The Trump administration declared that a major disaster exists in Delaware, which gives the state government, as well as some local governments and certain nonprofits, access to federal funds. These can be used for emergency response measures such as constructing temporary hospitals. Delaware joins Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and 32 other states that are currently considered to be experiencing a major disaster.

The Department of Health and Social Services’ (DHSS) buildings are now closed to individuals who do not have appointments with DHSS personnel. There are exceptions for crisis services, emergency cases and people without phone or computer access.

Gov. Carney expanded his emergency order regarding steps to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, banning all short-term rental units, including vacation homes, condos, Airbnb units, hotels and motels. Commercial lodging in Delaware will remain closed through May 15, or until the public health threat is eliminated. The order also closes pawn shops and electronics shops – including video game stores – and prohibits door-to-door solicitation.

More than 100 medical professional volunteers have signed up with the Division of Public Health’s Office of Preparedness to volunteer since Gov. John Carney issued his Public Health Emergency Declaration on March 23. They are comprised mainly of inactive or retired Delaware physicians, advanced practice providers and nurses.

Educators in Appoquinimink School District’s Project Lead the Way engineering program are using 3D printers to make face shields, which they have donated to several hospitals as well as Chimes Delaware, a community service provider for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. What started as an effort for family members and acquaintances has since grown into an operation that has created hundreds of masks and received orders from medical facilities including Christiana Hospital and Middletown Emergency Department.