Weekly COVID-19 Update – Dec. 31, 2021: Record Number of New Positive Cases, Current Hospitalizations

Staff Writer December 31, 2021Headlines

DOVER, DE (Dec. 31, 2021) – The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing an update on the most recent statistics related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Delaware, as of 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. DPH reported the highest number of new positive daily cases since the start of the pandemic with […]

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Wilmington man charged after violent attack on Lucy’s pizza shop employee
A Wilmington man is facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting an employee during a disturbance at a North Market Street restaurant last Wednesday morning, according to Delaware State Police. Troopers responded to Lucy’s Restaurant at 3840 North Market Street around 9:37 a.m. on May 7 after receiving a report of a disorderly customer. Police say 30-year-old Auston Pratt had entered the pizza shop and began arguing with employees and customers. When staff asked him to leave, Pratt reportedly refused and threatened to kill one of the employees. A physical altercation followed, during which Pratt allegedly punched the employee several times and placed his arm around the victim’s neck, restricting the employee’s breathing. The individuals were separated before police arrived. Pratt was taken into custody without incident. The employee was taken to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Pratt also received treatment for minor injuries. After being released from the hospital, Pratt was transported to Troop 1, where he was charged with the following offenses: * Strangulation (Felony) * Assault in the Third Degree * Terroristic Threatening * Disorderly Conduct Pratt was arraigned at Justice of the Peace Court 3 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution on \$5,500 secured bond.
Three Delaware Police Departments earn state reaccreditation
Three Delaware police departments have been reaccredited by the Delaware Police Accreditation Commission (DPAC), according to an announcement from the Delaware Police Officer Standards and Training Commission (POST), a Department of Safety and Homeland Security division. The Newport Police Department and Ocean View Police Department each received three-year reaccreditations, while the Greenwood Police Department earned a two-year reaccreditation. The reaccreditation process included a review of each department’s policies, procedures, and practices, as well as an on-site inspection and interviews with personnel to ensure compliance with accreditation standards. RELATED STORY: Delaware State Police to honor Corporal Dennis Kelly’s line-of-duty sacrifice DPAC accreditation is a key part of state legislation under House Bill 206, which requires all Delaware law enforcement agencies to achieve accreditation by 2028. According to POST, departments statewide are actively working toward meeting that requirement. RELATED STORY: Delaware’s youth reel in the fun at upcoming police fishing tournament The Delaware Police Accreditation Commission has established more than 100 professional policing standards. DPAC aims to enhance law enforcement practices across the state through regular evaluations and updates. A current list of accredited agencies is available on the POST website.
Wilmington approves ambulance fee increases as Fire Department prepares to resume EMS
Wilmington City Council has approved an ordinance that significantly raises ambulance fees in Wilmington as the city prepares to take over emergency medical services from St. Francis Hospital. READ: Mayor Carney outlines his $200 M budget at latest Town Hall meeting Ordinance 25-012 passed unanimously among council members present at the May 1 meeting, with 10 votes in favor and three members absent. It updates Section 10-1 of the city code, revising charges for ambulance and related services provided by the Wilmington Fire Department. Council Member Zanthia Oliver Bracey presented the legislation on behalf of Council Member Shane’ Darby. “This ordinance is being presented by the administration for council’s review and approval,” Bracey said, explaining that the changes will “increase the rates for basic ambulance service and administration of oxygen, delete the cervical collar rate, and add a loaded mile rate.” The update is in response to the impending departure of Trinity Health Mid-Atlantic’s St. Francis Hospital from EMS service provision. St. Francis has long served as the city’s primary emergency responder, but has informed city officials that it will stop offering EMS to Wilmington residents by June 30, 2025, the end of the current fiscal year. With that change pending, the city has determined that the Wilmington Fire Department will assume responsibility for EMS operations, an overhaul of the fee structure, which hasn’t been changed since 1994. Under the revised code: The basic ambulance service fee will increase from $135 to $1,000. The administration of oxygen will rise from $20 to $30. The previously listed $20 charge for a cervical collar will be replaced with a new $25 per loaded mile rate for patient transport. The updated fees will apply when services are provided to individuals who are insured through private insurers, Medicare, or Medicaid. According to a fiscal impact statement included in the ordinance, the city estimates it will generate approximately $2.6 million in medical insurance fee revenue during the 2026 fiscal year as a result of the changes. The ordinance takes effect immediately upon approval by the mayor.

Weekly COVID-19 Update – Dec. 31, 2021: Record Number of New Positive Cases, Current Hospitalizations

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