Delaware Governor Carney issues statement on COVID hospitalizations

WILMINGTON, Delaware (WPVI) -- Governor John Carney issued a statement this weekend after the State of Delaware surpassed 300 COVID-19 hospitalizations for the first time since April.

"For anyone still not taking this winter surge seriously, now is the time to start. More than 300 Delawareans are currently in the hospital with COVID-19, and we are likely to soon pass our spring peak of 337 hospitalizations. We are facing a serious situation that promises only to get worse in the weeks ahead. Delaware's health care workers continue to work day and night to treat the sick and protect lives - as they've done throughout this crisis," said Carney.

The state health department reported a total of 39,912 COVID-19 cases to date and a total of 793 deaths.

Several Delaware school districts are transitioning to all virtual learning to fall within new recommendations from the state as COVID-19 infections reach a record high.

Gov. Carney released recommendations Thursday advising districts to transition to only remote learning starting Dec. 14 until Jan. 11.

The decision to make changes is up to each district and some, including the Brandywine and Colonial School District, are pausing in-person learning a week early, beginning on December 7.

Brandywine officials wrote to parents stating that transmission rates are low in schools, but it's difficult to stay up and running when infections are surging within the community.

On Thursday, Carney announced a new stay-at-home advisory, urging all residents to avoid gathering indoors with anyone outside their household. The order goes into effect from December 14 and lasts through January 11.

The advisory does not apply to Delawareans in workplaces and traveling to and from their places of work.

Carney is also issuing a universal statewide mask mandate requiring Delawareans to wear a cloth face covering anytime they are indoors with anyone outside their immediate household. A similar mask mandate, which required people to wear masks in public settings where social distancing was not possible, is already in effect. Children under 2 years old are not required to wear masks.

MORE DELAWARE COVID-19 HEADLINES

Several Delaware school districts are transitioning to all virtual learning to fall within new recommendations from the state as COVID-19 infections reach a record high. Gov. John Carney released recommendations Thursday advising districts to transition to only remote learning starting Dec. 14th until Jan. 11th.

Delaware governor announces stay-at-home advisory, universal mask mandate

Delaware Governor John Carney announced a new stay-at-home advisory on Thursday, urging all residents to avoid gathering indoors with anyone outside their household to combat the rising COVID-19 cases. The order goes into effect from December 14 and lasts through January 11.

Delaware Governor John Carney expressed concerns Tuesday about the rising number of COVID-19 hospitalizations in the state. Nearly 250 residents are currently in the hospital with coronavirus, and that number is growing.

Hospital leaders have told the governor that they are confident they can manage the surge. Still, officials are reminding everyone to adhere to COVID-19 mitigation guidelines.

Delaware hospital to play leading role in COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Health care workers and nursing home residents should be at the front of the line when the first coronavirus vaccine shots become available, an influential government advisory panel said Tuesday.

A Delaware hospital will play a leading role in administering the vaccine to the region.

Ten freezers just arrived at ChristianaCare in Newark this week and will be able to house the coronavirus vaccine in temperatures as low as -94 degrees.

Hardware store closing

After 37 years in business, a locally-owned hardware store can't survive any longer. New Castle - Do It Best - Hardware Store in Delaware is getting ready to close for good.

Owner Jim Smyth says it's been getting more and more difficult to keep up with big-box stores and online retailers.

Right now, all merchandise is 50% off while supplies last. The store will close by the end of the year.

Delaware issues new restrictions on gatherings, dining, and youth sports; most take effect on Monday

Delaware Governor John Carney announced Tuesday additional restrictions for indoor and outdoor gatherings, indoor dining, and youth sports to slow the spread of COVID-19 in the state.

New COVID-19 testing site to open at Delaware State University in New Castle County

A $5 million COVID-19 testing lab will soon be up and running at Delaware State University's Kirkwood Highway Campus in New Castle County as cases across the country soar.

MORE COVID-19 COVERAGE

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Health experts suggest decreased activity, COVID test after holiday travel

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Fauci: Expect similar COVID travel restrictions, advisories for Christmas holiday

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COVID-19 vaccine distribution: United Airlines has started shipping coronavirus shot, source says

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COVID-19 RESOURCES

How to properly wash your hands

Which masks protect those around you best?

What to do if you think you have COVID-19 symptoms

Coronavirus testing near me

*The Associated Press contributed to this report*