop safely this holiday season. Take a look at this list of some of the businesses offering safer holiday shopping options this year.
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Several financial assistance programs are available to help support Delaware families and businesses:
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Help is available statewide for eligible renters and homeowners impacted by COVID-19.
Renters affected by COVID can now receive up to $8,000 in financial assistance, while impacted homeowners can now apply for up to $10,000 in help covering their mortgage costs. Eligible income limits also have been adjusted so more Delawareans can take advantage of these CARES ACT funded programs.
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Another $25 million in CARES Act funding is now available to small businesses and nonprofits through the DE Relief Grants program. These grant funds can be used to cover rent and utilities, debt refinancing and safety upgrades.
The deadline to apply is Friday, December 4.
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Health Insurance Assistance
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Every Delawarean deserves access to affordable health care, especially during a global pandemic. Those who have lost jobs or had their hours reduced can still qualify for insurance on the Delaware Health Insurance Marketplace. The open enrollment period will remain open until December 15.
For assistance in getting started today, contact a local navigator by calling (800) 318-2596 or simply click here.
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Delaware’s healthcare workers have stepped up in heroic ways during this pandemic. As they work to save lives and protect our most vulnerable neighbors, our healthcare industry is also facing unprecedented financial pressure. That’s why Governor John Carney recently dedicated $100 million in CARES Act funding to help support their fight against COVID-19.
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Higher Education Assistance
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A $45 million fund was recently announced to help Delaware’s colleges and universities avoid tuition increases or a reduction in student loans and grants as they weather this pandemic.
Funded by the CARES Act, these funds must be used on specific expenses related to the COVID-19 response.
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The Blood Bank of Delmarva is issuing an urgent call for blood donations of all types.
College and high school students who typically donate at school-based blood drives are being asked to step up and schedule a donation appointment today.
The Blood Bank is teaming up with Bayhealth and Beebe Healthcare to increase donation sites and hours to help make up the difference. Dozens of churches, civic organizations and fire companies are also setting up mobile drives in our area.
Donating blood is safe and only takes about an hour.
Schedule an appointment now by calling 1-888-8-BLOOD-8 or click the link below:
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