Current Guidance: The CDC recently released new COVID-19 guidance through the use of a three-level risk system — low, medium and high. The CDC will recommend prevention measures, such as masks, when the community level is high and has the potential to overwhelm the healthcare system. When levels are low or medium, prevention measures such as staying home when sick, getting tested, and wearing a mask when positive or symptomatic are now in place. 

Although residents may choose to mask at any time, it is not required within the medium or low risk levels. It is recommended that individuals talk with their doctor about the need to mask if at high risk of severe illness. People with symptoms, a positive test, or exposure to someone with COVID-19 should wear a mask.

The Delaware Public Health District will continue to evaluate this tool along with other data sources as they become available to allow for us to give the best prevention information possible. Due to this newly released guidance, the weekly Critical Factor Report Card will no longer be issued. We want to extend a heart-felt thank you to our community for doing their part during this time and also ask that residents still comply with the practices of businesses that continue to require masks. 

Feb. 7, 2022: COVID-19 Roles & Responsibilities Following recent recommendations by the Ohio Department of Health, the Delaware Public Health District will no longer be conducting individual case investigation and contract tracing for positive COVID-19 cases. Instead, the Health District will focus on COVID-19 outbreaks in high-risk settings, outbreaks associated with new variants, and severe COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations and deaths. Although we will no longer contact COVID-19 positive individuals, public health restrictions remain in effect for all positive cases and contacts. We have outlined specific responsibilities to assist individuals, families and facilities understand their role in protecting public health. Test documentation to return to work should be requested from the test site providing the test results or a primary care physician.