In a rapidly evolving situation, reliable and up-to-date information is of paramount importance. Below we have gathered a list of resources for the Middletown area as well as Delaware State as a whole, for updated information and what you need to know during this time for the health and safety of yourself, your family, and your neighbors.
COVID-19 in Delaware
Like many states, Delaware has created a dedicated COVID-19 response website: Here you can find the latest from Governor Carney on policies and closures, including information about the current state of businesses, schools, health care, child care, and vulnerable populations, as well as the latest Delaware data, instructions on what to do if you think you may have the virus, and other general information of the impact and response on our state.
For the latest information from the office of Governor Carney on the public health state of emergency declarations, check this page. All declarations and modifications to date are listed here, including what the virus means for essential and non-essential businesses, out-of-state travelers, and more.
While Delaware citizens are instructed to contact their primary health care providers with concerns about symptoms - including fever, coughing, and shortness of breath - they can also contact Delaware Public Health with general questions by calling 1-866-408-1899 or emailing DPHCall@delaware.gov. Those with hearing impairment can call 7-1-1.
What You Can Do:
On Delaware’s What You Can Do page, you’ll find instructions on how to minimize the impact of COVID-19, including detailed instructions for important factors in your routine, like work and grocery shopping. You’ll also find tips on how to manage your emotional stress and communicate important details to your children, as well as a helpful list of frequently asked questions.
Testing:
The State of Delaware also has a dedicated page discussing pertinent testing information, like how you can see if you’re eligible to receive testing both with and without a primary health care doctor. This page also discusses common symptoms, lists testing locations for each county, and explains Delaware’s testing plan.
Community Resources:
Recognizing that this is a time when many of us are seeking assistance and are also called to render neighborly services where able, Delaware’s government site also includes a community resource page. On this page, you’ll find information on grocery stores, food assistance, housing, personal finance, volunteering and donating opportunities, crisis services, domestic violence, medical volunteers, seniors and people with disabilities, unemployment benefits, and more.
Delaware Schools:
During this period of extended school closures, teachers and districts have come together to support the education of Delaware children and have started to begin instruction remotely. In addition to resources coming from school, the Delaware Department of Education is a great resource during this time, providing updates on state-wide items and providing learning activities for kids at home. Delaware districts have also come together to ensure that no child goes hungry during this time, offering free meal pickup for children 18 and under at dozens of sites throughout the state.
For more information on how your child's school district is responding to COVID-19, visit their website directly. The Delaware Department of Education lists all districts and the public on their website here.
New Castle County School District links: Appoquinimink School District, Brandywine School District, Christina School District, Colonial School District, New Castle County Vocational-Technical School District, Red Clay Consolidated School District, Smyrna School District
CDC Guidelines
The most reliable source of information on the coronavirus is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While updated information on a vast variety of topics is constantly being added to this website, some of the more pertinent information includes details on how COVID-19 spreads, what you can do to protect yourself, and how to clean and disinfect your home.
If you suspect you may have coronavirus, be sure to read about common symptoms and testing, and also make use of the coronavirus self-checker. If you know that you are sick, suspect that you are sick, or are caring for someone who is sick, you will also want to read about how to care for yourself/others at home and how to prevent further exposure to others in your community. It’s also important to know who is at increased risk when contracting COVID-19.
Recognizing that this pandemic is unprecedented and affects more than our physical well-being, the CDC has also added a section about how to navigate the daily stresses of COVID-19. Included in this page is information about coping with the mental and emotional stresses inherent in the situation, as well as caring for children, pets, and your house.
Beyond these essential pages, the CDC website also provides current information on cases and latest updates, travel, schools, workplaces, and community locations, healthcare professionals, healthcare facilities, health departments, laboratories, and more.
Middletown, Delaware
Restaurants & Local Support during COVID-19
For consumers, it’s important to know which businesses, particularly in the food industry, are still open. Future Harvest has a great online directory listing local farmers' markets that are still active. You’ll also be delighted to know that local businesses like the Woodside Farm Creamery in Hockessin are finding innovative ways to serve the community safely during COVID-19, by offering drive-through ice-cream service.
For restaurants, please check this frequently updated (and searchable) local list from Delaware online, of which are closing and which are adapting to more safely offer food services from Delaware Online. Several local favorites are finding ways to offer takeout and curbside pickup. You can also join the “Restaurants that offer takeout and delivery” Facebook page for more information.
If you particularly want to support local Middletown restaurants, we encourage you to look into takeout options from Augustine Inn & Chophouse, 1861, Little Italy Pizza, Los Machados, Curry & Cocktails (just opened!), La Banca, Frog Hollow, Luna’s Pizzeria and Italian Grill, Sweet Melissa, Rebel Cove, Cantwell’s Tavern, Back Creek Country Club, and Fiesta Tapatia. Be sure to always check individual websites for the latest hours and operation policies. Remember that buying gift cards is another great way to support local businesses!
Delaware Grocery and Department Stores during COVID-19
Grocery stores and essential businesses now have special policies and procedures in place for at-risk populations. As of Thursday, April 2nd Governor Carney issued a modification to his State of Emergency declaration requiring an essential business to strictly enforce social distancing requirements.
Additionally, some stores have designated special shopping hours for seniors and at-risk populations. The list of stores offering special hours for seniors includes popular local favorites like Acme, Dollar General, Giant, Redner’s Warehouse Markets, Safeway, ShopRite, Target, and Big Lots. It also lists regular hours for stores like Aldi, Food Lion, Lidl, Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Best Buy, Home Depot, Kohl's, Staples, and Walgreens. Be sure to call ahead to stores as well to double-check for updated information. You’ll also want to check the list of stores that are closing due to COVID-19 before you go out for essentials.
Delaware Resources and Recreation during COVID-19
While many physical locations and public venues are temporarily closing to protect US citizens, Delaware’s online library is a wonderful resource for e-books, e-magazines, and more. Delaware also has a reputation as a place where people stay active and fit thanks to the many state parks. To support its citizens’ well-being, Delaware is leaving all of its state parks open for access free of charge until April 30th (more information here).
All county park playgrounds and athletic courts have been closed to the public but trails and open spaces are still accessible. Additionally, many neighborhood parks have also followed suit in closing public playground structures. While our clubhouses and playgrounds are temporarily closed, the walking trails and open spaces at The Village of Bayberry and The Ponds at Bayberry do remain open. Remember to practice respectful social distancing while you’re out, and above all, enjoy the sun and scenery!
At Blenheim Homes, our top priority is the health and safety of our homeowners, visitors and team members. In an effort to protect everyone who enters our doors and the community at large, sales teams at The Village of Bayberry, The Ponds at Bayberry and Westhampton, will, effective immediately, be working remotely instead of at our on-site sales centers. We are still regularly monitoring our phone lines and are offering in-person and virtual appointments, but ask that they be scheduled 24 hours in advance. Read our full COVID-19 response plan here.
Westhampton has officially SOLD OUT as of September 2021 but a beautiful new and exciting community is coming to Hockessin soon.
Introducing: Valley Grove. Learn all about this new community and sign up for the interest list to receive the latest news and updates at the community logo above!
