Coronavirus

It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and flu activity is still high and expected to continue for a number of weeks. To avoid spreading germs from any respiratory diseases and to help slow the spread of coronavirus, follow these steps: 

• Stay home. Even if you have no symptoms. That means avoiding play dates, sleepovers, bars, restaurants, parties or houses of worship. Avoid all crowds. 
• Cover your cough and sneezes.
• Practice social distancing. Best practice requires maintaining at least a six-foot distance between yourself and ohers.
• Wash your hands with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your mouth and face
• Clean an disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces

Consider these additional steps to ensure that you and your household are prepared for any potential spread of the coronavirus:

• Store a two week supply of water and food
• Periodically check your regular prescription drugs to ensure a continuous supply in your home
• Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins
• Get copies and maintain electronic versions of health records from doctors, hospitals, pharmacies and other sources and store them, for personal reference. Get help accessing electronic health records.

If you are looking for ways to help those affected by the coronavirus, both physically and financially, consider the following:

• If you’re healthy, donate to your local blood bank.
• Contribute canned goods and other non-perishables to the Food Bank of Delaware.

FOR SMALL BUSINESSES OWNERS: We know that the public health restrictions that have been put in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus will hit the Delaware small business community especially hard. Governor Carney has taken steps to help small businesses impacted during this time. You can find more information about this here. In addition, the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act expands eligibility of the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) and Payment Protection Program. You can learn more about applying for these programs here.

FOR THOSE UNEMPLOYED: The Delaware Department of Labor (DOL) has expanded unemployment benefits to workers affected by the coronavirus. Although DOL offices will be closed to public access during this State of Emergency, the Delaware Department of Labor remains operational and offers the ability for Delawareans to file for unemployment benefits online at the following link: https://ui.delawareworks.com/ Questions can answered via email at uiclaims@delaware.gov or via at 302-761-8446. The CARES Act has also expanded unemployment benefits to include small business and gig economy workers. You can learn more about who is eligible for unemployment insurance here.

Do you have questions about the direct cash payments included in the CARSE Act? Answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQs) can be found here.

FOR THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY TRAVELED ABROAD: Anyone who recently traveled abroad who experiences fever, cough, or other acute illness should contact a health care provider as soon as possible and mention your recent travel. Please call ahead and inform the health care provider about your travel history.

FOR THOSE WITH UPCOMING TRAVEL PLANS: The U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued several travel notices due to the ongoing situation involving the coronavirus. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. 

FOR BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYERS: The CDC has advised that workplaces and businesses should also make contingency plans that allow for workers to telework if needed. Additional guidance for businesses and employers is available here.