By Tim Mastro

DOVER — The number of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 in Delaware decreased for the sixth day in a row, reaching its lowest level since last October.

The Delaware Division of Public Health reported 100 COVID-19 hospitalizations, reflecting data as of Sunday at 6 p.m., for the lowest total since Oct. 30 when 89 individuals were hospitalized. Of those 100 hospitalizations, 15 are considered critical, according to the DPH.

Delaware’s seven-day rolling average for the percentage of positive COVID-19 tests is down to 4.2%, below the World Health Organization’s recommended mark of 5%, as of Friday at 6 p.m. That statistic was as high as 10.4% in early January.

The seven-day percent-positive rolling average has not been this low since it was 3.9% on Nov. 5.

Two new COVID-19-related deaths were reported by the DPH on Monday as the overall number increased to 1,475. One of the newly reported deaths was as a result of a review of Vital Statistics records.

Both newly reported deaths were New Castle County residents and ranged in age from 79 to 85 years old. New Castle County has recorded the most COVID-19-related deaths with 730, followed by Sussex County’s 441 and Kent County’s 304.

Neither of the two deaths were long-term care center residents as the number of COVID-19-related deaths in long-term care facilities remained at 711 (48%).

The DPH reported 214 new positive cases in Monday’s update, bringing the state’s total to 88,563 since last March 11. The state is averaging 212.7 new cases per day.

Meanwhile the University of Delaware is still experiencing an outbreak on its campus. A total of 280 positive cases were reported for the week of Feb. 28 to March 6, according to the university, which is down from 324 the week prior but still the second-highest weekly total reported this school year,

Only one of the positives was from a faculty member last week, the other 279 were from students.

An additional eight cases among students were reported by the university on Monday.