Delaware reports 14 coronavirus deaths; 450 cases

Delaware officials announce updates on state cases of COVID-19

State health officials provide an update on the latest coronavirus developments in Delaware.

DOVER, Del. - Delaware officials on Friday announced two additional coronavirus-related deaths, bringing the statewide total to 14. There have been a total of eight deaths related to long-term care facilities.

Health officials say there are least 450 coronavirus cases across the state.

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A staff member at a second juvenile detention facility in Delaware has tested positive for the coronavirus, state officials said.

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The employee of the Stevenson House Detention Center in Milford was self-isolating at home, the Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families said in a news release.

On Monday, the department reported that a staff member at the Ferris School in Wilmington had tested positive. Officials said the employee had not reported to work for an extended period of time, but that other staff members were told to self-monitor as a precaution.

A departmental employee who works in an administrative building also tested positive for the virus and was self-isolating at home, officials said last week.

No juvenile housed at a state-run facility has tested positive for the virus so far, department spokeswoman Jen Rini said Tuesday. Department officials reported last week that a youth at a community-based program run by an outside contractor had tested positive for the virus and was recuperating at home.

For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.

On Monday, Gov. John Carney ordered that all child care facilities in Delaware close by April 6, except for those serving children of “essential personnel” working at businesses deemed “essential.”

As recently as last week, public health officials had said a widespread closure of child care centers was not necessary.