Carney urges masks, vaccinations as COVID-19 numbers rise

(The Center Square) – With the number of COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations rising in the state, Delaware Gov. John Carney is urging residents to take precautions to combat the spread of the virus and its variants.

Speaking in a news conference, Carney said that hospitalizations and testing are at “unprecedented levels,” calling the data “staggering at one level.” He said he took part in a call with the White House on Tuesday and the discussion centered around the rise in cases around the nation.

“In other states, they are seeing the omicron variant,” Carney said. “We are seeing half delta and half omicron.”

According to My Healthy Community, provided by the Delaware Environmental Public Health Tracking Network, the 7-day average of new cases in the state stands at 2,584.3, with a positivity rate of 26.9%.

Hospitalizations in the state have set a new high with 602 COVID-19 patients in hospitals, and 72 of those patients are deemed critical. The state has lost 2,286 lives to the virus since the pandemic began.

“The previous high point was last Jan. 14 with 474 hospitalizations,” the governor said. “That is 27% higher than one year ago. That is something we are focusing on and deploying the National Guard to work as [Certified Nursing Assistants].”

The state, according to data, had 14 hospitalizations on June 26, 2021.

Carney said 70% to 80% of hospitalized cases of COVID-19 are in individuals who are not vaccinated and urged residents to get vaccinated to “reduce the severity of the virus” if they contract it.

The state has administered more than 1.5 million vaccine doses, and Carney said that 64.2% of the state’s population is fully vaccinated. Data show that 68% of residents age 5 and over are fully vaccinated, while 73.1% ages 12 and over are fully vaccinated. Nearly 75% of adults age 18 and over are fully vaccinated and 92.8% of people age 65 and over are fully vaccinated.

“When we looked at testing numbers,” Carney said, “1 in 4 COVID-19 tests are positive. If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should assume you have COVID-19 and get tested right away. Quarantine right away so you are not infecting other family members. If you are sick, stay at home.”

Carney said the state’s focus as of now is “protecting hospital capacity.”

“The hospitals are challenged,” the governor said. “They are discharging their COVID-19 patients once they recover to move into longer term care and assisted facilities for a lot of different reasons.”

In order to help hospitals, Carney said 100 National Guard soldiers are currently in training to work as certified nursing assistants.

“Hospitals are stressed and staff is dealing with their own stress around their own health and wellness,” Carney said. “We need residents to be mindful of the challenges and do what you can do to protect them.”

Carney urged all residents to wear masks, get vaccinated or boosted, and “stay home when you are sick.”

Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Division of Public Health, said the hospitalization numbers are concerning, especially with all the gatherings around the holidays.

“We anticipate these numbers are going to get higher in the coming weeks,” Rattay said. “Hospitalizations are one of the truest indicators of spread in our state. We are concerned these numbers are going to increase further.”

Rattay addressed new isolation guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She said if someone tests positive, they are to isolate for five days. When the person is showing no symptoms, they can end isolation and must wear a mask for an additional five days.

Rattay said that schools have been a “safe place for kids” and there has been “little to no spread of COVID-19 during the time of this pandemic.” She said the state is awaiting on an update regarding schools from the CDC.

“Universal mask wearing makes a difference,” Rattay said. “We are excited for kids to get back into school this week.”

Rattay urged the use of layered, cloth masks that cover the nose and mouth as a way to prevent the spread of the virus.

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