DELAWARE - COVID-19 cases are slowly rising in the First State, raising fears of another outbreak. The strain is becoming the dominant variant in all 50 states.
Delaware is reporting an average of more than 44 cases over a 7 day period. While there are concerns with the Delta variant increasing, there is good news coming out of Beebe Healthcare. The hospital says the number of COVID-19 patients has largely remained in the single digits, but it is continuing to push for vaccinations, as trends are showing that a large portion of COVID-19 patients, who are in the hospital, are unvaccinated. Health leaders say the Delta variant is a concern for people of all ages.
"At least a majority, if not 70% of cases are sequencing to the Delta variant,” said Dr. Rick Pescatore, Chief Physician for Delaware Division of Public Health. He says an overwhelming amount of infections are seen in unvaccinated people. Delaware’s Lieutenant Governor says Delta is serious.
"It is something to take serious after we get through the hot summer months, anything is possible with a uptick in the fall," said Bethany Hall-Long.
If you have noticed you've been getting an itchy throat, or runny nose, there is a reason for that.
"Emergence of additional respiratory viruses. We are seeing a rising incidence of respiratory syncytial virus, and the common cold virus is starting to show its ugly head,” said Dr. Pescatore.
COVID-19 and colds share similar symptoms like sore throat, cough, and stuffy nose. But with COVID you will have a fever, shortness of breath, and diarrhea to name a few, which is not commonly associated with a cold.
"It still remains a difficult thing to diagnose without consistent testing,” said Dr. Pescatore.
There is a new kind of testing called multiplex testing, which is mostly used in hospitals and doctors sites.
“That's the ability to do a molecular or PCR test for multiple viruses at the same time. In this scenario we are talking about COVID, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus,” said Dr. Pescatore.
Curative, has also begun using a self-administered shallow nasal test as opposed to saliva.
"The numbers speak for themselves. Last month in the state of Maryland, which is next to Delaware, every death was an unvaccinated person,” said Hall-Long.
She said the only way Delawareans won't go backwards is 1. Get vaccinated and 2. Wear a mask and social distance if you are unvaccinated.
To get tested contact your local pharmacy or your doctor. Also, to make sure schools remain open this year, DPH announced on Monday a $15 million partnership with the Department of Education and Quidel Corporation to offer free testing in Delaware schools, with results returning to families in just 24 hours.