DE Coronavirus Update: Housing Assistance, More HELP for Small Businesses

Updates on Delaware's Coronavirus Response

What All Delawareans Can Do:

STAY HOME as much as possible, and only go out for essential needs or if you’re an essential worker. If you are ill, stay home.
Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with warm water many times a day.
Cover your cough with a tissue or your elbow.
Do not touch your face.
Clean frequently used surfaces regularly.
If someone is sick in your household, have them isolate to one room, and have them use a separate bathroom if possible.
Wipe down frequently used objects like your phone with an alcohol-based wipe.
When you go to the grocery store, practice social distancing, use a wipe for your cart, and wash your hands when you return.

You can still go outside , if you follow the right guidelines :

Stay 6 feet apart from others
Limit your group to under 10 people
Avoid close contact activities
Avoid playgrounds- Delaware State Parks closed all playgrounds
Most importantly, if you feel sick, stay home.

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What to do if you think you are sick:

The most common symptoms of coronavirus are fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you think you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, stay home and make sure to distance yourself from vulnerable populations.

In order to qualify for testing, you must have a Fever (100 degrees+) AND cough OR difficulty breathing. Symptomatic individuals must be referred for testing by a health care provider.

If you have a doctor: Call your doctor. At teleconsultation is preferred. Your doctor will determine if you meet the criteria to be referred to a testing site (*Bayhealth patients will be pre-screened via phone without needing to see a provider first).

If don't have a doctor: Call the Division of Public Health to be evaluated at 1 (866) 408-1899. Individuals with a hearing impairment can call 7-1-1. Medical personnel will determine if you meet the criteria for testing.

If you are having a medical emergency: call 911 and make sure to let the dispatcher know what symptoms you are experiencing. Otherwise, health officials are not recommending going to the emergency room for coronavirus-like symptoms.

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RECENT NEWS AND UPDATES

Update from the Division of Public Health

Thursday, March 26: Delaware announced the sad news that two Delawareans died from COVID-19. The first was a 66-year-old male from Sussex County. He had underlying health conditions and was critically ill. The second was an 86-year-old male resident of Little Sisters of the Poor Jeanne Jugan Residence in Newark. The individual had underlying medical conditions.

Our thoughts are with their family and friends.

This is a sad day, and this is a scary time. Please take this threat seriously— and do your part to stem the spread of COVID-19 by following the guidance we’ve issued to stay at home.

NEW: Delaware's Housing Assistance Program

Thursday, March 26: Governor Carney and Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) Director Anas Ben Addi announced a new program to provide emergency housing assistance to renters affected by shutdowns, closures, layoffs, reduced work hours, or unpaid leave due to COVID-19.

The Delaware Housing Assistance Program will provide eligible households up to $1,500 in assistance, with payments made directly to the property owner or utility company.

Applications will be available on DSHA’s website destatehousing.com or de.gov/coronavirus .

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Governor Carney Announces Expansion of Hospital Emergency Loan Program

Thursday, March 26: Governor Carney expanded the Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (H.E.L.P.) to provide financial relief for additional industries impacted because of coronavirus. The expansion makes personal care services businesses – such as barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, and beauty shops – eligible for the program.

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Additional Protections for Delawareans:

Governor Carney's sixth modification to the State of Emergency puts in place several restrictions to help support Delawareans as this situation evolves.

Throughout the duration of the State of Emergency:

Rent

Landlords are prohibited from charging late fees or interest on rental payments
Residential rental evictions are suspended
The Delaware Housing Assistance Program will provide eligible households up to $1,500 in assistance, with payments made directly to the property owner or utility company.

Mortgages

No late fees or excess interest many be charged or accrued on residential mortgage
Residential mortgage foreclosure action is suspended with respect to any owner- occupied 1- to 4-family primary residential property

Utilities

While many of the utility companies have voluntarily agreed not to turn off services during this public health emergency, this order prevents all residential utility service companies from terminating service, or charging late fees accrued during the State of Emergency.

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Delaware's Presidential Primary is June 2

Governor Carney's sixth modification to his State of Emergency declaration moved Delaware’s presidential primary to June 2, and allows Delawareans to vote by absentee ballot due to COVID-19. Social distancing can now be used as a qualification for voting by absentee ballot.

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The latest information and updates from the State of Delaware are available at de.gov/coronavirus :

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