Delaware
Why are we seeing an uptick of COVID-19 cases across Delaware Valley? Expert weighs in
Amid summer fun, COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the Delaware Valley region, according to the CDC.
“My mother is elderly and her nursing aids have had to cancel,” said Rachelle Omenson from Runnemede, New Jersey.
In addition to taking precautions for her mother, Omenson is also a teacher.
She knows it won’t be long before back-to-school season brings even more germs.
“There’s a lot that we don’t encounter over the summer and then all of a sudden just all the germs come flooding back immediately,” said Omenson.
So why are we seeing this summer surge of COVID-19?
Doctors are seeing it at Virtua Health in South Jersey.
“Since the Fourth of July, we have seen an increase in local cases here in South Jersey and in the greater Philadelphia area. Fortunately, in most of these cases, patients have very mild symptoms,” said pulmonologist Dr. Jonathan Galli, director of advanced lung disease.
According to the CDC, using COVID-19 wastewater data, New Jersey had a moderate level of COVID activity in its wastewater last week. Viral levels were up 36% from the week before.
Galli says there are several reasons why we’re seeing more cases now.
“Probably their immunity if they got sick with it over the winter is going away and then the cycle repeats in the summer when people have family vacations,” said Galli.
Updated COVID-19 vaccines will likely be available in August or September and are being produced by Pfizer, Novavax, and Moderna.
Action News found one mom who says as school starts up again, they plan to get updated shots.
“Without the boosters, the symptoms would be much worse. And we’re concerned about our kid’s health at all times,” said Erika Reeves from Washington Township.
She says she lost her grandmother to COVID-19 during the pandemic.
Dr. Galli says he is still seeing patients with lingering effects of COVID-19, with symptoms similar to asthma. Most of those cases resolve in a matter of weeks or months.
He says if you’re wondering if you should get an updated booster or dealing with any lingering COVID symptoms, you should talk to your doctor.
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BOWERS BEACH, Del. – Delaware State Police say a body was found near Bowers Beach on Tuesday.
Around 12:40 p.m. on April 21, Delaware State Police, Delaware Natural Resources Police and local fire companies responded to the Delaware Bay, about a mile offshore from the Bowers Beach area after commercial watermen discovered an unknown deceased man in the water.
The victim was recovered and turned over to the Office of Forensic Science for identification and to determine the cause of death.
The investigation remains active and on-going.
Top headlines of the week, April 17 2026
Here are some stories you may have missed this week in central Ohio.
The Humane Society of Delaware County has appointed a new leader as the organization’s longtime director moves toward retirement.
The animal rescue group’s board appointed Amanda Wampler as its new CEO, effective May 11, the organization posted on Facebook April 21.
Jana Cassidy, the humane society’s executive director for nearly a decade, is transitioning toward retirement and will now serve as chief operating officer in the near term to ensure a smooth transition.
The post from society Board President Megan Ricci says the board is confident Cassidy’s and Wampler’s experience, dedication and talents will elevate the humane society as it strives to build a new 22,000-square-foot facility that will be a go-to destination for adoption, veterinary care, training, boarding, and grooming.
“HSDC could not be in better hands than with these two extraordinary women,” the post reads.
Wampler is a proven nonprofit executive with experience in animal welfare and a demonstrated ability to help organizations expand and thrive, according to the humane society’s post.
Wampler currently is the national operations director for Siemer Institute, a Columbus-based organization that helps families across the U.S. achieve housing stability and enhance their children’s educational prospects, according to Wampler’s LinkedIn page. She also worked for the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department from 2016 to 2023.
Delaware County and eastern Columbus suburbs reporter Maria DeVito can be reached at mdevito@dispatch.com and @mariadevito13.dispatch.com on Bluesky and @MariaDeVito13 on X
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 5:44AM
WILMINGTON, Del. (WPVI) — Something exciting is taking flight in the hallways of Warner Elementary School in Wilmington.
Delaware Governor Matt Meyer helped celebrate the launch of the state’s first elementary school streaming radio station on Tuesday.
“Flying High with Thunderbird Radio” will provide students with hands-on experience in broadcasting, public speaking, and content creation.
This innovative initiative empowers students to step behind the microphone and lead the way in digital storytelling, communication, and creativity.
Copyright © 2026 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.
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