The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) released information this week about anticipated COVID-19 testing and vaccination site closures, as well as tips for hosting a safe Thanksgiving gathering.
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, all Public Health Clinics that provide COVID-19 vaccination will be closed on November 25 and 26. In addition, beginning Wednesday, Nov. 24, clinics and Walgreens will be closed for COVID-19 testing. While the DPH standing vaccine sites at the Blue Hen Corporate Center in Dover, Canby Park in Wilmington, Georgetown Plaza in Sussex County, and Oxford/University Plaza in Newark will be closed for vaccinations, they will be open for Curative COVID-19 testing on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday-Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To make an appointment, go to de.gov/gettested. Other testing and vaccination sites may be available. A list of vaccine locations can be found at de.gov/getmyvaccine.Furthermore, Delaware’s COVID-19 Call Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday during the Thanksgiving holiday, but will begin answering e-mails sent to DPHcall@delaware.gov on Friday, Nov. 26. On Monday, Nov. 29, the Call Center will resume answering e-mails and phone calls at 1-866-408-1899. Concerned about a resurgence of COVID-19 cases this winter, DPH is also sharing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations for safer Thanksgiving gatherings.
Despite the fact that masking and gathering restrictions have been relaxed compared to last year, the virus is still circulating in the community. “The rate of COVID-19 positive cases has increased by 16 percent since last week,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “Halloween parties are most likely to blame for the increase.” We want to get ahead of the game and avoid another holiday rush.
“According to CDC data, more than 83 percent of the state’s adult population had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as of Nov. 18. Unvaccinated people, on the other hand, continue to drive case rates and hospitalizations. During the week of November 1-7, unvaccinated and partially vaccinated people accounted for 82 percent of hospitalizations in Delaware.
Vaccination remains the strongest recommendation for COVID-19 protection and the most important action people can take to participate in a safe holiday gathering. This includes receiving your first dose of the vaccine, as well as your second (or third, if you are immunocompromised), or booster dose.
Eligibility for a booster dose of the vaccine was expanded this week, and DPH advised people to keep an eye on local news channels and de.gov/boosters for updates. Getting children, particularly those aged 5-11 who are newly eligible for the vaccine, vaccinated with their first dose before the Thanksgiving holiday is a good way to ensure their protection. The pediatric dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was found to be more than 90% protective against developing symptomatic COVID-19. During clinical trials, no severe vaccine-related side effects or severe allergic reactions were observed.
____
Covid-19 | Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter @njtimesofficial. To get latest updates
