By Mike Finney

DOVER — Some of the statistics regarding COVID-19 compiled by the Delaware Division of Public Health show positive cases trending slightly higher compared to one week ago.

However, with the number of vaccinations increasing across the state, the increased numbers aren’t sounding any serious alarms or reversing the positive trends that have taken place recently.

As of 12:01 a.m. Thursday, a total of 356,829 administered doses of the COVID-19 vaccine had been reported to the state’s immunization information system, DelVAX. A total of 373,960 doses have been delivered to the state, and 75,205 doses have been delivered as part of the federal provider programs.

That is cause for optimism, even with slightly higher positive cases from a week ago.

DPH announced on Friday that the seven-day average for the percentage of persons who tested positive for COVID-19 as of Thursday was 17.8%, an increase from 15.9% as of Thursday, March 11.

As of Tuesday, March 16, the seven-day average for the percentage of total positive COVID tests was 3.9%, a slight increase from 3.8% as of Tuesday, March 9. There is a two-day lag for presenting data related to percentage of tests that are positive to account for the time delay between the date of the test and the date that DPH receives the result.

For reference, the World Health Organization recommends a seven- day rolling average of 5%. Delaware’s was above 10% the first week of January.

A total of 91,635 positive cases of COVID-19 among Delaware residents have been reported to DPH since March 18, 2020. The seven-day average of new positive cases increased slightly to 205.1 as of Thursday.

In addition, 110 individuals are currently hospitalized due to COVID-19 in Delaware, which is an increase of 27 as of this time last week. Nine of the hospitalized persons are critically ill, down five from last week.

A total of 1,522 Delawareans have died due to complications from COVID-19. The state reported 26 additional deaths since last week’s update.

The total number of individuals who have died from COVID-19 ranges in age from younger than 5 to 104 years old. Of those who have died, 761 were female and 761 were male. A total of 753 individuals were from New Castle County, 318 were from Kent County and 451 were from Sussex County.

In the data released by DPH on Friday, five individuals – aged from 79 to 85 years old – succumbed to the coronavirus on Thursday. They all had underlying health conditions and one was a resident of a long-term care facility. Four of the deaths occurred in New Castle County and the other in Kent County.

To date, DPH has identified 15 cases of the COVID-19 variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7, and 1 confirmed case of the variant, SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351, in Delaware through routine surveillance of test specimens.

The cases include 15 adults ranging in age from 18 to 65, as well as a child under the age of 10. Twelve individuals were from New Castle County and four were from Kent County.

Individuals with general questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1; individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211, or email delaware211@uwde.org. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

State of Emergency extended

Governor John Carney on Friday formally extended the State of Emergency declaration another 30 days to confront community spread of COVID-19.

“We have expanded vaccine eligibility to get the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine out to more Delawareans in a way that is fast and fair,” Gov. Carney said in a statement. “But until we can vaccinate enough people, let’s do what works to fight community spread. Avoid large gatherings. Wear a mask. Wash your hands frequently. Stay vigilant and we’ll get through this.”

Gov. Carney’s State of Emergency declaration carries the full force and effect of law. Delawareans and visitors also must follow local restrictions in place to limit community spread of COVID-19.