Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Governor Carney declared a State of Emergency starting on March 13, 2020 at 8 a.m. and updated it on March 16, 2020 and March 18, 2020. If you are hosting an event with over 50 people, please review the news release and Governor's State of Emergency Declaration.
Delawareans who are feeling well should go about their daily lives but practice social distancing – staying six feet away from other people.
Those who are feeling sick should stay home, and contact your primary health care provider if you have concerns about your symptoms, particularly those with fever and coughing or shortness of breath.
Individuals with general questions about coronavirus can call DPH at 1-866-408-18991-866-408-1899 or email us at DPHCall@delaware.gov. Individuals with hearing impairment can call 7-1-17-1-1.
VULNERABLE POPULATIONS
People 60 and older, those with serious chronic health conditions, people with disabilities, those who are homeless or are suffering from behavioral health issues, and undocumented immigrants all face greater risks for COVID-19 or for getting necessary testing or care.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Take steps to avoid spreading germs from any respiratory diseases by:
Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer.
Don't touch your face.
Cover your cough with a tissue or your elbow.
Stay home if you are sick.
Get your flu shot.
SCHOOLS
On March 13, 2020, Governor Carney directed all public schools to close March 16-27 to allow schools to prepare for potential spread of coronavirus. If you have questions, call the Division of Public Health Information Line at 1-866-408-18991-866-408-1899.
HEALTH CARE
If you are a health professional evaluating a patient for suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, please contact the Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) Office of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at 1-888-295-51561-888-295-5156.
BUSINESSES
To prepare for possible community transmission of coronavirus disease, the most important thing for businesses to do now is plan and prepare. They also need to reinforce the message that employees stay home when they are sick. If you have questions, call the Division of Public Health Information Line at 1-866-408-18991-866-408-1899.
OTHER INFORMATION
Health Alert Notifications (HAN)
Downloadable/Printable Materials
Find information in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Mandarin.
- Coronavirus Returning Traveler Guidance
Download: English Spanish Haitian Creole Mandarin - Simplified Chinese Translation (Preventing the Spread to Homes and Communities)
- Information About Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Risk, Prevention, etc.)
Download: English Spanish Haitian Creole Mandarin - Information About Self- Monitoring
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. It is named for the crownlike spikes that protrude from its surface. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
- We are in contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as other local, state, and national partners to share information.
- We have sent information to health care providers around the state with current recommendations for screening and testing for COVID-19, as well as to EMS and home health care providers regarding proper protection procedures.
- We are holding frequent calls with staff and our state and health care provider partners to stay up to date with the latest updates.
- We are sharing messaging with partners and the public as it becomes available.
- This is a rapidly evolving situation, so information and recommendations are likely to change quickly as well. We will continue to learn more in the coming days and share new information as it is available.
- Through the air by coughing and sneezing
- Close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes
- Individuals 60 years of age and older.
- Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, or heart disease.
- Individuals who are immunocompromised or have medical needs.
- Individuals with access or functional needs.
- Individuals who are homeless or experience housing instability.
For confirmed COVID-19 infections, reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms (similar to the common cold) to people being severely ill and dying :
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Latest Videos
Learn More About Delaware's Response
Resources for Coronavirus COVID-19
Printable materials, graphics for social media, and mp4 files for sharing