COVID update: Still no Omicron; no indoor mask mandate planned

Betsy PriceHeadlines, Health

  It’s just a matter of time before the Omicron variant of COVID-19 shows up in Delaware, state officials say. The virus strain has been found in surrounding states, but has not yet been detected in Delaware, said Dr. Karyl Rattay, director of the Division of Public Health. And they’ve looked. The state lab routinely pulls random samples of positive …

Carney seeks federal disaster declaration from Biden

Charlie MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

More than 275 Delaware homes and businesses have been affected by flooding from the Brandywine River, Carney’s letter to Biden says.   Gov. John Carney on Friday sent a letter to President Biden requesting a Major Disaster Declaration following flooding caused by Tropical Depression Ida.  If authorized, the declaration would provide the state with federal financial resources for both the …

Ida expected to bring 2 to 4 inches of rain Wednesday, Thursday

Charlie MegginsonCulture, Headlines

Tropical Depression Ida is expected to bring heavy rain and the potential for flash flooding to Delaware throughout Wednesday and Thursday.  The National Weather Service is forecasting 3-4 inches of rain in northern Delaware, 2-3 inches in southern New Castle County, Kent County and parts of Sussex County, and 1.5-2 inches at the beaches and southern Sussex County. As remnants …

State tells unvaccinated people to test weekly; testing kits now at libraries

Betsy PriceHeadlines, Health

This Abbott Laboratories at-home COVID-19 test kit is available at Delaware libraries. The state of Delaware is recommending that unvaccinated people get tested weekly for the COVID-19 virus. In a press release issued Tuesday, the state also said those who are not vaccinated should be tested five to seven days after being exposed to someone with COVID-19 and that they …

State urges residents to prepare for Tropical Storm Elsa

Betsy PriceCulture, Headlines

The National Weather Service’s forecast of Elsa’s path puts it right over Delaware. The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is recommending that state residents keep an eye on Tropical Storm Elsa, expected to sweep up the Eastern seaboard today and tomorrow. That’s on top of warnings from the National Weather Service to be on the watch for evening thunderstorms Wednesday that …