Sussex Hit Hard by COVID-19

In an effort to curtail the rise of COVID-19 cases in Sussex County, Governor John Carney today announced a new partnership to increase testing, conduct more community outreach, and distribute additional coronavirus educational materials in southern Delaware.

Sussex County is on the verge of surpassing New Castle County in total confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, despite having less than half its population.

“We’ve seen a significant surge in COVID-19 cases in communities across Sussex County,” the governor said. “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, the Delaware Department of Agriculture, and others to offer free, rapid coronavirus testing at community sites in Sussex County.”

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.

According to a statement from the governor’s office, officials will also be distributing “care kits” with essential materials including hand sanitizer, bandannas, 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.

“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,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We believe this community-based testing strategy will be critical in identifying the extent of the spread of COVID-19 and of mitigating it.”