Delaware resident tests negative for Novel Coronavirus

DELAWARE – The Delaware Department of Health and Social Services announced Sunday that a Delaware resident who was tested for Novel Coronavirus has tested negative.

DHSS says there is no other person in Delaware under investigation at this time.

“We continue to learn more about this new emerging virus every day. It is important to emphasize that this situation and the response are rapidly evolving,” said DPH Director Dr. Karyl Rattay. “We continue to coordinate closely with the CDC, as well as with our local health care providers to monitor for potential cases. We will continue to keep the public updated as new information becomes available.”

DPH says the risk of this Novel Coronavirus spreading to the general public remains low. They say while the number of cases are increasing in the U.S., there are still a small number. Risk is based on exposure. Only those individuals with recent travel to China or who have had contact with someone who has had recent travel and is ill, have an increased risk of becoming ill.

Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus include fever, cough and shortness of breath.

DHSS says if at any point laboratory testing confirms a case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in a Delaware resident, the available details and protective recommendations would be shared with the public as quickly as possible.