Middletown Radio

DOVER, DE (FEB. 10, 2023) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) saw a28%decrease inCOVID-19 cases and29% decrease inhospitalizationsinthe last month and is encouraging residents tocontinue to remaincurrent on their vaccinations by getting the updated COVID-19 bivalent booster. 

Still,Delawareans, many with underlying health conditions, are dying from COVID-19. In the last month, 68 COVID-related deaths were reported in Delaware, nearly twice the number shared last month. Fifty-four (54) of those deaths were reported after a review of vital statistics between November 2022 and January 2023.

CDC and DPH officials say getting the updated booster is shown to be effective at reducing the risk ofhospitalization and death. Yet, this winter in Delaware, more than 85% of people who tested positive forCOVID-19 werehospitalized or died, were notup-to-date with their vaccines, meaning they did not have all recommended vaccines or an updated booster.

According to the CDC, researchersrecentlyanalyzed COVID-19 infections and deaths among individuals ages 12 and older between October 2021 and December 2022 and found that people who received the updated COVID-19boosterwere 14 times less likely to die from the virus than someone who had not been vaccinated at all. The research also showed that individuals who had received the updated COVID-19 vaccine also were 3 times less likely to die than someone whohad onlyreceived the original vaccine series.

Individuals who are unsure about whether they are current on their vaccinations should visitde.gov/boosters. A simple, easy-to-use chart outlining all current vaccination situations and age groups allows users to see whether they areup to date on their COVID-19 vaccinations or if they need to take action. 

People who have not received an updated COVID-19 vaccine are strongly encouraged to get one. Residents are also encouraged to take other steps to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus. If you are sick, stay home, test when symptoms appear or when you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19,ask your health care provider about treatment options,stay current with vaccinations andboosters, andconsider wearing a mask in crowded spaces. 

Note:   

Case and Hospitalization Count: based on RTS (Report to State Date) Death: based on DoD (Date of Death) Not up-to-date: all cases that are not completed a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and/or have not received the most recent booster dose recommended by CDC. (CDC’s guidance updated Dec 9th, 2022)
DE resident only*   

Long-term Care Statistics:     

As ofTuesday, Feb. 7, 2023, there have been a total of5,537positive COVID-19 cases involving long-term care residents, and1,028 residents of Delaware long-term care facilities have died from complications related to COVID-19.    

Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..    

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware’s response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.    

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The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), a division of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, is a nationally accredited public health agency recognized by the Public Health Accreditation Board for its outstanding dedication to driving change through innovation. DPH is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware’s citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protectingvulnerable populations.