Coronavirus updates and resources for Delawareans

Dear Friend, 

First and foremost, I want to wish the Delaware residents who have tested positive for coronavirus speedy recoveries. I know I speak for the rest of the First State when I say that our thoughts and prayers are with them and their loved ones at this time. As of 12 pm today, there are four presumptive positive cases of coronavirus in Delaware. In light of this news, Delawareans should know that officials and public health experts in our state have been working diligently and preparing to help keep our communities safe.

This is an effort that will continue to require coordination across the federal, state and local level, and it will also require individuals to do their part, too. We all have a role to play, and we all have to do our job to keep ourselves and others safe. It’s important to not panic but to be proactive; make sure to take the common sense steps that can keep you and your family healthy, like washing your hands with soap and water, covering your cough, staying home when you are sick, and stocking up on some essentials such as food and medicine.

• For accurate and timely information and updates related to the coronavirus, visit the CDC’s website and follow the CDC’s social media channels.

• Delawareans should check the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) website regularly. DPH is providing materials that are available in English, Simplified Chinese/Mandarin, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole. In addition to updates on the global coronavirus disease outbreak, the DPH website also contains numbers of returning travelers that DPH is currently monitoring. That information is updated twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.

• The State of Delaware has opened a call center to take questions from the public, schools, medical providers, state agencies and community organizations about coronavirus. Hours of operation will be 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The call center number is 1-866-408-1899. You can also submit questions by emailing DPHCall@delaware.gov. PLEASE NOTE: if you are a returning traveler from a country with a level 2 Travel Alert or higher (China, Japan, Italy, South Korea or Iran), and have a medical emergency, you should contact 9-1-1.

• Delawareans at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 include elderly people and individuals living with chronic medical conditions. If you are at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19, visit CDC’s page here.

• It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and flu activity is still high and expected to continue for a number of weeks. Take these common sense steps to avoid spreading germs from any respiratory diseases:

o   Get your flu vaccine if you have not already done so.
o   Cover your cough and sneezes.
o   Stay home if you are sick.
o   Wash your hands with soap and water.
o   Avoid touching your mouth and face
o   Clean an disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

I am committed to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, as well as local and state officials, to fight this growing health issue. That’s why last week, I was proud to vote for the $8.3 billion in emergency funding to combat this virus. As a recovering Governor, I know how important it is to get this critical funding to our state and local partners – the men and women who are on the front lines testing and treating patients every day – so that they have the resources they need to protect themselves and our communities.

These funds are just a first step. I will continue to work to ensure every community has the resources they need to protect public health. I have been, and continue to be, extremely encouraged by the preparedness of DHSS, DEMA, and other state agencies and partners to address coronavirus, and I am committed to doing everything I can at the federal level to support their critical work and that of health care providers and first responders on the front lines in the First State.

If you have additional concerns about the coronavirus outbreak, visit my website here or contact any of my offices for assistance.

Sincerely,

Tom Carper