Delaware is facing its greatest threat from COVID-19 to date with more people hospitalized because of COVID-19 than ever before.
The number of daily cases in Delaware has shattered records several times in the past two weeks as thousands of residents are getting tested as a result of holiday gatherings. The rate of new cases nearly doubled this past week.
Health officials reported 589 COVID-19 hospitalizations on Monday, 100 more than the highest point this time last year, according to state data. About 25% of COVID-19 tests are positive, according to Dec. 31 state data.
On New Year’s Eve, Delaware confirmed 3,554 positive cases, a new record.
COVID-19 IN DELAWARE:Amid a COVID-19 surge, New Year’s gatherings discouraged. National Guard to support hospitals
Gov. John Carney officially re-entered Delaware into a state of emergency on Monday, which, among other things, will allow the Delaware National Guard to serve as nurses in the state’s hospitals.
Yet the governor has stopped short of issuing new restrictions or mandates. He urged residents last week to reconsider New Year’s plans as the virus, specifically the omicron variant, is spreading “like brushfire.”
Carney, in a press conference last week, said he believes the best solution is for residents to accept personal responsibility, specifically by getting vaccinated and wearing masks in indoor public settings.
He said he would consider restrictions only short of closing businesses because there is no federal money to support closing businesses.
Following Thanksgiving, some Delaware hospitals exceeded 100% bed capacity at various points due to the rise in serious COVID-19 infections. As a result, health systems restricted visitors and delayed some procedures and surgeries.
STRESSED HOSPITALS:Delaware hospitals face COVID-19 stress, with many exceeding capacity
Hospitals are urging people to not come into the emergency department unless it is for health emergencies. People should not come in, for example, if they are experiencing mild symptoms of COVID-19.
The Division of Public Health tweeted this weekend that it was experiencing reporting delays due to the volume of tests it has received. The snowfall in Delaware on Monday also led to the closing of all state testing sites, which will affect the reporting of case numbers in the coming week.
Contact Meredith Newman at (302) 256-2466 or at mnewman@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter at @MereNewman.
