DPH ENCOURAGES COVID-19 TESTING FOR ATTENDEES OF DOVER CHURCH CONFERENCES

DOVER (July 27, 2020) - The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is encouraging COVID-19 testing for members of a Dover church and attendees of the church's weekend conference. DPH is making the recommendation after at least three members of the Destiny Christian Church in Dover tested positive for COVID-19. At least two of the individuals attended recent services there before learning they were positive for the disease potentially exposing other church members. In addition, the church held a three-day conference this weekend called the Life Conference 2020, as well as a three-day conference on the weekend of July 17 - 19 called The Prophetic Conference, drawing a few hundred persons each weekend and potentially increasing the risk of exposure and transmission of the virus to others.

DPH and the Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) are working with the leadership of Destiny Christian Church to offer testing to members of the congregation and conference attendees on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., at Destiny Christian Church, 2161 Forrest Ave., Dover. This testing event will also be open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required, and can be completed at delaware.curativeinc.com.

Information about current and future testing sites is available at de.gov/gettested.

"Knowing your COVID-19 status is one of the most important things you can do to prevent spread of the virus," said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. "Based on the timing of when the positive individuals received their test results, their last exposures to others in the congregation, and the large weekend events, we strongly recommend anyone who has been at this church over the last two to three weeks get tested. Doing so will help us identify any additional positives and ensure that those individuals are self-isolating at home to prevent further spread of the disease in our community."

The latest data on COVID-19 cases and deaths, can be found on the Division of Public Health's My Healthy Community data portal at de.gov/healthycommunity.

If you are sick with any of the following symptoms, stay home: fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, muscle fatigue, chills, shaking with chills, loss of smell or taste. Other symptoms such as headache or digestive symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain or lack of appetite) have been identified as potential symptoms related to COVID-19 and may prompt further screening, action or investigation. If you are sick and need essential supplies, ask someone else to go to the grocery store or the pharmacy to get what you need.

If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, or have symptoms of illness, make sure to distance yourself from others, particularly vulnerable populations. Older adults and people of any age with serious underlying medical conditions - including serious heart conditions, chronic lung conditions, including moderate to severe asthma, severe obesity and those who are immunocompromised, including through cancer treatment - may have a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

Individuals who have complaints about out-of-state individuals violating the Governor's State of Emergency Order, or violating the public gathering restrictions, should contact state or local law enforcement. Concerns that businesses may be violating operating restrictions should be directed to:COVID.DOJ@delaware.gov. Questions related to business re-openings or operations as businesses re-open should go to COVID19FAQ@delaware.gov.

Individuals with questions about COVID-19 should call Delaware 2-1-1, or email info@delaware211.org. Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing can text their ZIP code to 898-211. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Medically related questions regarding testing, symptoms, and health-related guidance can be submitted by email at DPHCall@delaware.gov. Questions regarding unemployment claims should be emailed to:UIClaims@delaware.gov.

In addition, the Division of Public Health asks any Delaware health care, long-term care, residential, or other high-risk facility with questions or concerns to email: DPH_PAC@delaware.gov or call the DPH Call Center at 1-866-408-1899 and press ext. 2.

DPH will continue to update the public as more information becomes available. For the latest on Delaware's response, go to de.gov/coronavirus.

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.

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