Fenwick Island
Delaware

Heavy Rainfall Expected 4/30/2020

Periods of heavy rainfall will be possible over the area starting Thursday afternoon and lasting into Friday morning. One to two inches of rain are expected. 

A flood watch is in effect. Strong south to southeast wind will develop causing water levels at the shore to become higher than usual. Minor tidal flooding may develop. 

Winds will increase through the day Thursday with sustained winds around 20-25 mph and gusts over 40 mph possible. The highest gusts will likely be near the coast. A Gale Watch has also been issued for the coastal waters for Thursday.

Governor Carney Declares COVID-19 Hot Spot in Sussex County, Announces Expansion of Community Testing Sites

Governor John Carney on Tuesday declared Sussex County a hot spot for COVID-19 in Delaware and announced the initial schedule for the State of Delaware’s Coordination and Care community testing sites. Testing and outreach will occur in several Sussex communities that are at the center of Delaware’s COVID-19 epidemic. Governor Carney first announced the community testing and outreach partnership among the state, hospital systems, and others last week, with an initial focus on Sussex County.

The testing sites and outreach will be conducted in coordination with the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), hospital systems, Federally Qualified Health Centers, community organizations, and Sussex County employers. Testing is geared to reach the following high-risk populations: those with symptoms consistent with COVID-19, those living or working with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, family members or housemates of those working in the poultry industry, and those with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, hypertension, or compromised immune systems.

“Sussex County has become a hot spot for COVID-19, especially in areas along the Route 113 corridor,” said Governor John Carney. “We are working with community partners to expand testing sites and share educational information in those communities. It’s critical to protect your family and yourself by following the guidance from the CDC and the Delaware Division of Public Health. Most importantly, stay home. If you have questions, don’t be afraid to call 2-1-1 for more information and assistance. Dial 9-1-1 for an emergency. It’s critical we all work together to get through this.”

Residents of Sussex County will receive emergency alerts on their phones through the Delaware Emergency Management Agency about the hot spot in Sussex County, as well as messages in partnership with the Delaware Department of Education and local school districts. Community members will see printed educational materials at testing sites and within existing food delivery services, increased billboard placements, and social media and digital advertising across the county stressing the urgency of the COVID-19 hotspot in Sussex County. 

The State of Delaware and its partners tested more than 750 individuals last week during the first expansion of COVID-19 community testing in Sussex County. More than 35% of test results at the community testing events were positive for COVID-19.

Late last week, Governor Carney requested assistance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to assist in community testing and contact tracing efforts. The CDC has sent an epidemiology team to Delaware to help quantify the spread of the disease downstate, combat the COVID-19 crisis in Sussex County, and make recommendations to prevent even more widespread transmission.

“We are incredibly grateful for the CDC’s expertise, and assistance as we work to quantify and understand the spread of COVID-19 in Sussex County,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “This Epi Aid team will approach the issue from an epidemiological perspective and work to quantify the extent of the spread of the disease in Sussex, identify the transmission routes and provide recommendations for us to consider in mitigating the spread.”

The focus of community testing sites is employees of essential businesses, family members of at-risk populations, those exposed to someone with COVID-19, or someone caring for a sick family member with COVID-19. The testing sites involve both rapid and nasal swab testing, immediate case investigation for positive cases, connection to a resource coordinator for services like food and housing for those who are positive, and care kits to be given to individuals being tested. Care kits will be given to people who have a high risk of household transmission and do not have the means to purchase the supplies themselves. A doctor’s order or referral is not needed for these sites. 

Each of the health care systems in Sussex County is participating in this community testing effort. There will be bilingual staff on site. The timing and locations of initially scheduled community testing sites are below. Nanticoke Memorial Hospital also anticipates beginning community testing within the week and will provide details for their testing plan once details have been finalized. 

• Community Testing Site hosted by Beebe Healthcare in the parking lot between JD Shuckers and the Veteran’s Administration off of Rt. 404 in Georgetown: Wednesday, April 29 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Community Testing Site hosted by Bayhealth at the DHSS State Services Center in Milford located at 253 NE Front Street: Thursday, April 30 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Community Testing Site hosted by Beebe Healthcare in the parking lot between JD Shuckers and the Veteran’s Administration off of Rt. 404 in Georgetown: Friday, May 1 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Community Testing Site hosted by Bayhealth at the DHSS State Services Center in Milford located at 253 NE Front Street: Saturday, May 2 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Community Testing Site hosted by Beebe Healthcare in the parking lot between JD Shuckers and the Veteran’s Administration off of Rt. 404 in Georgetown: Saturday, May 2 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Community Testing Site hosted by Bayhealth at the DHSS State Services Center in Milford located at 253 NE Front Street: Monday, May 4 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

“Beebe Healthcare is committed to work with Governor Carney to develop a model for statewide testing that aligns the efforts of investigating the extent of the COVID-19 infection with the best clinical care for our population,” said Dr. David Tam, President and CEO of Beebe Healthcare. “We have led the effort to operationalize the State’s plan for community-based testing in Georgetown that brings together many different healthcare and community organizations to provide a safe and accessible way people can be screened, tested, and receive the social support and education needed to help decrease further spread of the COVID-19 virus.  It is our hope that this testing model can be operationalized throughout Sussex County and Delaware by our healthcare and community partners.  I am so proud of Team Beebe for developing and implementing our plan so quickly.”

“Bayhealth is proud to have our team assisting with the COVID-19 testing in Sussex County, and we remain committed to supporting all statewide efforts related to fighting this pandemic,” said Terry M. Murphy, FACHE, Bayhealth President and CEO. “We are very proud of our collaboration with the Governor’s office, the Division of Public Health, and our healthcare partners throughout the state. Bayhealth continues to serve all of our communities in central and southern Delaware through our Coronavirus Management Team screening hotline and with our referral-based drive-thru screenings, and by providing care to those who need it. Bayhealth’s community coronavirus management plan has proven a very effective system with an average of 450 people tested weekly for a total of 2,700 tested to date.”

“Nanticoke Memorial Hospital and Peninsula Regional Health System are committed to our community and support statewide testing in Delaware,” said Penny Short, MSM, BSN, RN, President Nanticoke Memorial Hospital, Senior Vice President Peninsula Regional Health System. “We are pleased to work alongside both the Division of Public Health and our local leaders to develop testing sites to meet the needs of our population.”

“The Delaware Hispanic Commission wants to thank the leadership of the governor and his staff for identifying the immediate needs related to COVID-19, specifically in Sussex County where it has impacted the Latino community,” said Delaware Hispanic Commission Chairman Javier G. Torrijos. “These community care sites are important to provide the education and resources immediately to help curve the pandemic in our community. Without the resources and the multilingual education material, the impact of COVID-19 would be much worse.”

“The State of Delaware health and social service systems, local healthcare systems, private healthcare providers and local nonprofits are coming together in a coordinated effort to reach out and promote protective behaviors in Sussex County for all, but in particular for the Hispanic community,” said Jennifer Fuqua, PhD, Executive Director, La Esperanza. “La Esperanza has found that many in our community are faring as well as could be expected during this crisis, but that some are truly struggling with lack of access to a primary healthcare provider and basic needs. The community healthcare sites that the State is setting up this week in Milford, Georgetown, Seaford and Millsboro should help a great deal in educating our community about protective behaviors, providing screening and healthcare follow up, connecting people to social services, and alleviating the very real fears that people have been expressing.”

Delawareans with questions about COVID-19, related to medical or social service needs, should call 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Questions may also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

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

Face Covering Required Effective 4/28/2020

Governor John Carney on Saturday issued the thirteenth modification to his State of Emergency declaration, requiring Delawareans to wear face coverings in public settings, including in grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, doctor’s offices, and on public transportation.

Governor Carney’s order does not require children aged 12 or younger to wear a face covering. Any child 2-years-old or younger MUST NOT wear a face covering, due to the risk of suffocation.

“Now is not the time for Delawareans to get complacent,” said Governor Carney. “We face a very serious situation, with additional cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations statewide. All of our actions are guided by science, and intended to save lives. Wearing a face covering in public settings is important to prevent transmission of this disease. But wearing a face covering is not permission to go out in public more often. Delawareans should stay home unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out for essential work or essential items. Don’t go out in public unnecessarily. You will only increase your risk – and the risk to your family, friends, and neighbors.”

Under Governor Carney’s modified order, businesses must also take certain steps to keep their employees and customers safe.

By 8:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, businesses must:

Require employees to wear a face covering while working in areas open to the public and in areas where coming within 6 feet of other staff is likely.
Provide, at the business’ expense, face coverings and hand sanitizer for their employees.
Deny entry to individuals who do not have a face covering – or if one is not available for them.
If any business denying entry is providing medication, medical supplies, or food, the business must provide alternate methods of pickup or delivery.
Delawareans are urged to use cloth face coverings and reserve medical-grade masks for use by health care workers and first responders. Medical-grade masks include N95, KN95, surgical, or other masks that would be appropriate for a health care setting.
Delawareans wearing a face covering should practice strict hand-washing before and after touching the face covering, according to the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH). Face coverings are not a replacement for washing hands, practicing physical distancing, and staying home. Delawareans who are sick should wear a face covering over their nose and mouth if they must be around other people – even while at home.

“Wearing a face covering is not a substitute for existing guidance around hand-washing and social distancing,” said Dr. Karyl Rattay, Director of the Delaware Division of Public Health. “Delawareans should stay at home whenever possible, only leaving for essential activities. Wash your hands. Keep 6-10 feet between yourself and others.”

Governor Carney’s State of Emergency has the full force and effect of law. The stay-at-home order, and mandatory quarantine for out-of-state travelers, remain in place. Violations of the emergency order, or any of its modifications, constitute a criminal offense.

Delawareans with questions about COVID-19, related to medical or social service needs, should call 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Questions may also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

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

COVID-Related Public Engagement Sessions Announced

Governor John Carney on Thursday announced a statewide public engagement strategy focused on Delaware’s economic reopening and recovery effort due to COVID-19. 

Visit https://governor.delaware.gov/delawares-recovery/ to learn more, including the dates for public engagement sessions.

 

Census

Please Complete your 2020 Census Today!

The responses from this year’s decennial Census will impact numerous critical services to the citizens of Delaware. These services include healthcare, roads, infrastructure projects, emergency services, and other matters important to our everyday lives. In order to be prepared for future healthcare crises such as COVID-19, these funds are more important than ever for our State and your community.    

The health and safety of all Delawareans is of primary importance. The Complete Count Commission is following the Governor’s mandates and doing all that we can to ensure that the Census counts residents in each corner of the state to secure the $3 billion in Census derived funding that will be available to Delaware.

We are in the midst of a pandemic that is changing the way we approach common, daily routines – but we are also learning the further importance and impact of the Census.

RESPOND SAFELY ONLINE AND BY PHONE 

Census 2020 invitations were sent to homes by the U.S. Census Bureau between Mar. 12-20 with instructions on how to participate. You may be thinking that responding to the Census means someone coming to your home. That’s not the case. In fact, the only reason for that to occur is if you don’t respond. It has never been easier to respond on your own, whether online, over the phone or by mail—all without having to meet a census taker. This new technology comes just in time for our current circumstances of self-distancing. Please take advantage of this technology and complete your Census as soon as you receive the invitation, either online at My2020census.gov or by phone a 1-844-330-2020. 

Both the online and phone questionnaire come in English and 12 additional languages. Residents can also respond via a paper questionnaire that can be mailed with a prepaid postage envelope. The deadline for responding on your own through these easy methods is October 31st. We urge you to complete the Census before that date. More information about the Census forms and deadline can be found at 2020census.gov

Essential Trips and COVID-19

If you must take an essential trip out in the community, the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) suggests following these guidelines:

• Only go out if you have to.  The best defense against COVID-19 is to prevent exposure.  Staying in is the only sure way to do that.
• If you must go out, you should act as if you and those around you are positive.  Take these precautions:
  • Maintain 6 fee of space from others.
  • Wear a mask or face covering and try not to touch it.
  • Wash and sanitize your hands frequently.
• Assume that places you go have positive cases and take appropriate precautions:
  • In order to protect privacy, DPH does not announce details about individual cases, or where they occur.  As such, you should be vigilant in your protection and precaution measures during this time.
  • Some businesses may have positive cases but have taken strong steps to sanitize and prevent the spread of infection.  Others may not know they have had a positive employee or customer.  It is impossible to know the difference.

Governor Carney Partners with Health Providers and Sussex Employers on Community Testing Sites, Outreach, Education

Governor John Carney on Wednesday announced a partnership with the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH), the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS), the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, local hospital systems, poultry industry employers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, and trusted community partners to stand up community testing sites in Sussex County, and increase outreach and distribution of educational materials about COVID-19 in southern Delaware.

“We’ve seen a significant surge in COVID-19 cases in communities across Sussex County,” said Governor John Carney. “This new testing program is designed to save lives. Over the next week, we will be partnering with local hospitals, the Delaware Division of Public Health, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, and the Delaware Department of Agriculture, and others to offer free, rapid coronavirus testing at community testing sites in Sussex County. As the largest employers in Sussex County, we are partnering with the poultry industry to ensure that workers and their families get all of the information they need to be safe and healthy.”

The community testing plan is a three-pronged effort. It includes testing through the use of rapid test kits and ensuring access to care; guidance on isolation and assistance when it is not possible to isolate safely, and education and outreach through the assistance of trusted community partners. Individuals will receive “care kits” with essential materials including sanitizer, bandanas, thermometers, and educational materials. Educational materials are being translated into Spanish and Haitian Creole to reach those who do not read English as their first language. These tests are not mandatory.

“We are grateful for the partnership of everyone involved in bringing this massive effort together,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “In addition to testing sites at poultry plants, there will also be community testing sites, which we expect will reach workers in other industries and their families. We believe this community-based testing strategy will be critical in identifying the extent of the spread of COVID-19 and of mitigating it, by providing guidance and support for those with positive test results and educational materials for everyone tested.”

“The efforts of all these partners to stop the spread of COVID-19 in our rural communities here in Sussex County is a testament to working towards a common goal to re-open our state. From the farmers to the workers in the plants to employees in agribusinesses, our workforce is the backbone that makes agriculture so successful in Delaware,” said Secretary of Agriculture Michael T. Scuse. “We want to ensure that every employee gets the care they need, and to make sure if a staff member does have COVID-19 that we can stop it from spreading to others. We appreciate the efforts that the poultry companies are taking to protect their employees, including implementing physical barriers and social distancing protocols, daily health screenings, and now on-site testing.”

Partners in the community testing efforts include: 

• Bayhealth
• Beebe Healthcare
• ChristianaCare Health System
• Nanticoke Health Services
• Allen Harim 
• Mountaire Farms
• Perdue Farms 
• Local Community Partners and Organizations
• Municipal and County Government 
• Delaware Technical Community College Georgetown
• Community Health Centers and Providers

Governor Carney, DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay, and DEMA Director A.J. Schall will discuss the community testing and outreach partnership during their 1:45 p.m. press briefing on Friday.

Delawareans with questions about COVID-19, related to medical or social service needs, should call 2-1-1; or 7-1-1 for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Questions may also be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov.

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

Wires Down Route 1

Verizon lines and poles near Indian Street have fallen onto Route 1.  The Fire Department and Police are on the seen, and traffic has been diverted on both the north and south bound of Route 1.  Please be cautious in this area.  The repair is expected to take the remainder of today.

As of now, there are no interruptions in phone service for any customers.

Thunderstorm Expected: 4/21/2020

A cold front will cross the region this afternoon from west to east bringing a line of showers and thunderstorms. There is a marginal risk that some of these storms could be severe with damaging winds being the main threat. The timing for these storms is expected mid to late afternoon.

Safe Shopping Tips for Customers

The Delaware Food Industry Council has provided the best practical guidelines to keep shoppers and grocery store workers safe during the COVID-19 crisis.  Please use these helpful safe shopping tips that include several new government mandates.

1. Limit going to the grocery store only when it is essential and focus on buying what you need.  Coronavirus has upended our daily lives and the usual grocery store trips are a luxury.  As experts advise the general public to stay home, it is important that customers limit their trips to the store as much as possible.  When you do shop, buy what you need most.  There is no need to stockpile items.  Buying enough for one weeks is advisable.  If everybody maintains normal shopping patterns, the food supply will replenish.
2. Shoppers should wear cloth face coverings.  All customers are encouraged to wear cloth face coverings.  Please note that these coverings can be made from everyday household items such as a scarf, bandana, or t-shirt.  Reserve the N95 masks for front line workers.
3. Reduce store crowding by shopping alone.  Some of us really enjoy going to the grocery store with our spouse or families, but to keep everyone safe, shop alone if you can.  By reducing capacity, it is easier to maintain less crowded aisles and safe social distancing between customers.
4. Practice safe social distancing throughout the store even at checkout.  Six feet is the safe distance to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.  An average grocery cart is three feet long, so always keep two grocery carts apart between you and others.  Although checkout signifies the end of your trip, it is still important that you maintain six feet or two shopping carts of space between you and someone else.  To protect everyone’s well-being, please wait until a customer finishes loading their groceries and exits the line.
5. Avoid handling any items in the store, unless it’s for purchase.  Use your eyes to inspect, not your hands.  Habits are hard to break but avoiding the handling of products at the store helps prevent the spread of the virus.  Do your part and try not to pick up items unless you plan to buy them.  This also applies to produce items.  We recommend using a produce bag to make your selection.  Let your eyes do the shopping.
6. When using personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, wipes, or disposable face coverings, please discard responsibly.  Since customers are encouraged to wear facial coverings and are using PPE for added safety, it is important to dispose of gloves, masks and wipes properly.  Please do not leave these soiled items in your cart or in the parking lot.  Mishandling these items can create more safety concerns for employees and other customers.  Trash cans are placed conveniently outside the store for your disposal.  Moreover, refrain from disposing flushable wipes in the store restrooms.
7. Keep your reusable grocery bags at home until this health crisis is over or thoroughly disinfect after each use.  For the safety of both customers and employees, do not use reusable bags unless you know how to thoroughly disinfect them.  Studies have shown that the virus can live on certain surfaces for an extended period.  Using bags that are kept in an individual’s home or car for repeat use could increase the risk of infection.  You might be asked to bag your own groceries depending on the store’s temporary policies with reusable bags.
8. Check your local store’s special hours or new procedures.  To ensure the safest shopping experience, grocers are adapting special hours and accommodations.  Check their websites, social media pages, or call ahead to confirm.
9. Be patient and allot more time to shop.  New mandates have created crowd control policies that potentially slow down a normal shopping experience.  Be cognizant of this and be prepared with extra time in case it is needed to shop.
10. Treat employees with respect and kindness.  Grocery, pharmacy and convenience store employees are critical during this crisis.  They are working on the front line to ensure everyone always has access to food and supplies.  Be understanding of the extra work being provided to make sure a store is sanitized and ready to feed your families.

These simple tips will help provide for a more pleasant shopping experience!  For more information, please contact the Delaware Food Industry Council at 302-545-8305.