Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

July 22, 2020

This update is available online at healthvermont.gov/covid19

Click the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s COVID-19 web and data pages
healthvermont.gov/covid19

Keep up prevention efforts as cases spread nationally

As COVID-19 cases continue to surge in the South and West, we ask Vermonters to be prepared in case the virus spreads back toward our state.

Though Vermont is holding steady, keeping up the key prevention efforts is critical to helping our fellow Vermonters, health care workers, and school communities planning to open this fall.

That means keeping 6 feet apart, wearing a mask when around others, washing your hands often, and staying home when you’re sick. 

It also means being smart about travel — only go to places identified as low risk, and quarantine for 14 days if you’re traveling from any other locations, or if you’re taking a flight or other public transportation to get here.

Let’s work together to help Vermont stay open and safe. 

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on July 22, 2020 

* Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+ Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more at the data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.

Get Tested for COVID-19

People who want to be tested can contact their health care provider for a referral.

People who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 can visit a pop-up test site. The sites operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

See how to get tested and to make an appointment.

Guidance for Vermonters

If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.

If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.

Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.

• Visit our Frequently Asked Questions. Questions recently added include:

Why is it okay to end quarantine after seven days with a negative test result?

Are there any travel restrictions if I am traveling through Vermont?

Traveler Information

With case numbers up in states across the country, it is important to have the latest information about travel to Vermont, including about quarantine requirements, testing, and to sign up with Sara Alert for symptom check reminders.  

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.
• See ways for Coping with Stress.

For more information:

• COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data: healthvermont.gov/covid19.
• Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
• The state’s modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

July 21, 2020

This update is available online at healthvermont.gov/covid19

Click the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s COVID-19 web and data pages
healthvermont.gov/covid19

Vermont marks over 30 days without a COVID-19 death

Governor Phil Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, noted at a press conference Tuesday that it has now been over 30 days since Vermont has had a death associated with COVID-19.

“From a national standpoint I believe this is unprecedented,” Dr. Levine said. 

Vermont’s COVID-19 fatality rate has been 9 deaths per 100,000 as compared with other parts of the Northeast, which range from 29 to 165 deaths per 100,000.

Dr. Levine said a slight majority of the Vermont deaths have occurred inside long-term care facilities like nursing homes. New, strict protocols for those facilities have made a difference.

“We certainly credit the directors and staff of those facilities for instituting intense measures to protect the vulnerable populations they care for, as well as families that have sacrificed visiting their loved ones,” Dr. Levine said.

He also recognized the state’s careful reopening plans and the work of Vermonters to prevent the virus’ spread, which has led to less active cases and, in turn, less opportunity for hospitalizations and serious life-threatening illness.

Governor Scott may consider expanding mask mandate

Though Vermont has done well, Governor Phil Scott said Vermont officials are watching the “forest fire” of cases spreading in the nation’s south and west. Alongside these national trends, and with K-12 schools and colleges and universities reopening in the fall, we have to keep our guard up and protect the progress we’ve made, he said.

“Another option we’re considering is expanding our existing mask mandates,” Gov. Scott said. “We’ve been looking more closely at the best time to deploy this tool, as well as others. “And if it continues to look like this fire could be headed back toward us, an expanded mask policy will be part of the mix.” 

Gov. Scott said he would have more information by Friday, informed by the updated regional data to be presented then by Commissioner Pieciak.

No COVID-19 outbreak in Bennington/Windham Counties 

Dr. Levine said Tuesday that the Health Department has gathered more data as part of its investigation into positive antigen test results reported by the Manchester Medical Center and determined there is not a community outbreak of COVID-19.

The Health Department has completed interviews with all 65 people who tested positive through antigen testing at the clinic.

A PCR test, which is recommended to confirm the antigen result, has been conducted for 52 of the individuals, Dr. Levine said.

Of those 52 people, 48 tested negative. Four people tested positive and are considered confirmed COVID-19 cases. 

Dr. Levine reported that 1,613 people were also tested through various sites in the area last week, most in Manchester. That PCR testing only turned up one additional positive result.

“We do not believe community transmission of COVID-19 is occurring,” Dr. Levine said. “The clinicians at the MMC continue to work cooperatively with us and are just as concerned about finding the explanation for the discordant test results between antigen and PCR as we are.”

The Health Department is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about the tests and our investigation.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on July 21, 2020 

* Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+ Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more at the data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.

Get Tested for COVID-19

People who want to be tested can contact their health care provider for a referral.

For people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19, pop-up sites for testing are currently scheduled through July. The sites operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

See how to get tested and to make an appointment.

Guidance for Vermonters

If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.

If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.

Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions. 

• 
  
  • There are new FAQs about the data dashboard, the map of cases by town, and pop-up testing.

Traveler Information

With case numbers up in states across the country, it is important to have the latest information about travel to Vermont, including about quarantine requirements, testing, and to sign up with Sara Alert for symptom check reminders.  

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.
• See ways for Coping with Stress.

For more information:

• COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data: healthvermont.gov/covid19.
• Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
• The state’s modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

June 26, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages
healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Do Your Part to Stop COVID-19 Spread

As state data and expanded testing and tracing capacity continue to support reopening, Governor Phil Scott today announced he will expand the number of states covered under Vermont’s county-by-county quarantine-free travel policy, which allows direct travel from designated counties without a 14-day quarantine requirement.

In early June, the Governor, in close consultation with the Vermont Department of Health, opened up travel to and from counties in New England and New York with less than 400 active cases of COVID-19 per one million residents without a quarantine requirement. Effective July 1, this policy will be expanded to counties below this threshold in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia. Quarantine requirements remain in place for those traveling to and from other regions.

View the weekly map and all cross-state travel information

Outbreak Investigations

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said Friday that the Health Department’s investigations into several outbreaks or clusters have shown no recent change, but testing and monitoring continues.

Winooski/Burlington is at 115 associated cases

Windham County cluster remains confined to a family

Fair Haven area worksite has 12 associated cases. Only two of the cases are Vermont residents — the other 10 are residents of New York state. We are working with the New York Health Department and all individuals are actively isolating and quarantining.

Dr. Levine also encouraged Vermonters to “manage your exposure budget,” meaning using common sense to decide how much risk you’re taking on in your daily activities. Consider the three rules of contact:

Person to person contact, such as with a heath care provider, hair dresser, or a friend. Keep those to a minimum, wear a face covering and physically distance when you can. Make sure other households are trusted ones.

Contact density — avoid crowded places.

Contact duration or intensity — Don’t linger, stay outdoors when you can.

Safe Workplace Guidance

See new guidance for employers on what to do if an employee tests positive for COVID-19, based on Centers for Disease Control recommendations. Employers can learn how to support employees who need to stay home from work and protect others from getting sick.

Be Counted in the 2020 Census

Governor Phil Scott is urging Vermonters to complete the 2020 Census. Only about half of all Vermonters have responded so far — one of the lowest response rates in the country, he said. Getting an accurate count of Vermont residents is critical to helping ensure we get federal funds allocated in part on population and demographics – funding needed for infrastructure, school lunches, hospitals and more.

Be counted today — it’s quick and easy. Go to 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020.

Protest Safely and Get Tested

We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities to make their voices heard. Please remember that large gatherings do pose a greater risk for virus exposure.

So please follow universal precautions when you are out – wear a face covering or mask if you can when near others, maintain 6-foot distance, and if you’re sick, find actions to make yourself heard from home.

We encourage anyone who is participating in a public action to get tested for COVID-19. Find a pop-up test site near you by visiting humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on June 26, 2020

* Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+ Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on the data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/currentactivity

COVID-19 Pop-Up Test Sites

Health Department is continuing to open pop-up sites throughout the state for people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 to be tested for the virus.

Sites are currently scheduled through July. All clinics operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Find locations and make an appointment at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. If you do not have access to the internet, you can call 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828 for assistance.

Guidance for Vermonters

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.
• Most information is available online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

Traveler Information

Get the latest info about travel to Vermont, including for quarantining and testing.

Anyone coming to Vermont is strongly encouraged to sign up for Sara Alert daily symptom check reminders.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Concerns about our health and finances during the pandemic, and the unsettled state of national affairs, has left many of us feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.
• See ways for Coping with Stress.

For more information:

• COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data: healthvermont.gov/covid19.
• Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
• The state’s modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

June 23, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Don’t Let Up on COVID-19 Prevention

Do you have summer activities planned? Remember, the new coronavirus hasn’t taken a vacation. You can still have fun while following four rules of thumb: stay home if you’re sick, wash your hands often, physically distance from others and wear a face covering.

Let’s work together to protect the most vulnerable among us and prevent community spread.

Cluster Investigation

The Vermont Department of Health is continuing to investigate and respond to a small cluster of COVID-19 cases in Windham County to prevent further spread of the virus.

Read the Press Release

Protest Safely and Get Tested

We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities to make their voices heard. Please remember that large gatherings do pose a greater risk for virus exposure.

So please follow universal precautions when you are out – wear a face covering or mask if you can when near others, maintain 6-foot distance, and if you’re sick, find actions to make yourself heard from home.

We encourage anyone who is participating in a public action to get tested for COVID-19. Find a pop-up test site near you by visiting humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

COVID-19 Resources

Have you checked out our Resources web page lately? Get translated materials and fact sheets, such as Guidance for Visitors and Returning Travelers, Face Coverings for Children, and What is Isolation, Quarantine and Self-Observation?

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on June 23, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on the data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.

Guidance for Vermonters

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.
• Most information is available online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

Traveler Information

Get the latest info about travel to Vermont, including for quarantining and testing.

Anyone coming to Vermont is strongly encouraged to sign up for Sara Alert daily symptom check reminders.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Concerns about our health and finances during the pandemic, and the unsettled state of national affairs, has left many of us feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.
• See ways for Coping with Stress.

For more information:

• COVID-19 health information, guidance and case data: healthvermont.gov/covid19.
• Governor’s actions: governor.vermont.gov/covid19response.
• The state’s modeling: dfr.vermont.gov/about-us/covid-19/modeling.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

June 17, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Restart Vermont

Governor Phil Scott today announced several measures to gradually ease restrictions on Vermonters in long-term care facilities, hospitals and those over the age of 65.

In collaboration with the Department of Health and the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, Vermont will begin a phased reopening of long-term care facilities.

Starting June 19, long-term care residential facilities can allow for up to two visitors per resident, per day. The visits must be conducted outside only and follow guidance for social distancing, temperature checks, and record keeping of all visitors.

See the new guidance for long-term care facilities.

Health Commissioner Mark Levine also announced Vermonters over the age of 65 will no longer be asked to stay home, but that they do need to take extra precautions when they go out, including:

• Choosing outdoor activities whenever possible and keeping indoor contact brief.
• Considering how big a space is, how many people are there and if they are following COVID-19 prevention practices.
• Minimize face to face contact while talking or while doing activities that require exertion.
• Keeping your social circle small, limited to a few trusted households.
• Putting off travel plans outside of Vermont, where risk is higher.

Dr. Levine said older age does not necessarily equal poor health, but our immune response does become weaker as a result of the body’s aging process. By age 65 we are more likely to have developed one or more chronic medical conditions, which makes a person even more vulnerable to illness from the virus.

“We all want to reconnect with others – and social isolation in itself can lead to poorer health. So, armed with information, and weighing the risks against the benefits, make your choices wisely,” Dr. Levine said.

Additional announcements include:

• Updated guidance easing hospital visitation restrictions
• Technical assistance to restart Senior Centers

Read the Governor’s press release.

Outbreak Update

Dr. Levine said Wednesday there have been no new cases reported to be associated with the COVID-19 outbreak that first emerged in Winooski. The total remains at 83 cases as of Tuesday evening.

It has now been four days with no new reported cases, but that does not yet mean the outbreak has been contained. Since COVID-19 has a 14-day incubation period, the Health Department will continue to monitor the situation.

Vermonters should continue to follow universal precautions – wear a face covering if you are able, keep a 6-foot distance from others, wash hands often and stay home if you are sick.

Pop-up test sites that have been running in Winooski and Burlington will continue on a daily basis this week.

Find locations statewide and make an appointment for any site at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. If you do not have internet access, call 2-1-1.

***ATTENTION MEDIA: To help ensure patient privacy at the test sites, photography and videos by news media will be restricted to certain areas.

Vermonters with even mild symptoms should call their doctor to be tested.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Call 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Reopening Our Schools

The Agency of Education and the Health Department have released A Strong and Healthy Start: Safety and Health Guidance for Reopening Schools, Fall 2020. This guidance document provides essential information for school administrators and personnel as they plan and implement the reopening of our schools for the 2020-21 school year in the context of COVID-19. This document is focused on safeguarding student and staff health while operating in-person instruction. It is one among many that the Agency and other governing and advisory entities are creating to support schools as part of the state’s pandemic response and recovery efforts.

Protest Safely and Get Tested

We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities. We remind everyone that it continues to be important to follow universal precautions when you are out – wear a face covering or mask when near others, maintain 6-foot distance, and if you’re sick, find actions to make yourself heard from home.

We encourage anyone who is participating in a public action to get tested for COVID-19.

Find a pop-up test site near you by visiting humanresources.vermont.gov/popups

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on June 17, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on the data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/currentactivity.

Guidance for Vermonters

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is available online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.

Traveler Information

Get the latest info about travel to Vermont, including for quarantining and testing.

Anyone coming to Vermont is strongly encouraged to sign up for Sara Alert daily symptom check reminders.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Concerns about our health and finances during the pandemic, and the unsettled state of national affairs, has left many of us feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.
• See ways for Coping with Stress.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

June 16, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Outbreak Update

The Health Department reported there were no new cases associated with the COVID-19 outbreak that first emerged in Winooski. The total remains at 83 cases as of Monday evening.

We continue to test residents and trace contacts of cases to contain the outbreak. Nearly 3,000 people have been tested to date at the Winooski and Burlington sites. There have been no deaths or hospitalizations associated with the outbreak.

Only 23% of people associated with the outbreak are reporting symptoms. This indicates that the number of people who were asymptomatic is a contributing factor to the spread of the virus in the community. We remind everyone that even though the overall statewide rate of positives is low, the virus is still circulating throughout Vermont.

Continue to follow universal precautions – wear a face covering, keep a 6-foot distance from others, wash hands often and stay home if you are sick.

Pop-up test sites that have been running in Winooski and Burlington will continue on a daily basis this week.

Test sites are currently scheduled statewide through June 26. Find locations and make an appointment for any site at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. If you do not have internet access, you can call 2-1-1.

***ATTENTION MEDIA: To help ensure patient privacy at the test sites, photography and videos by news media will be restricted to certain areas.

Vermont’s Response

Governor Phil Scott signed an executive order to update and extend the State of Emergency in Vermont to July 15. The latest order reflects all current re-openings and eased restrictions, which have been underway since late April to account for the State’s low case counts and continued slow growth rate. Read the press release.

Serology Testing Workgroup

The Serology Testing Workgroup continues to assess possible options for antibody testing in Vermont. However, the group continues to conclude these tests should not be used as proof of immunity nor evidence an individual can or should return to work. The Workgroup also discourages the use of these tests in decisions about infection control or the clinical care of individuals.

The group left open the question of doing population level serological screening for COVID-19 infection but noted its role is limited and its recommendations should be considered alongside epidemiological studies conducted or planned by CDC and NIH or other academic organizations. Many of these are either just underway or not yet initiated, but we are clearly open to exploring such studies with investigators nationally or regionally.

Protest Safely and Get Tested

We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities. We remind everyone that it continues to be important to follow universal precautions when you are out – wear a face covering or mask when near others, maintain 6-foot distance, and if you’re sick, find actions to make yourself heard from home.

We encourage anyone who is participating in a public action to get tested for COVID-19.

Find a pop-up test site near you by visiting humanresources.vermont.gov/popups

Testing Information

COVID-19 Pop-Up Test Sites 

People who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 illness can make an appointment to be tested for the virus at a pop-up site.

Sites throughout the state are currently scheduled through June 26.

Find locations and make an appointment at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

If you do not have access to the internet, call 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828 for assistance.

Vermonters with even mild symptoms should call their doctor to be tested.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Call 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

New on healthvermont.gov

Data Dashboard monitoring numbers
In a change in reporting made on June 15, the number of people being monitored now includes those who have signed up for Sara Alert. The Sara Alert system provides free daily symptom check reminders for 14 days while they are quarantining.

There are two groups of people being monitored through Sara Alert:

• People traveling to Vermont from out of state. (Travelers are strongly encouraged to enroll.)
• Close contacts of people with COVID-19. (People who are identified as close contacts are enrolled unless they opt out.)

Sara Alert allows COVID-19 response teams to quickly and easily provide guidance to people if they develop symptoms. It is not GPS-based, so it does not monitor someone’s movement or track their location. Get more information about Sara Alert.

In addition, people who have completed the 14-day symptom checking period with Sara Alert are now included in number who have completed monitoring.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on June 16, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont. To allow time for analysts to verify an increasing volume of data, the dashboard will be updated no later than 12:00 p.m.

Guidance for Vermonters

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is available online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.

Traveler Information

Get the latest info about travel to Vermont, including for quarantining and testing.

Anyone coming to Vermont is encouraged to sign up for Sara Alert daily symptom check reminders.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Concerns about our health and finances during the pandemic, and the unsettled state of national affairs, has left many of us feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.
• See ways for Coping with Stress.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

June 15, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Vermont’s Response

Governor Phil Scott today signed an executive order to update and extend the State of Emergency in Vermont to July 15. The latest order reflects all current re-openings and eased restrictions, which have been underway since late April to account for the State’s low case counts and continued slow growth rate.

Governor Scott also detailed how a robust testing and tracing program; better knowledge of the virus; greater public awareness of, and adherence to, preventive measures; health and safety requirements across sectors; and increased stock of critical healthcare supplies, the state is much better positioned to track, manage and box in outbreaks and slow spread, which is critical to managing this virus until there is a vaccine.

The State of Emergency declaration is necessary to continue to manage and respond to this public health crisis. It gives the Governor the ability to activate numerous tools for response efforts, including protection for residents of long term and other medical facilities, licensing and regulatory flexibility to facilitate response efforts, health and safety requirements, federal emergency funding, and expanded access to needed services like housing, meal delivery and unemployment insurance. Read the press release.

Outbreak Update

At a press conference Monday, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said the Health Department continues to test residents and trace contacts to contain the COVID-19 outbreak that first emerged in Winooski.

As of Sunday evening, a total of 83 cases are associated with the outbreak, about 60% are adults and 40% children.

There have been no deaths associated with the outbreak. The one hospitalization reported last week was found to not be related to this outbreak, Dr. Levine said.

Only 17% of people associated with the outbreak are reporting symptoms. This indicates that the number of people who were asymptomatic is a contributing factor to the spread of the virus in the community. Vermonters are reminded that even though the overall rate of positives statewide is low, the virus is still circulating throughout the state.

Everyone should continue to follow universal precautions – wear a face covering, keep a 6-foot distance from others, wash their hands often and stay home if they are sick.

Pop-up test sites that have been running in Winooski and Burlington will continue on a daily basis this week.

Test sites are currently scheduled statewide through June 26. Find locations and make an appointment for any site at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. If you do not have internet access, you can call 2-1-1.

***ATTENTION MEDIA: To help ensure patient privacy at the test sites, photography and videos by news media will be restricted to certain areas.

Serology Testing Workgroup

Dr. Levine also provided an update Monday on the efforts of the Serology Testing Workgroup. The Food & Drug Administration recognized the shortcomings of many of the current tests and has tightened its regulatory authority over manufacturers.

Based on these new requirements, the Serology Workgroup identified four platforms that appear promising. However, because the prevalence of disease in Vermont is thought to be low, Dr. Levine cautioned such tests could still yield a significant number of false positives.

Dr. Levine pointed out that no one is advocating these tests be used as proof of immunity nor evidence an individual can or should return to work. The Workgroup continues to discourage the use of these tests in decisions about infection control or the clinical care of individuals.

The group left open the question of doing population level serological screening for COVID-19 infection but noted its role is limited and its recommendations should be considered alongside epidemiological studies conducted or planned by CDC and NIH or other academic organizations. Many of these are either just underway or not yet initiated, but we are clearly open to exploring such studies with investigators nationally or regionally.

New Travel Guidance in Effect Today

New travel guidance now gives certain types of travelers additional quarantine options.

People driving in a personal vehicle from home to Vermont without making any stops can complete their 14-day quarantine in their home state or get tested in their home state on Day 7 of quarantine. See details about getting tested on Day 7 of quarantine. Travelers who need to quarantine in Vermont can now do so in a lodging facility in Vermont. See details about cross state travel on the Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s website. Travelers can also look up a county to see whether quarantine is required.

Protest Safely and Get Tested

We support Vermonters engaging in peaceful protests and other civic activities. We remind everyone that it continues to be important to follow universal precautions when you are out – wear a face covering or mask when near others, maintain 6-foot distance, and f you’re sick, find actions to make yourself heard from home.

We encourage anyone who is participating in a public action to get tested for COVID-19.

Find a pop-up test site near you by visiting humanresources.vermont.gov/popups

Testing Information

COVID-19 Pop-Up Test Sites 

Pop-up sites throughout the state are open for COVID-19 People who do not have symptoms of can make an appointment to be tested for the virus at pop-up sites located throughout the state to test for the virus.

Sites are currently scheduled through June 26, and all clinics operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Find locations and make an appointment at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

If you do not have access to the internet, you can call 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828 for assistance.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

New on healthvermont.gov

Data Dashboard monitoring numbers
In a change in reporting made on June 15, the number of people being monitored now includes those who have signed up for Sara Alert. The Sara Alert system provides free daily symptom check reminders for 14 days while they are quarantining.

There are two groups of people being monitored through Sara Alert:

• People traveling to Vermont from out of state. (Travelers are strongly encouraged to enroll.)
• Close contacts of people with COVID-19. (People who are identified as close contacts are enrolled unless they opt out.)

Sara Alert allows COVID-19 response teams to quickly and easily provide guidance to people if they develop symptoms. It is not GPS-based, so it does not monitor someone’s movement or track their location. Get more information about Sara Alert.

In addition, people who have completed the 14-day symptom checking period with Sara Alert are now included in number who have completed monitoring.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on June 15, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont. To allow time for analysts to verify an increasing volume of data, the dashboard will be updated no later than 12:00 p.m.

Guidance for Vermonters

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is available online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.

Traveler Information

Get the latest info about travel to Vermont, including for quarantining and testing.

Anyone coming to Vermont is strongly encouraged to sign up for daily symptom check reminders. The symptom check reminders, called Sara Alert, is not a contact tracing system. It is not GPS-based, so it does not monitor a person’s movements or track their location.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Concerns about our health and finances during the pandemic, and the unsettled state of national affairs, has left many of us feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.
• See ways for Coping with Stress.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

June 10, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Outbreak Update

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, provided an update at a press conference Wednesday on the recent COVID-19 outbreak, and expressed appreciation for the community members and leaders working closely with the Health Department to contain it.

As of Tuesday evening, a total of 74 cases are thought to be associated with the outbreak that first emerged in Winooski. About 80% of cases are in Winooski. Most of the rest are in nearby Burlington, with a small number elsewhere in Chittenden County.

Only 1 in 5 people associated with the outbreak are reporting symptoms, Dr. Levine said. The number of people associated with the outbreak that were asymptomatic is thought to be a contributing factor to the spread of the virus in the community. There have been no deaths associated with the outbreak.

Dr. Levine said there has been “tremendous adherence” by people contacted as part of the Health Department’s investigation in following guidance to help prevent further spread.

Vermonters should continue to follow universal precautions – wear a face covering, keep a 6-foot distance from others, wash their hands often and stay home if they are sick.

The department is offering additional testing every day this week. More than 2,300

specimens have been collected at the pop-up test sites that have been running in Winooski

and Burlington.

Test sites are currently scheduled through June 26. Find locations and make an appointment for sites in Burlington, Winooski and around the state at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups or by calling 2-1-1.

Schools Preview Reopening Guidance for the Fall

Agency of Education Secretary Daniel French announced Wednesday that schools plan to safely open for in-person instruction in the fall. Full guidance, which will be published next week, will include health screenings, provisions to ensure people who are sick can stay home, and plans in the event of an outbreak.

Governor Phil Scott said officials want to make the school day as normal as possible, though it will look a little different. “We know how vital it is for kids and their development to reopen,” he said.

Protest Safely and Get Tested

We support Vermonters engaging in public protests and other civic activities, and encourage anyone who is participating to get tested for COVID-19.

Find a pop-up test site near you by visiting humanresources.vermont.gov/popups

While you are out, please wear a face covering or mask and as much as possible, maintain 6-foot distance between yourself and others. If you’re sick, take action from home.

Testing Information

COVID-19 Pop-Up Test Sites 

Pop-up sites throughout the state are open for COVID-19 People who do not have symptoms of can make an appointment to be tested for the virus at pop-up sites located throughout the state to test for the virus.

Sites are currently scheduled through June 26. Find locations and make an appointment to be tested at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. You can also call 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828. All clinics operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The University of Vermont and Champlain College are offering specimen collection this week for returning students.

We especially encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

New on healthvermont.gov

Dashboard Data Updates
TESTING: Two new graphs were added to the Data Dashboard: A line graph of the cumulative number of total people tested by day, and a bar graph of the number of people tested by day. You can find both under the “People Tested” tab.

NEW CASES: You can also now see the number of new cases reported each day (under Total Cases on the main tab).

Find the dashboard at healthvermont.gov/currentactivity. Have questions? Click on “About Data Dashboard” to learn more.

Traveler Information

Need info about travel to Vermont? Check out our travel web page for information and guidance, including for quarantining and testing.

A new infographic will help you find out if you need to quarantine based on your situation. See it under the collapsible section “Find Out if You Need to Quarantine.”

Anyone coming to Vermont is strongly encouraged to sign up for daily symptom check reminders.

The symptom check reminders, called Sara Alert, is not a contact tracing system. It is not GPS-based, so it does not monitor a person’s movements or track their location.

College students returning to Burlington can also use this web page as a resource — along with the city’s Supportive Quarantine Pilot Program — and sign up for Sara Alert.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on June 10, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont. To allow time for analysts to verify an increasing volume of data, the dashboard will be updated no later than 12:00 p.m.

Guidance for Vermonters

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is available online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.
• Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.

Registration Open for Food Distribution

Registration is open for meal distribution sites in the month of June. Those who register are given a window of time to pick up Farmers to Families meals at designated sites around the state. To find a location and register visit: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/food-help

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Concerns about our health and finances during the pandemic, and the unsettled state of national affairs, has left many of us feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

June 9, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Outbreak Update

The Health Department continues to work with local officials and community partners to test residents and trace contacts in an effort to contain the COVID-19 outbreak that emerged recently in Winooski.

The outbreak is now known to include people in neighboring Burlington. As of Monday evening, a total of 68 cases are thought to be associated with the outbreak.

As Health Department teams reach out to close contacts of COVID-19 cases, people report they are doing everything they can to prevent further spread.

While outbreaks can cause fear and uncertainty, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, emphasized that they can happen anywhere. This is simply the nature of the virus.

“No matter who you are or where you live, you can still walk the streets of Winooski and Burlington, or in any other community in Vermont,” Dr. Levine said. “Yes, the virus is still among us, but remains at very low levels across the state, and we want to keep it that way.”

Vermonters should continue to wear a face covering, keep a 6-foot distance from others, wash their hands often and stay home if they are sick.

The department is offering additional testing every day this week. More than 2,000 specimens have been collected at the pop-up test sites that have been running in Winooski and Burlington.

Test sites are currently scheduled through June 26. Find locations and make an appointment to be tested at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups or by calling 2-1-1.

Protest Safely and Get Tested

We support Vermonters engaging in public protests and other civic activities, and ask all who are participating to get tested for COVID-19. Getting tested is important for your health, your family’s health and anyone you may you interact with in the near future.

Find a pop-up test site near you by visiting https://humanresources.vermont.gov/popups

While you are out, please wear a face covering or mask and as much as possible, maintain 6-foot distance between yourself and others. If you’re sick, take action from home.

Testing Information

COVID-19 Pop-Up Test Sites 

People who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 can make an appointment to be tested for the virus at pop-up sites located throughout the state to test for the virus.

Sites are currently scheduled through June 26. Find locations and make an appointment to be tested at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. You can also call 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828. All clinics operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The University of Vermont and Champlain College are offering specimen collection this week for returning students.

We especially encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

New on healthvermont.gov

Dashboard Data Updates
TESTING: Two new graphs were added to the Data Dashboard: A line graph of the cumulative number of total people tested by day, and a bar graph of the number of people tested by day. You can find both under the “People Tested” tab.

NEW CASES: You can also now see the number of new cases reported each day (under Total Cases on the main tab).

Find the dashboard at healthvermont.gov/currentactivity. Have questions? Click on “About Data Dashboard” to learn more.

Traveler Information

The Health Department’s travel web page providing Vermonters and visitors with travel-related information and guidance, including for quarantining and testing.

Anyone coming to Vermont is strongly encouraged to sign up for daily symptom check reminders.

The symptom check reminders, called Sara Alert, is not a contact tracing system. It is not GPS-based, so it does not monitor a person’s movements or track their location.

College students returning to Burlington can also use this web page as a resource — along with the city’s Supportive Quarantine Pilot Program — and sign up for Sara Alert.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 12 p.m. on June 9, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont. To allow time for analysts to verify an increasing volume of data, the dashboard will be updated no later than 12:00 p.m.

Guidance for Vermonters

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.

Most information is available online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

New questions added include:

Why is the Health Department measuring blood oxygen levels in people who test positive for COVID-19?

What can I wear if my health or work environment doesn’t allow me to wear a cloth face mask or covering?

Do I need to quarantine in Vermont if I don’t make any stops along the way?

• Maintain physical distancing of at least 6 feet and wear a mask when near others.

Registration Open for Food Distribution

Registration is open for meal distribution sites in the month of June. Those who register are given a window of time to pick up Farmers to Families meals at designated sites around the state. This change will streamline the process of pick-up, and help planners assess the ongoing need for such services. To find a location and register visit: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/food-help

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Concerns about our health and finances during the pandemic, and the unsettled state of national affairs, has left many of us feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

June 1, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Racial Equity Task Force

At Monday’s press conference, Governor Phil Scott addressed the tragic death of George Floyd in Minnesota, the reactions, and the justifiable outrage it sparked across the nation.

“For many people today, every time something like this happens, it’s another reminder of how long communities of color have been waiting for equity, and how little things have changed,” said Governor Scott.

The Governor emphasized that we need to acknowledge these incidents are systemic — built into our social systems, our economic systems and everything in between, and that we are not immune in Vermont.

He announced the launch of a Racial Equity Task Force, charged with:

• Looking at the disparities in COVID-19 infection and death rates
• Evaluating supports for racially diverse populations
• Reviewing current state and federal law on hate speech
• Contemplating ways to encourage Vermonters from a range of racial and ethnic groups to run and serve in public office, at all levels.

Gov. Scott acknowledged a taskforce is not the cure-all, encouraging Vermonters to take time to reflect on what role each of us can play to end hate, racism and bigotry.

“And for those of us who are white, who aren’t typically the victim of it, we need to take a very close look, because the reality is, it’s everywhere, even here,” he said. “The good news is, we can fix this without waiting for a vaccine, or other solutions out of our control, it just takes us uniting, to make this a better country for everyone, because like the coronavirus, this is literally in our hands.”

Protest Safely

In his remarks, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD asked Vermonters who engage in public protests and other civic activities to be aware that the same COVID safety precautions apply as with any other gathering.

“In attempting to address the great ills in our society — systemic racism, historic injustice, trauma, mistreatment by authorities, and severe health inequities — we do not want to create a greater threat to public health by accelerating the spread of COVID,” Dr. Levine said. “We hope and ask that protests in Vermont can be done in a way that is consistent with state guidelines to protect the health of every one of us.”

Protests over the weekend were peaceful and respectful, he said. Many participants were wearing facial coverings, but the size of gatherings and lack of physical distance between people is a cause for concern.

Free COVID-19 Testing This Week in Winooski

Dr. Levine announced the Health Department will offer free COVID-19 testing every day this week for Winooski community members at the O’Brien Community Center, 32 Mallets Bay Avenue in Winooski.

Sign up for an appointment and get more information at: https://humanresources.vermont.gov/winooski, or call 2-1-1.

The Health Department is investigating a cluster of COVID-19 cases in Winooski. It is not an outbreak of the virus spreading throughout the city.

The department has been in contact with the individuals and is providing appropriate guidance — including for self-isolation and quarantine. The contact tracing team has been reaching out to any of these individuals’ close contacts to identify any further risk and need for testing.

“This is a public health effort. It’s what we do every day,” said Dr. Levine. “Our epidemiology team, along with our Burlington Local Health Office staff – the people who community members in Chittenden County see for WIC clinics, immunizations and all our local health services – will be leading our outreach, contact tracing and testing efforts.”

Dr. Levine noted that the nature of this virus – and any highly communicable disease – is its ability to spread easily from person to person, especially in more populated areas. He reiterated that all Vermonters should continue to follow the same precautions: practice physical distancing, use face coverings when around other people, regularly wash your hands and stay home if you’re sick.

New on healthvermont.gov

Traveler Information

Traveling to Vermont or coming back from a trip out of state? The Health Department’s new travel web page is dedicated to providing Vermonters with travel-related information and guidance, including for quarantining and testing.

NEW: Anyone coming to Vermont is strongly encouraged to sign up for daily symptom check reminders. You can:

✔ Get fast, easy, and free reminders by email, text or phone to check yourself for symptoms

✔ Access the Health Department for guidance and information quickly if you develop symptoms

✔ Help our public health teams contain the spread of COVID-19

The symptom check reminders, called Sara Alert, is not a contact tracing system. It is not GPS-based, so it does not monitor a person’s movements or track their location.

College students returning to Burlington can also use this web page as a resource — along with the city’s Supportive Quarantine Pilot Program — and sign up for Sara Alert.

Restart Vermont

Governor Phil Scott and the Department of Motor Vehicles today also announced a restart plan for resuming driver’s license tests and a new service for Vermonters to receive their learner’s permit online as the state begins limited resumption of services paused due to COVID-19. Read the press release.

Testing Information

COVID-19 Pop-Up Test Sites Open for Asymptomatic Vermonters

Appointments are still available at pop-up sites located throughout the state to test people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 for the virus. Find locations and make an appointment to be tested at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. You can also call 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828. All clinics operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We especially encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on June 1, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is available online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions or use the chat bot to ask your COVID-19 question.
• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Food Distribution

The Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont National continue to distribute meals to those in need throughout May and June. Supplies at each site are limited. For the full list of locations and details, visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/pods

Make Wearing a Mask a Habit

As Vermont gradually opens, wearing face coverings is more important than ever. Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Steps to Prevent the Spread of Rabies in Pets and Wildlife

As days get longer and warmer you and your pets may come into more contact with wild animals — including baby animals. To prevent the spread of rabies, the best thing to do is leave wildlife alone and enjoy them from a distance.

Rabies is a deadly viral disease of the brain that infects mammals and is fatal to both humans and animals. Pets should be vaccinated for rabies. State law requires dogs and cats to be vaccinated. Get more details in the May 29 press release.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 28, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Be Smart, Stay Safe

The state is closely monitoring case data and trends as Vermont reopens and the weather warms. If Vermonters continue to follow good hygiene practices, wear facial coverings, and keep up physical distancing — and the state continues its strong testing and contact tracing capabilities — the outlook is good to control the spread of the virus.

Safely Connect With Friends and Family

As more of Vermont reopens, many of us are taking small steps to seeing our friends and family again. Read our one-page guidance to help you weigh the risks to prevent new cases and serious illness from quickly increasing. As we make decisions, we can lower risks by:

• Taking health and safety precautions
• Staying closer to home
• Keeping social circles small
• Protecting those at higher risk

Enjoy the Warmer Weather Safely

Our bodies are still adjusting to warmer temperatures. Anyone who is active outside should start slowly, drink more fluids than usual, take extra breaks in the shade or cool places indoors. Check in on loved ones or neighbors who live alone virtually or by phone. If you need to stop by their home, remember to keep your distance and wear a facial covering.

Get more summer safety tips here:

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Protect yourself with a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses and long-sleeves and pants when you can.
• Always wear a life jacket for boating and water sports. Use extra caution if you get in the water — temperatures are still cold.
• Check yourself for ticks after you go outside! Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on skin and treat clothes with permethrin. Be Tick Smart!
• Keep away from wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, fox, and woodchucks that can carry rabies. Call the Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES if you see an animal that you think needs help or is acting suspicious.
• Never leave children, people with disabilities, older adults, or pets in parked vehicles. Look Before You Lock!

For more outdoors information, visit: fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Testing Information

More COVID-19 Pop-Up Test Sites Open for Asymptomatic Vermonters

The Health Department has opened nearly two dozen additional pop-up sites located throughout the state to test people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 for the virus. Specimen collection is happening with the assistance of trained Emergency Medical Service providers and members of the Vermont National Guard.

• Appointment slots are still available. Find locations and make an appointment to be tested at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. You can also call 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828. All clinics operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We especially encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Take Steps to Prevent Water Quality Issues Before Your Business Reopens

Owners and managers of buildings that have been closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are urged to take steps that can prevent illnesses associated with stagnant water in plumbing systems.

The Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation have set up a website where building and facility managers can access guidance and recommendations for actions to take before a building’s drinking water is used again: https://dec.vermont.gov/water/COVID-19-Response-and-Resources

Read the May 21 press release.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 28, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having even mild symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.

Most information is available online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions or use the chat bot to ask your COVID-19 question.

• New question added: What is known about Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19?

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Food Distribution

The Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont National continue to distribute meals to those in need throughout May and June. Supplies at each site are limited. For the full list of locations and details, visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/pods

Make Wearing a Mask a Habit

As Vermont gradually opens, wearing face coverings is more important than ever. Recent evidence indicates masks do seem to reduce respiratory droplet transmission, but compliance must be high for this strategy to work. Taking our mask with us when we go out is as important as is taking our car keys and wallets.

Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 26, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Be Smart, Stay Safe as the Weather Warms Up

It’s hot out there! Because our bodies are still adjusting to warmer temperatures, anyone who is active outside should start slowly, drink more fluids than usual, take extra breaks in the shade or cool places indoors. Check in on loved ones or neighbors who live alone virtually or by phone. If you need to stop by their home, remember to keep your distance and wear a facial covering.

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Protect yourself with a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses and long-sleeves and pants when you can.
• Always wear a life jacket for boating and water sports. Use extra caution if you get in the water — temperatures are still cold.
• Check yourself for ticks after you go outside! Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on skin and treat clothes with permethrin. Be Tick Smart!
• Keep away from wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, fox, and woodchucks that can carry rabies. Call the Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES if you see an animal that you think needs help or is acting suspicious.
• Never leave children, people with disabilities, older adults, or pets in parked vehicles. Look Before You Lock!

Read the May 21 press release.

It’s All About You

If the pandemic is teaching us anything, it’s how each of our personal decisions and actions can make a difference. There’s a reason we are flattening the curve, and we encourage Vermonters to take a moment to reflect and recommit -- How did things go this past holiday weekend? What worked well for any gatherings and outdoor activities, and what needs some tweaking to better keep yourself and others safe from the virus?

See how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

As you enjoy what spring and summer has to offer, keep up the good work - remember to keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others who are not part of your household, and wear a face covering in more crowded areas.

For more outdoors information, visit: fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Testing Information

More COVID-19 Pop-Up Test Sites Open for Asymptomatic Vermonters

The Health Department has opened nearly two dozen additional pop-up sites located throughout the state to test people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 for the virus.

Appointment slots are still available. Find locations and make an appointment to be tested at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups, or by calling 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828. All clinics operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We especially encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested.

Read the press release.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Take Steps to Prevent Water Quality Issues Before Your Business Reopens

Owners and managers of buildings that have been closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are urged to take steps that can prevent illnesses associated with stagnant water in plumbing systems.

The Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation have set up a website where building and facility managers can access guidance and recommendations for actions to take before a building’s drinking water is used again: https://dec.vermont.gov/water/COVID-19-Response-and-Resources

When buildings close, or are empty for long periods of time, it can affect drinking water quality and lead to health issues unrelated to the new coronavirus. Schools, offices, retail businesses, gyms and other buildings that are preparing to reopen their doors as Vermont begins to restart, should follow the state recommendations.

Stagnant water can lead to the growth of Legionella and other bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease or other diseases. Stagnant water can also cause corrosion of plumbing — which can release metals such as lead and copper into the water — or lead to an increase in disinfection byproducts. Read the May 21 press release.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 26, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to Contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Food Distribution

The Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont National continue to distribute meals to those in need throughout May and June. Supplies at each site are limited. For the full list of locations and details, visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/pods

Make Wearing a Mask a Habit

As Vermont gradually opens, wearing face coverings is more important than ever. Recent evidence indicates masks do seem to reduce respiratory droplet transmission, but compliance must be high for this strategy to work. Taking our mask with us when we go out is as important as is taking our car keys and wallets.

Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 22, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

NOTE: There will be no Daily Update on Monday, May 25 Memorial Day

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Be Smart, Stay Safe

Governor Phil Scott today announced the resumption of additional business operations, including outdoor seating at restaurants and bars, hair salons and barber shops and some additional health services.

• Effective today, May 22, restaurants and bars may reopen for limited outdoor seating, including for the sale and consumption of alcohol. Reservations or call ahead seating is required, with strict limits on table distance and occupancy. Additional safety measures are strongly encouraged — including phone or electronic ordering, takeout service rather than table side delivery of food, and cashless or touchless transactions. Operators must also maintain a log of customers and their contact information for 30 days in the event contact tracing is required by the Vermont Department of Health.
• Effective May 29, hair salons and barber shops may reopen by appointment and with limits on occupancy. Safety measures include strict distance between customers, cashless or touchless transactions and curbside pickup for retail sales. As with other businesses, salons and barbershops must maintain a customer log in case contact tracing is required.
• Additional medical procedures and health services may also resume. This includes inpatient surgeries and procedures; outpatient services, including clinic visits, diagnostic imaging and limited outpatient surgeries and procedures; and elective dental services.

The Governor’s latest order also cancels all traditional fairs and festivals until further notice.

Read the press release for more details.

In his remarks, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD implored Vermonters to continue the practices necessary to keep germs and the COVID-19 virus from spreading. Noting that though Vermont has been fortunate relative to other states, nearly 55 people have died and almost 1,000 people have tested positive. Dr. Levine specifically cited the need to ensure people at risk of serious illness, including older Vermonters and people with impaired immunity, are not exposed to the virus.

Although the data continues to show Vermont is doing well in its efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, we cannot let our guard down. As Vermont reopens and the weather turns toward summer, physical distancing from others, wearing face coverings and handwashing continue to be essential.

• See the latest modeling.
• See latest updates to ACCD guidance.

Testing Information

More COVID-19 Pop-Up Test Sites Open for Asymptomatic Vermonters

The Health Department is opening nearly two dozen additional pop-up sites to test people who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 for the virus.

The specimen collection sites are located throughout the state. Find locations and make an appointment to be tested at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups, or by calling 2-1-1 or 802-828-2828. All clinics operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We especially encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested.

Read the press release.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Stay Healthy Outdoors as the Weather Warms Up

As we see the first signs of summer this Memorial Day weekend, health officials are reminding Vermonters to enjoy the outdoors safely – which includes continuing to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Remember to keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others who are not part of your household, and wear a face covering in more crowded areas.

• Because our bodies are still adjusting to warmer temperatures, people who are active outside should start slowly, drink more fluids than usual, take extra breaks in the shade or cool places indoors.
• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Protect yourself with a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses and long-sleeves and pants when you can.
• Always wear a life jacket for boating and water sports. Use extra caution if you get in the water — temperatures are still cold.
• Check yourself for ticks after you go outside! Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on skin and treat clothes with permethrin. Be Tick Smart!
• Keep away from wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, fox, and woodchucks that can carry rabies. Call the Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES if you see an animal that you think needs help or is acting suspicious.
• Never leave children, people with disabilities, older adults, or pets in parked vehicles. Look Before You Lock!
• Keep food safe during your BBQs and picnics. Clean, Separate, Cook & Chill!

Read the May 21 press release.

For more outdoors information, visit: fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Review the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

Take Steps to Prevent Water Quality Issues Before Your Business Reopens

Owners and managers of buildings that have been closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are urged to take steps that can prevent illnesses associated with stagnant water in plumbing systems.

The Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation have set up a website where building and facility managers can access guidance and recommendations for actions to take before a building’s drinking water is used again: https://dec.vermont.gov/water/COVID-19-Response-and-Resources

When buildings close, or are empty for long periods of time, it can affect drinking water quality and lead to health issues unrelated to the new coronavirus. Schools, offices, retail businesses, gyms and other buildings that are preparing to reopen their doors as Vermont begins to restart, should follow the state recommendations.

Stagnant water can lead to the growth of Legionella and other bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease or other diseases. Stagnant water can also cause corrosion of plumbing — which can release metals such as lead and copper into the water — or lead to an increase in disinfection byproducts. Read the May 21 press release.

New on healthvermont.gov

The Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data has been updated. This information gives Vermonters a more in-depth look at how the virus is impacting people in our state. The summary is updated every Friday.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 22, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to Contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Food Distribution

The Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont National continue to distribute meals to those in need throughout May and June. Supplies at each site are limited. For the full list of locations and details, visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/pods

Make Wearing a Mask a Habit

As Vermont gradually opens, wearing face coverings is more important than ever. Recent evidence indicates masks do seem to reduce respiratory droplet transmission, but compliance must be high for this strategy to work. Taking our mask with us when we go out is as important as is taking our car keys and wallets.

Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 21, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Stay Healthy Outdoors as the Weather Warms Up

As we see the first signs of summer this Memorial Day weekend, health officials are reminding Vermonters to enjoy the outdoors safely – which includes continuing to take steps to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Temperatures will be warmer than we’ve had yet this year, so it’s important to err on the safe side in early season heat. Even though it’s not as hot as mid-summer, ease into outdoor activities.

People who are active outside should start slowly, drink more fluids than usual, take extra breaks in the shade or cool places indoors. Remember to keep a physical distance of at least 6 feet between yourself and others who are not part of your household, and wear a face covering in more crowded areas.

• Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy days. Protect yourself with a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses and long-sleeves and pants when you can.
• Always wear a life jacket for boating and water sports. Use extra caution if you get in the water — temperatures are still cold.
• Check yourself for ticks after you go outside! Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on skin and treat clothes with permethrin. Be Tick Smart!
• Keep away from wild animals like raccoons, skunks, bats, fox, and woodchucks that can carry rabies. Call the Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES if you see an animal that you think needs help or is acting suspicious.
• Never leave children, people with disabilities, older adults, or pets in parked vehicles. Look Before You Lock!
• Keep food safe during your BBQs and picnics. Clean, Separate, Cook & Chill!

Read the press release.

For more outdoors information, visit: fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Take Steps to Prevent Water Quality Issues Before Your Business Reopens

Owners and managers of buildings that have been closed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic are urged to take steps that can prevent illnesses associated with stagnant water in plumbing systems.

The Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation have set up a website where building and facility managers can access guidance and recommendations for actions to take before a building’s drinking water is used again: https://dec.vermont.gov/water/COVID-19-Response-and-Resources

When buildings close, or are empty for long periods of time, it can affect drinking water quality and lead to health issues unrelated to the new coronavirus. Schools, offices, retail businesses, gyms and other buildings that are preparing to reopen their doors as Vermont begins to restart, should follow the state recommendations.

Stagnant water can lead to the growth of Legionella and other bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires’ disease or other diseases. Stagnant water can also cause corrosion of plumbing — which can release metals such as lead and copper into the water — or lead to an increase in disinfection byproducts. Read the press release.

Be Smart, Stay Safe

Governor Phil Scott on Wednesday announced a $400 million economic relief and recovery package, using funds from the $1.25 billion the state received from the Federal CARES Act.

The two-phase proposal, which is expected to be the first of multiple packages necessary to fully recover, will start with $310 million for immediate emergency relief to the most impacted sectors and businesses to be followed by $90 million in long-term recovery investments.

Read more in the press release.

Get more details from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development here.

Although the data continues to show Vermont is doing well in its efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, we cannot let our guard down. As Vermont slowly reopens, physical distancing from others, wearing face coverings and handwashing continue to be essential.

Testing Information

Vermonters Without COVID-19 Symptoms Can Get Tested at Pop-Up Sites

The Health Department, with support from EMS units and members of the Vermont National Guard, is testing people in Vermont who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 at pop-up testing sites around the state. More sites have been added. Find locations and register for appointments at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

You can also fill out this form to receive information of any future clinics that may be scheduled in your area.

We encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

New on healthvermont.gov

Take a deeper dive into data on how the virus has impacted people in our state: Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data. The summary is updated every Friday.

Our data dashboard on healthvermont.gov/covid19 includes the estimated number of people who have recovered from COVID-19.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 21, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to Contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Food Distribution

The Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont National continue to distribute meals to those in need throughout May and June. Supplies at each site are limited. For the full list of locations and details, visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/pods

Interact with Family and Friends Safely
Vermonters can now participate in outdoor recreation and limited social interactions under strict health and safety precautions. Review the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

Make Wearing a Mask a Habit

As Vermont gradually opens, wearing face coverings is more important than ever. Recent evidence indicates masks do seem to reduce respiratory droplet transmission, but compliance must be high for this strategy to work. Taking our mask with us when we go out is as important as is taking our car keys and wallets.

Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 20, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Be Smart, Stay Safe

Governor Phil Scott today announced a $400 million economic relief and recovery package, using funds from the $1.25 billion the state received from the Federal CARES Act.

The two-phase proposal, which is expected to be the first of multiple packages necessary to fully recover, will start with $310 million for immediate emergency relief to the most impacted sectors and businesses to be followed by $90 million in long-term recovery investments.

Read more in the press release.

Get more details from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development here.

Although the data continues to show Vermont is doing well in its efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, we cannot let our guard down. As Vermont slowly reopens, physical distancing from others, wearing face coverings and handwashing continue to be essential.

Testing Information

Vermonters Without COVID-19 Symptoms Can Get Tested at Pop-Up Sites

The Health Department, with support from EMS units and members of the Vermont National Guard, is testing people in Vermont who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 at pop-up testing sites around the state. Most sites are now full, but you can fill out this form to receive information of any future clinics that may be scheduled in your area.

Find locations and register for appointments that are left at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

We encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

New on healthvermont.gov

Have you seen the Health Department’s Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data? Take a deeper dive into data on how the virus has impacted people in our state. The summary is updated every Friday.

Our data dashboard on healthvermont.gov/covid19 now includes the estimated number of people who have recovered from COVID-19. Read more about our data by clicking on About Dashboard Data – New Questions on People Recovered – above the data dashboard.

NOTE on the data dashboard: As of May 16, the total testing numbers decreased by about 1,000 due to a change in reporting data. The “total tests” number no longer includes serology tests (also known as antibody tests) that were being reported by some labs. The “total test” number now only reflects people who were tested for a current COVID-19 infection.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 20, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to Contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Food Distribution

The Vermont Foodbank and the Vermont National will be handing out meals to those in need throughout May and June. Supplies at each site are limited. For the full list of locations and details visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/pods

Interact with Family and Friends Safely
Vermonters can now participate in outdoor recreation and limited social interactions under strict health and safety precautions. Review the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

Make Wearing a Mask a Habit

As Vermont gradually opens, wearing face coverings is more important than ever. Recent evidence indicates masks do seem to reduce respiratory droplet transmission, but compliance must be high for this strategy to work. Taking our mask with us when we go out is as important as is taking our car keys and wallets.

Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Stay Safe While Enjoying the Outdoors 

With the weather improving, remember to take precautions to stay safe and healthy.

• Be Tick Smart - Check yourself for ticks after you go outside! Use an EPA-registered insect repellent on skin and treat clothes with permethrin.
• Enjoy wildlife from a distance - Wild animals, like raccoons, skunks, bats, fox, and woodchucks can carry rabies. Call the Rabies Hotline at 1-800-4-RABIES if you see an animal that you think needs help or is acting suspicious.
• Stay safe in the sun - Apply a thick layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, even on cloudy or overcast days. Wear protective gear like a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, and long-sleeves and pants when you can.

For more outdoors information, visit: fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 18, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Be Smart, Stay Safe

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said at a press conference on Monday that although the data continues to show Vermont is doing well in its efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, we cannot let our guard down.

As Vermont slowly reopens, physical distancing from others, wearing face coverings and handwashing continue to be essential. As a cautionary tale, Dr. Levine said that over the weekend, Clinton County, NY registered nine new cases and 27 close contacts — as a result of parties in Plattsburgh.

“Not following guidelines can fuel the virus’ spread in a single instance,” Dr. Levine said, noting that COVID-19 has by no means disappeared. Vermont’s positive trending data “doesn’t give us a pass” when it comes to making these behaviors part of our daily lives.

Governor Phil Scott said he will be announcing an economic relief package on Wednesday. Secretary of Natural Resources Julie Moore gave some updates on Vermont Parks and Recreation facilities, which can be found here.

On May 15, Gov. Scott signed a new order — Be Smart, Stay Safe — to extend Vermont’s State of Emergency to June 15, and reflect re-openings and eased restrictions announced in recent weeks. Read the press release

The new addendum to the order allows the limited resumption of campgrounds, marinas and lodging facilities, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, short term rentals, parks for recreational vehicles and campgrounds, including those managed by the Vermont Department of Parks and Recreation. These facilities can open May 22 for Vermont residents only, or for those who have met the 14-day quarantine requirement, and will be subject to strict health and safety standards and guidance from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. See the new ACCD guidance.

Gov. Scott has previewed the next steps in opening of the economy. If the data continues in the right direction, outdoor dining, close-contact businesses like salons, and other indoor businesses could be open by June 1. He also said the state’s limit on gatherings, now set at 10, would be expanded to 25 people.

Testing Information

Vermonters Without COVID-19 Symptoms Can Get Tested at Pop-Up Sites

Anyone who lives or works in Vermont and does not have symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested for the virus at pop-up testing sites around the state. Find a location and register for an appointment time at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

PLEASE NOTE: Many sites are now full, but you can still register on the waitlist to receive information of any future clinics that may be scheduled in your area.

We encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested. The sites are led by Health Department teams, with support from EMS units and members of the Vermont National Guard.

The test will tell you if you have a current infection. It is not a serology/antibody

test, which means it will not tell you if you were infected in the past.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Quarantine Guidance for People Returning to Vermont Who Want to Be Tested

If you are returning to Vermont ─ including those who spend winter outside of Vermont, second home owners and college students ─ you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

If, during your quarantine, you have not had symptoms of COVID-19: On or after Day 7 you can be tested at one of the pop-up testing sites. If your test is negative, you can end your quarantine period, as long as you continue to have no symptoms.

Learn more at https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.

New on healthvermont.gov

Have you seen the Health Department’s Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data? Take a deeper dive into data on how the virus has impacted people in our state. The summary is updated every Friday.

Our data dashboard on healthvermont.gov/covid19 now includes the estimated number of people who have recovered from COVID-19. Read more about our data by clicking on About Dashboard Data – New Questions on People Recovered – above the data dashboard.

NOTE on the data dashboard: As of May 16, the total testing numbers decreased by about 1,000 due to a change in reporting data. The “total tests” number no longer includes serology tests (also known as antibody tests) that were being reported by some labs. The "total test" number now only reflects people who were tested for a current COVID-19 infection.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 18, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to Contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Food Distribution

Meals will be distributed to those in need throughout the month of May. Food will include FEMA meal boxes, along with produce, chicken, and dairy products. For the full list of locations and details visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/pods

Interact with Family and Friends Safely
Vermonters can now participate in outdoor recreation and limited social interactions under strict health and safety precautions. Review the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

Make Wearing a Mask a Habit

As Vermont gradually opens, wearing face coverings is more important than ever. Recent evidence indicates masks do seem to reduce respiratory droplet transmission, but compliance must be high for this strategy to work. Taking our mask with us when we go out is as important as is taking our car keys and wallets.

Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Stay Safe While Enjoying the Outdoors 

Remember to take the usual precautions to stay safe and healthy. Ticks are out, so make sure you know how to Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

For more outdoors information, visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 15, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Be Smart, Stay Safe

Governor Phil Scott today signed a new order — Be Smart, Stay Safe — to extend Vermont’s State of Emergency to June 15, and reflect re-openings and eased restrictions announced in recent weeks. Read the press release

State data and modeling indicates spread of COVID-19 continues to slow and Vermont now has one of the lowest 3-day and 7-day growth rates in the country. Gov. Scott and Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, however, continue to caution that we must also consider neighboring states where the virus is much more prevalent and outbreaks are still occurring.

The new addendum to the order encourages continued vigilance in physical distancing, staying home when possible, mask use in public settings where physical distancing is not possible, washing hands, and more. The addendum also asks adults 65 and older, and those with underlying medical conditions, to continue to stay home to avoid serious illness.

The order also allows the limited resumption of campgrounds, marinas and lodging facilities, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, short term rentals, parks for recreational vehicles and campgrounds, including those managed by the Vermont Department of Parks and Recreation. These facilities can open May 22 for Vermont residents only, or for those who have met the 14-day quarantine requirement, and will be subject to strict health and safety standards and guidance from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. See the new ACCD guidance.

Gov. Scott also previewed the next steps in opening of the economy. If the data continues in the right direction, outdoor dining, close-contact businesses like salons, and other indoor businesses could be open by June 1. He also said the state’s limit on gatherings, now set at 10, would be expanded to 25 people.

Testing Information

Vermonters Without COVID-19 Symptoms Can Get Tested at Pop-Up Sites

Anyone who lives or works in Vermont and does not have symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested for the virus at pop-up testing sites around the state. Find a location and register for an appointment time at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

PLEASE NOTE: Many sites are now full, but you can still register on the waitlist to receive information of any future clinics that may be scheduled in your area.

We encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested. The sites are led by Health Department teams, with support from EMS units and members of the Vermont National Guard.

The test will tell you if you have a current infection. It is not a serology/antibody

test, which means it will not tell you if you were infected in the past.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Quarantine Guidance for People Returning to Vermont Who Want to Be Tested

If you are returning to Vermont ─ including those who spend winter outside of Vermont, second home owners and college students ─ you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

If, during your quarantine, you have not had symptoms of COVID-19: On or after Day 7 you can be tested at one of the pop-up testing sites. If your test is negative, you can end your quarantine period, as long as you continue to have no symptoms.

Learn more at https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.

New on healthvermont.gov

The Health Department has updated its Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data, which helps tell a more in-depth story of how the virus has impacted people in our state. The summary is updated every Friday. In today’s summary, you can see more information about testing numbers and demographic data related to outbreaks.

Our data dashboard on healthvermont.gov/covid19 now includes the estimated number of people who have recovered from COVID-19. Read more about our data by clicking on About Dashboard Data – New Questions on People Recovered – above the data dashboard.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 15, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to Contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Food Distribution

Meals will be distributed to those in need throughout the month of May. Food will include FEMA meal boxes, along with produce, chicken, and dairy products. For the full list of locations and details visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/pods

Interact with Family and Friends Safely
Vermonters can now participate in outdoor recreation and limited social interactions under strict health and safety precautions. Review the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

Make Wearing a Mask a Habit

As Vermont gradually opens, wearing face coverings is more important than ever. Recent evidence indicates masks do seem to reduce respiratory droplet transmission, but compliance must be high for this strategy to work. Taking our mask with us when we go out is as important as is taking our car keys and wallets.

Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Stay Safe While Enjoying the Outdoors 

Remember to take the usual precautions to stay safe and healthy. Ticks are out, so make sure you know how to Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

For more outdoors information, visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 18, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Be Smart, Stay Safe

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said at a press conference on Monday that although the data continues to show Vermont is doing well in its efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, we cannot let our guard down.

As Vermont slowly reopens, physical distancing from others, wearing face coverings and handwashing continue to be essential. As a cautionary tale, Dr. Levine said that over the weekend, Clinton County, NY registered nine new cases and 27 close contacts — as a result of parties in Plattsburgh.

“Not following guidelines can fuel the virus’ spread in a single instance,” Dr. Levine said, noting that COVID-19 has by no means disappeared. Vermont’s positive trending data “doesn’t give us a pass” when it comes to making these behaviors part of our daily lives.

Governor Phil Scott said he will be announcing an economic relief package on Wednesday. Secretary of Natural Resources Julie Moore gave some updates on Vermont Parks and Recreation facilities, which can be found here.

On May 15, Gov. Scott signed a new order — Be Smart, Stay Safe — to extend Vermont’s State of Emergency to June 15, and reflect re-openings and eased restrictions announced in recent weeks. Read the press release

The new addendum to the order allows the limited resumption of campgrounds, marinas and lodging facilities, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, short term rentals, parks for recreational vehicles and campgrounds, including those managed by the Vermont Department of Parks and Recreation. These facilities can open May 22 for Vermont residents only, or for those who have met the 14-day quarantine requirement, and will be subject to strict health and safety standards and guidance from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. See the new ACCD guidance.

Gov. Scott has previewed the next steps in opening of the economy. If the data continues in the right direction, outdoor dining, close-contact businesses like salons, and other indoor businesses could be open by June 1. He also said the state’s limit on gatherings, now set at 10, would be expanded to 25 people.

Testing Information

Vermonters Without COVID-19 Symptoms Can Get Tested at Pop-Up Sites

Anyone who lives or works in Vermont and does not have symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested for the virus at pop-up testing sites around the state. Find a location and register for an appointment time at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

PLEASE NOTE: Many sites are now full, but you can still register on the waitlist to receive information of any future clinics that may be scheduled in your area.

We encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested. The sites are led by Health Department teams, with support from EMS units and members of the Vermont National Guard.

The test will tell you if you have a current infection. It is not a serology/antibody

test, which means it will not tell you if you were infected in the past.

Vermonters With Even Mild Symptoms Should Call Their Doctor to Be Tested

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms. Your health care provider will ensure you receive proper care and treatment.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Quarantine Guidance for People Returning to Vermont Who Want to Be Tested

If you are returning to Vermont ─ including those who spend winter outside of Vermont, second home owners and college students ─ you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

If, during your quarantine, you have not had symptoms of COVID-19: On or after Day 7 you can be tested at one of the pop-up testing sites. If your test is negative, you can end your quarantine period, as long as you continue to have no symptoms.

Learn more at https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.

New on healthvermont.gov

Have you seen the Health Department’s Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data? Take a deeper dive into data on how the virus has impacted people in our state. The summary is updated every Friday.

Our data dashboard on healthvermont.gov/covid19 now includes the estimated number of people who have recovered from COVID-19. Read more about our data by clicking on About Dashboard Data – New Questions on People Recovered – above the data dashboard.

NOTE on the data dashboard: As of May 16, the total testing numbers decreased by about 1,000 due to a change in reporting data. The “total tests” number no longer includes serology tests (also known as antibody tests) that were being reported by some labs. The "total test" number now only reflects people who were tested for a current COVID-19 infection.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 18, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to Contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Food Distribution

Meals will be distributed to those in need throughout the month of May. Food will include FEMA meal boxes, along with produce, chicken, and dairy products. For the full list of locations and details visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/pods

Interact with Family and Friends Safely
Vermonters can now participate in outdoor recreation and limited social interactions under strict health and safety precautions. Review the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

Make Wearing a Mask a Habit

As Vermont gradually opens, wearing face coverings is more important than ever. Recent evidence indicates masks do seem to reduce respiratory droplet transmission, but compliance must be high for this strategy to work. Taking our mask with us when we go out is as important as is taking our car keys and wallets.

Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Keep a List of Your Close Contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

Stay Safe While Enjoying the Outdoors 

Remember to take the usual precautions to stay safe and healthy. Ticks are out, so make sure you know how to Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

For more outdoors information, visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 14, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Vermonters Without COVID-19 Symptoms Can Get Tested at Pop Up Sites

Anyone who lives or works in Vermont and does not have symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested for the virus at pop-up testing sites around the state.

We encourage health care workers, first responders, child care providers, and people returning to Vermont – such as college students, people who winter out of state and second home owners – to consider being tested. The sites are led by Health Department teams, with support from EMS units and members of the Vermont National Guard.

All test sites operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Please register for an appointment time at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups.

PLEASE NOTE: Some sites are full, but you can still register on the waitlist to receive information of any future clinics that may be scheduled in your area.

Saturday, May 16

White River Jct. ─ Upper Valley Aquatic Center, 100 Arboretum Ln.

Colchester ─ Vermont Public Health Laboratory, 359 South Park Drive

Monday, May 18

Rutland ─ Rutland High School, 22 Stratton Rd.

Tuesday, May 19

Barre ─ Barre Memorial Auditorium, 16 Auditorium Hill

Wednesday, May 20

Middlebury ─ American Legion Post 27, 49 Wilson Rd.

St. Albans ─ Collins Perley Sports Complex, 890 Fairfax Rd.

Thursday, May 21

Newport ─ North Country Union High School, 209 Veterans Ave.

Friday, May 22

Springfield ─ Springfield High School, 303 South Street

Morrisville ─ Capstone Community Action, 250 Industrial Park, Morristown

Saturday, May 23

St. Johnsbury ─ Lyndon Town School, 2591 Lily Pond Rd., Lyndonville

The test will tell you if you have a current infection. It is not a serology/antibody

test, which means it will not tell you if you were infected in the past.

Vermonters with even mild symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested – with doctor’s referral

People with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have possible symptoms.

If you don’t have a health care provider: Dial 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Quarantine Guidance for People Returning to Vermont

If you are returning to Vermont ─ including those who spend winter outside of Vermont, second home owners and college students ─ you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

If, during your quarantine, you have not had symptoms of COVID-19: On or after Day 7 you can be tested at one of the pop-up testing sites. If your test is negative, you can end your quarantine period, as long as you continue to have no symptoms.

Learn more at https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.

We are relying on health care professionals to help achieve this important public health goal. Visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

The path to restart Vermont

State officials have released guidance for Vermont childcare, summer and afterschool programs that are or will open during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Read the Health Guidance for Childcare Programs, Summer Programs and Afterschool Programs.

The state earlier announced targets for reopening and accompanying health and safety restrictions and guidance: Retail sector on May 18, child care centers on June 1, and day camps this summer. Education officials have also provided guidance on end-of-the-year gatherings.

Vermonters can now participate in outdoor recreation and limited social interactions under strict health and safety precautions. Read the Governor’s May 6 press release. Review the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

Keep a list of your close contacts
Health officials suggest that Vermonters keep a journal of contacts – a list of other people with whom you have been in close contact with each day. If you get sick, this will make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19, including being tested if recommended.

New on healthvermont.gov

The Health Department now posts a Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data to help tell a more in-depth story of how the virus has impacted people in our state. The summary will be updated every Friday.

Our data dashboard on healthvermont.gov/covid19 now includes the estimated number of people who have recovered from COVID-19.

We calculate this recovery estimate in two ways:

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 report they have recovered to our investigation teams during their follow-up calls.

Thirty days or more have passed since the date the person’s illness began. (If that information is not available, we use the date the positive test is reported to the Health Department.)

Read more about our data by clicking on About Dashboard Data – New Questions on People Recovered – above the data dashboard.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 14, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Make Wearing a Mask a Habit

As Vermont gradually opens, wearing face coverings is more important than ever. Recent evidence indicates masks do seem to reduce respiratory droplet transmission, but compliance must be high for this strategy to work. Taking our mask with us when we go out is as important as is taking our car keys and wallets.

Even with a mask, we still need to keep 6 feet between ourselves and other people. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Food Distribution

Meals will be distributed to those in need throughout the month of May, starting Friday, May 15 in Berlin. Food will include FEMA meal boxes, along with produce, chicken, and dairy products. For the full list of locations and details visit: https://vem.vermont.gov/pods

Stay Safe While Enjoying the Outdoors 

Remember to take the usual precautions to stay safe and healthy. Ticks are out, so make sure you know how to Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

For more outdoors information, visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 12, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web and data pages

healthvermont.gov/covid19.

COVID-19 Testing Sites Open to Vermonters Without Symptoms

Vermont health officials are offering free COVID-19 testing at pop-up testing sites around the state for any Vermonters without symptoms. 256 people had specimens collected for testing at a pop-up site in Bennington today.

We welcome health care workers, first responders (EMS, fire, and law enforcement), child care providers, people returning to Vermont (on day 7 of their quarantine), and any other Vermonter without symptoms who wants to be tested.

The clinics are part of the state’s efforts to ramp up testing and prevent the spread of COVID-19. The test will tell you if you have a current infection. It is not a serology/antibody test, which means it will not tell you if you were infected in the past.

The clinics will be held from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. at the following locations:

• Thursday, May 14: Brattleboro Union High School, 131 Fairground Road, Brattleboro
• Saturday, May 16: Upper Valley Aquatic Center, 100 Arboretum Lane, White River Jct.
• Saturday, May 16: Vermont Public Health Laboratory, 359 South Park Drive, Colchester

Additional sites are planned, with details to come:

Monday, May 18 – Rutland

Tuesday, May 19 – Barre

Wednesday, May 20 – Middlebury and St. Albans

Thursday, May 21 – Newport

Friday, May 22 – Springfield and Morrisville

Saturday, May 23 – St. Johnsbury

Please register for the clinics ahead of time at humanresources.vermont.gov/popups. No referral from a health care provider is needed for the pop-up sites.

Vermonters with who do have symptoms, even if they are mild, should call their health care provider to be referred to a testing site.

Quarantine Guidance for People Returning to Vermont

If you are a returning Vermonter ─ including those who spend winter outside of Vermont, second home owners, college students ─ you are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

If you are without COVID-19 symptoms at day 7 of your quarantine, you can be tested at one of the pop-up clinics being conducted around the state. If your test is negative, you can end your quarantine period, as long as you still have no symptoms.

Learn more at https://www.healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Vermonters with mild symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested

All Vermonters with even mild symptoms are encouraged to call their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have symptoms that could be related to COVID-19.

Your provider will refer you to a hospital or health center near you for the free testing. The sites. If you don’t have a health care provider call 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Know the symptoms associated with COVID-19.

In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, symptoms may include:

• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

We are relying on health care professionals to help achieve this important public health goal. Visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

The path to restart Vermont

Governor Phil Scott announced a gradual reopening of the retail sector starting on May 18. Stores will be required to stay under 25% of their maximum legal capacity and follow health and safety guidelines developed by the Agency of Commerce and Community Development. Stores must meet the same guidelines developed for other businesses and nonprofits so far, including:

• All employees must wear a face covering (customers are encouraged to wear them as well).
• Maintain a distance of 6 feet between people.
• Conduct health and safety training.

Child care centers can reopen June 1 and summer day camps will be able to open this summer, provided they can follow safety guidelines expected to be issued this week. Education officials have also provided guidance on end-of-the-year gatherings. Large gatherings will not be permitted through the end of the school year, and events should be virtual.

Vermonters can now participate in outdoor recreation and limited social interactions under strict health and safety precautions. Read the Governor’s May 6 press release. Review the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

Keep a list of your close contacts
As the state slowly reopens, Vermonters should consider keeping a contact journal – a list of other people who you have been in close contact with each day. If you did get sick, this would make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take proper precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

New on healthvermont.gov

The Health Department has posted a new Weekly Summary of Vermont COVID-19 Data to help tell a more in-depth story of how the virus has impacted people in our state. Among the data in the report are:

• Prevalence of symptoms
• Testing trends
• Information about hospitalizations
• Cases associated with outbreaks
• Effect on people with preexisting conditions
• Demographic data

The summary includes data from March 5 to May 7, 2020 and will be updated every Friday.

Our data dashboard on healthvermont.gov/covid19 now includes the estimated number of people who have recovered from COVID-19.

We calculate this recovery estimate in two ways:

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 report they have recovered to our investigation teams during their follow-up calls.

Thirty days or more have passed since the date the person’s illness began. (If that information is not available, we use the date the positive test is reported to the Health Department.)

Read more info about our data by clicking on About Dashboard Data – New Questions on People Recovered – above the data dashboard.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 12, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Keep a Distance and Wear a Mask

We still need to physically distance ourselves from one another and follow other health guidance. Keep 6 feet between you and other people, and give each other a wide berth when walking or biking. Make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Enjoying the outdoors? Remember to take the usual precautions to stay safe and healthy. Ticks are out, so make sure you know how to Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

For more outdoors information, visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Correction

At the press conference on Monday, incorrect information was provided about whether people who are pregnant should wear face covering. They should.

Certain people, such as children under the age of 2, should not wear a mask or other face covering. Everyone else, however, should wear a face covering when going out and may be near others.

The CDC offers information and recommendations for people who are pregnant.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 8, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

The path to restart Vermont

Gov. Phil Scott announced Friday that child care centers can reopen June 1 and summer day camps will be able to open this summer, provided they can follow safety guidelines expected to be issued next week. State officials acknowledged opening child care programs will be an important part of ensuring Vermonters can get back to work, as modeling continues to indicate a slow in the spread of COVID-19.

Education officials also provided guidance on end-of-the-year gatherings. Large gatherings will not be permitted through the end of the school year, and events should be virtual. Schools are encouraged to plan creatively with their communities for opportunities to celebrate milestones and graduations in ways that are safe and supportive of students and their achievements. All end of year gatherings and graduations shall be designed to ensure equal access and participation by all affected students.

Vermonters can now participate in outdoor recreation and limited social interactions under strict health and safety precautions. Read the Governor’s May 6 press release.

While the Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect, the Governor’s May 6 order allows for certain social activities if Vermonters follow outlined safety measures:

• Gatherings of 10 or fewer. Vermonters may now leave home for outdoor recreation and fitness activities with low or no direct physical contact and to resume limited social interactions and gatherings of 10 or fewer, preferably in outdoor settings that allow for greater physical distancing.
• Inter-household socializing. Members of one household may gather – and allow children to play – with members of another trusted household, provided health and safety precautions are followed as much as possible.

Read the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

Keep a list of your close contacts
As the state slowly reopens, Vermonters should consider keeping a contact journal – a list of other people who you have been in close contact with each day. If you did get sick, this would make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take proper precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Health Department to open additional COVID-19 testing sites

A pop-up site in Colchester will be open on Saturday, May 9 to offer COVID-19 virus testing for workers on the frontlines of Vermont’s pandemic response. The specimen collection site is one of several to be opened around the state in the coming days for health care workers, first responders (EMS, fire, and law enforcement), and child care providers currently serving essential workers.

The clinic is by appointment only and is not open to the general public.

Organized by the Department of Health and the state’s Enhanced Testing and Contact Tracing Task Team with support from the Vermont National Guard and EMS agencies, the clinics are designed to increase current testing volumes five-fold to meet the goal set by Governor Phil Scott to conduct 1,000 tests per day.

For more information about the clinic, read the press release.

Vermonters with mild symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested

The Health Department encourages all Vermonters with even mild symptoms to contact their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have symptoms that could be related to COVID-19.

Your provider will refer you to a hospital or health center near you for the free testing. The sites. If you don’t have a health care provider call 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Be sure you know the symptoms associated with COVID-19.

In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, symptoms may include:

• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Health care professionals are urged to ensure Vermonters with any symptoms be tested. The state is expanding its testing and contact tracing capabilities and is ready with the necessary supplies and resources.

We are relying on health care professionals to help achieve this important public health goal. Visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

By being tested for any associated symptoms, Vermonters can help us quickly identify and isolate outbreaks, and better understand COVID-19 in Vermont.

Opioid-related fatalities decreased in 2019

Opioid-related fatalities in Vermont have decreased for the first time since 2014, the Health Department announced Wednesday. Newly released preliminary data show a 15% decline in the number of deaths attributed to opioid misuse — down from 130 in 2018 to 111 in 2019.

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD said that our strategies to meet this public health challenge are making a difference, “but even a single death tied to opioid use is too many.”

Vermont’s efforts have included providing rapid access to medication-assisted treatment, patient education and rules governing prescription monitoring, the creation of a statewide network for naloxone distribution, safe drug disposal, syringe service programs, a statewide network of recovery centers, and building strong community partnerships.

Read the press release.

New on healthvermont.gov

Our data dashboard on healthvermont.gov/covid19 now includes the estimated number of people who have recovered from COVID-19.

We calculate this recovery estimate in two ways:

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 report they have recovered to our investigation teams during their follow-up calls.

Thirty days or more have passed since the date the person’s illness began. (If that information is not available, we use the date the positive test is reported to the Health Department.)

Collecting recovery data is not something epidemiologists normally do in disease investigation. Because of this new challenge, this method provides us our best estimate, and many other states are reporting recovery data this way.

The number of people recovered does not tell us who is actively sick with COVID-19 in Vermont. This is because:

There are likely people with COVID-19 who haven’t been tested (therefore we don’t know about them), and

People we do know about may be recovered – we just haven’t reached out to them yet or we haven’t deemed them recovered yet.

Read more info about our data by clicking on About Dashboard Data – New Questions on People Recovered – above the data dashboard.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 8, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Accessing Emergency Care

Vermont hospitals are safe. If you are having symptoms of a serious medical condition, such as heart attack or stroke, seek medical care right away. Please always wear a face covering when going to a hospital, health care provider or Emergency Department.

Who to contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

Newly added FAQ:

My health care provider is out-of-state. Can I be tested in Vermont?

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Keep a Distance and Wear a Mask

We still need to physically distance ourselves from one another and follow other health guidance. Keep 6 feet between you and other people, and give each other a wide berth when walking or biking. Make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Enjoying the outdoors? Remember to take the usual precautions to stay safe and healthy. Ticks are out, so make sure you know how to Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

For more outdoors information, visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 7, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

First responders help expand statewide testing
Health Department staff teamed up with Northeast Kingdom Emergency Medical Services units Wednesday as part of a training to conduct specimen collection for COVID-19 testing. The EMS units are among 10 around the state being trained by the department to help Vermont meet the goal of collecting 1,000 specimens a day. The units will supplement Health teams in settings such as long-term care facilities. EMS professionals may also provide mobile specimen collection for those who are unable to travel to testing sites.

The path to restart Vermont

Vermonters can now participate in outdoor recreation and limited social interactions under strict health and safety precautions, as state modeling continues to indicate a slow in the spread of COVID-19. Read the Governor’s May 6 press release.

While the Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect, the Governor’s latest order allows for certain social activities if Vermonters follow outlined safety measures:

• Gatherings of 10 or fewer. Vermonters may now leave home for outdoor recreation and fitness activities with low or no direct physical contact and to resume limited social interactions and gatherings of 10 or fewer, preferably in outdoor settings that allow for greater physical distancing.
• Inter-household socializing. Members of one household may gather – and allow children to play – with members of another trusted household, provided health and safety precautions are followed as much as possible.

The Governor’s order, Addendum 13, includes additional health and safety guidelines for these interactions, including following safety and hygiene protocols, limiting non-essential travel, and protecting those in at-risk categories, who should continue to stay home.

Read the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

As the state slowly reopens, Vermonters should consider keeping a contact journal – a list of other people who you have been in close contact with each day. If you did get sick, this would make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take proper precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

Enjoying the outdoors? Remember to take the usual precautions to stay safe and healthy. Ticks are out, so make sure you know how to Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

For more outdoors information, visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Vermonters with mild symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested

The Health Department encourages all Vermonters with even mild symptoms to contact their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have symptoms that could be related to COVID-19.

Your provider will refer you to a hospital or health center near you for the free testing. The sites. If you don’t have a health care provider call 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Be sure you know the symptoms associated with COVID-19.

In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, symptoms may include:

• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Health care professionals are urged to ensure Vermonters with any symptoms be tested. The state is expanding its testing and contact tracing capabilities and is ready with the necessary supplies and resources.

We are relying on health care professionals to help achieve this important public health goal. Visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

By being tested for any associated symptoms, Vermonters can help us quickly identify and isolate outbreaks, and better understand COVID-19 in Vermont.

Opioid-related fatalities decreased in 2019

Opioid-related fatalities in Vermont have decreased for the first time since 2014, the Health Department announced Wednesday. Newly released preliminary data show a 15% decline in the number of deaths attributed to opioid misuse — down from 130 in 2018 to 111 in 2019.

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD said that our strategies to meet this public health challenge are making a difference, “but even a single death tied to opioid use is too many.”

Vermont’s efforts have included providing rapid access to medication-assisted treatment, patient education and rules governing prescription monitoring, the creation of a statewide network for naloxone distribution, safe drug disposal, syringe service programs, a statewide network of recovery centers, and building strong community partnerships.

Read the press release.

Food distribution

The Vermont Foodbank and Vermont National Guard have added another food distribution site for those in need:

• Friday, May 8 at the Allen Brook School, 497 Talcott Road, Williston from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For details, or to donate to the Vermont Foodbank visit https://www.vtfoodbank.org/.

New on healthvermont.gov

Our data dashboard on healthvermont.gov/covid19 now includes the estimated number of people who have recovered from COVID-19.

We calculate this recovery estimate in two ways:

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 report they have recovered to our investigation teams during their follow-up calls.

Thirty days or more have passed since the date the person’s illness began. (If that information is not available, we use the date the positive test is reported to the Health Department.)

Collecting recovery data is not something epidemiologists normally do in disease investigation. Because of this new challenge, this method provides us our best estimate, and many other states are reporting recovery data this way.

The number of people recovered does not tell us who is actively sick with COVID-19 in Vermont. This is because:

There are likely people with COVID-19 who haven’t been tested (therefore we don’t know about them), and

People we do know about may be recovered – we just haven’t reached out to them yet or we haven’t deemed them recovered yet.

Read more info about our data by clicking on About Dashboard Data – New Questions on People Recovered – above the data dashboard.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 7, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Accessing Emergency Care

Vermont hospitals are safe. If you are having symptoms of a serious medical condition, such as heart attack or stroke, seek medical care right away. Please always wear a face covering when going to a hospital, health care provider or Emergency Department.

Who to contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Keep a Distance and Wear a Mask

We still need to physically distance ourselves from one another and follow other health guidance. Keep 6 feet between you and other people, and give each other a wide berth when walking or biking. Make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 6, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

The path to restart Vermont

Gov. Phil Scott announced Wednesday that Vermonters can participate in outdoor recreation and limited social interactions under strict health and safety precautions, as state modeling continues to indicate a slow in the spread of COVID-19. Read the Governor’s press release.

While the Stay Home, Stay Safe order remains in effect, the Governor’s latest order allows for certain social activities if Vermonters follow outlined safety measures:

• Gatherings of 10 or fewer. Vermonters may now leave home for outdoor recreation and fitness activities with low or no direct physical contact and to resume limited social interactions and gatherings of 10 or fewer, preferably in outdoor settings that allow for greater physical distancing.
• Inter-household socializing. Members of one household may gather – and allow children to play – with members of another trusted household, provided health and safety precautions are followed as much as possible.

The Governor’s order, Addendum 13, includes additional health and safety guidelines for these interactions, including following safety and hygiene protocols, limiting non-essential travel, and protecting those in at-risk categories, who should continue to stay home.

Read the Health Department’s guidelines on how to weigh the risks and connect with family and friends safely.

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, said at Wednesday’s press conference that as the state reopens, Vermonters should consider keeping a contact journal – a list of other people who you have been in close contact with each day. If you did get sick, this would make it easier to get in touch with those people and so they can take proper precautions to prevent further spread of COVID-19.

As we begin to enjoy the outdoors in Vermont, remember to take the usual precautions to stay safe and healthy. Ticks are out, so make sure you know how to Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart .

For more outdoors information, visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Opioid-related fatalities decreased in 2019

Opioid-related fatalities in Vermont have decreased for the first time since 2014, the Health Department announced Tuesday. Newly released preliminary data show a 15% decline in the number of deaths attributed to opioid misuse — down from 130 in 2018 to 111 in 2019.

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD said that our strategies to meet this public health challenge are making a difference, “but even a single death tied to opioid use is too many.”

Vermont’s efforts have included providing rapid access to medication-assisted treatment, patient education and rules governing prescription monitoring, the creation of a statewide network for naloxone distribution, safe drug disposal, syringe service programs, a statewide network of recovery centers, and building strong community partnerships.

Read the press release

Vermonters with mild symptoms of COVID-19 can be tested

The Health Department is encourages all Vermonters with even mild symptoms to contact their health care provider to get tested. This includes parents of children who have symptoms that could be related to COVID-19.

Your provider will refer you to a hospital or health center near you for the free testing. The sites. If you don’t have a health care provider call 2-1-1 to connect with a community or hospital-connected clinic.

Be sure you know the symptoms associated with COVID-19.

In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, symptoms may include:

• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

Health care professionals are urged to ensure Vermonters with any symptoms be tested. The state is expanding its testing and contact tracing capabilities and is ready with the necessary supplies and resources.

We are relying on health care professionals to help achieve this important public health goal. Visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

By being tested for any associated symptoms, Vermonters can help us quickly identify and isolate outbreaks, and better understand COVID-19 in Vermont.

Food distribution

The Vermont Foodbank and Vermont National Guard have added another food distribution site for those in need:

• Friday, May 8 at the Allen Brook School, 497 Talcott Road, Williston from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For details, or to donate to the Vermont Foodbank visit https://www.vtfoodbank.org/.

New on healthvermont.gov

Our data dashboard on healthvermont.gov/covid19 now includes the estimated number of people recovered from COVID-19.

We calculate this recovery estimate in two ways:

People who have tested positive for COVID-19 report they have recovered to our investigation teams during their follow-up calls.

Thirty days or more have passed since the date the person’s illness began. (If that information is not available, we use the date the positive test is reported to the Health Department.)

Collecting recovery data is not something epidemiologists normally do in disease investigation. Because of this new challenge, this method provides us our best estimate, and many other states are reporting recovery data this way.

The number of people recovered does not tell us who is actively sick with COVID-19 in Vermont. This is because:

There are likely people with COVID-19 who haven’t been tested (therefore we don’t know about them), and

People we do know about may be recovered – we just haven’t reached out to them yet or we haven’t deemed them recovered yet.

Read more info about our data by clicking on About Dashboard Data – New Questions on People Recovered – above the data dashboard.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 6, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Accessing Emergency Care

Vermont hospitals are safe. If you are having symptoms of a serious medical condition, such as heart attack or stroke, seek medical care right away. Please always wear a face covering when going to a hospital, health care provider or Emergency Department.

Who to contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1 or 1-866-652-4636.

Keep a Distance and Wear a Mask

We still need to physically distance ourselves from one another and follow other health guidance. Keep 6 feet between you and other people, and give each other a wide berth when walking or biking. Make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 4, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

The path to restart Vermont

Governor Phil Scott on Monday announced that limited elective medical procedures could resume. These procedures had been put on hold as Vermont’s health care system focused on preparing for, and responding to, COVID-19.

The Governor’s decision comes as state modeling continues to show spread of COVID-19 has slowed – thanks to Vermonters’ physical distancing efforts – and the state’s ability to track and trace outbreaks of COVID-19 has become more robust.

Health care providers that meet specific criteria to protect patients and clinicians from possible infection, can begin non-essential outpatient clinic visits, diagnostic imaging and outpatient surgeries and procedures.

Some examples include:

• A process to screen patients, staff and essential visitors for COVID-19-related symptoms
• Staff must use protective equipment and supplies, and patients and companions must wear mouth and nose coverings when in public areas.
• Patient companions are permitted only if required for direct patient assistance.
• Waiting room chairs must be spaced to require a minimum of six-feet physical distancing.
• Providers must have signage to emphasize social restrictions, access to hand sanitizer, and written procedures for disinfection of common areas.

Providers may also begin to perform outpatient surgeries and procedures that have a minimal impact on inpatient hospital bed capacity and protective equipment levels, including those performed in the office or ambulatory surgical center. They must follow additional criteria.

Some examples include:

• Testing patients for COVID-19 for procedures requiring airway management.
• Implement a plan for the periodic testing of healthcare workers who may come into contact with a patient.

For more details, read the press release.

New on healthvermont.gov
An updated map by town of Vermonters who have tested positive for COVID-19 has been added at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (click on the map of Vermont), in addition to a list of Frequently Asked Questions specific to the map.

The data reflects lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Vermont residents, by their town of residence. All case data is preliminary and is updated as new information comes in.

Residents of a long-term care facility or inmates at a correctional facility are counted in the town where the facility is located when they were tested.

Regardless of how many – or few – lab confirmed cases are listed, we know the virus is in our communities. Everyone should continue to follow stay home orders and health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 – no matter what town we live in.

Use Cleaning Products Safely
Please make sure you are using cleaning products and disinfectants safely. The EPA has issued guidance about disinfectant product use. Always follow the product’s directions. Do not ingest disinfectant products, and never apply them to yourself or others.

You can chat online with the Northern New England Poison Control Center on their website, call 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.

Volunteering

Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. Have medical supplies to donate? Visit the COVID-19 Donations site.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 4, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

The Centers for Disease Control has expanded its list of COVID-19 symptoms to watch for. In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, symptoms may include:

• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

If you have these symptoms, call your health care provider.

Accessing Emergency Care

Vermont hospitals are safe. If you are having symptoms of a serious medical condition, such as heart attack or stroke, it is important to get medical care right away. Call 9-1-1, go to the emergency room, or call your doctor if your symptoms are not life threatening. Please always wear a face covering when going to a hospital, health care provider or Emergency Department.

Who to contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

New question added today:

Can ticks or mosquitoes spread the COVID-19 virus?

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240. Calls are answered 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Fri., and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends. If your call is not answered, leave a message and your call will be returned.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

Testing

Vermont continues its work to increase and strengthen its testing and contact tracing programs. As the state begins to restart the economy, this will allow us to quickly identify and isolate outbreaks, and better understand COVID-19 in Vermont. Read the April 29 press release.

Vermonters can be tested at hospital locations statewide and health centers in Island Pond, South Hero and Wells River. Additional sites will be opened as needed.

• Everyone must have a referral from their provider in order to be tested.
• CALL your health care provider to be evaluated so the provider can determine if you need a test.
• Patients who are NOT experiencing symptoms will not be tested.

Health care providers are encouraged to order a test for patients with symptoms, and can visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

Keep a Distance and Wear a Mask to Protect Yourself and Others 

We still need to physically distance ourselves from one another and follow other health guidance. Keep 6 feet between you and other people, and give each other a wide berth when walking or biking. Make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Going outdoors for air and exercise is encouraged when you take the proper precautions.

For more outdoors info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19 and remember, the ticks are out! Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

May 1, 2020

Find this update at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

The path to restart Vermont

As modeling showed continued progress in slowing the spread of COVID-19, Governor Phil Scott Friday announced a third incremental, evidence-based step forward to put Vermonters back to work. Among the changes in the new addendum:

• Certain businesses can operate with a maximum of 10 employees if they can comply with health and safety requirements.
• Those businesses must adopt a specific training program which must be made available upon request.
• Employees must be pre-screened before each work shift, including temperature checks and survey to verify each employee has no symptoms of respiratory illness.
• Businesses and non-profit and government entities may require customers or clients to wear masks, and all commuters are required to wear a mask while using mass transit.

Read the press release for more details. View the memo to business to business for specific safety guidelines and protocols, as well as additional resources, at accd.vermont.gov.

Gov. Scott emphasized that the virus does not respect borders, and that surrounding states are still confronting massive outbreaks — highlighting the need for all of us to be smart, cautious and disciplined as we continue taking steps to move forward.

We Still Have a Long Way to Go

Acknowledging the progress that we have made so far has been steady, but is fragile, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD said it is important that we avoid a rush to resume close in-person contacts, which could allow the virus to thrive. The state is closely monitoring the data and trends for how soon we can start to safely reconnect face-to-face.

Dr. Levine also noted that the CDC has expanded its list of COVID-19 symptoms to watch for.

In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, symptoms may include:

• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

If you have these symptoms, call your health care provider.

Green Up Day

Gov. Phil Scott noted that Green Up Day, when Vermonters traditionally come together to clean up miles of Vermont roads, would normally have taken place Saturday. The Governor urged anyone out walking or hiking this weekend to bring along a bag or two and help keep the state green. Remember to maintain physical distancing and to wear your mask.

WIC program is still open and ready to serve Vermonters

The Vermont Department of Health WIC Program, and other public programs, remain. Vermont WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant and postpartum Vermonters and infants and children up to their 5th birthday. Good nutrition and WIC foods help to support a strong immune system.

If you are pregnant, postpartum, or are the caregiver for an infant or child under 5, apply today. Medical providers, with patient permission, can refer patients to WIC here.

• All appointments are being done by phone. WIC staff are primarily working remotely.
• WIC has expanded its approved foods list to make it easier to find WIC foods in the grocery store.
• WIC is beginning to offer breastfeeding classes online.

If your family financial circumstances have changed due to a job loss or reduced hours, you could be eligible for WIC. Apply today. For more information on food access, visit hungerfreevt.org/coronavirus.

New on healthvermont.gov
An updated map by town of Vermonters who have tested positive for COVID-19 has been added at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (click on the map of Vermont), in addition to a list of Frequently Asked Questions specific to the map.

The data reflects lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Vermont residents, by their town of residence. All case data is preliminary and is updated as new information comes in.

Residents of a long-term care facility or inmates at a correctional facility are counted in the town where the facility is located when they were tested. The map has been updated to reflect that 38 cases at Northwest State Correctional Facility initially counted in Swanton (the facility’s mailing address) are now listed under St. Albans Town (physical location).

The map does not represent people with active infections, and no town is “safe” from COVID-19 regardless of how many – or few – lab confirmed cases are listed. We know the virus is in our communities and we should continue to follow stay home orders and health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 – no matter what town we live in.

Accessing Emergency Care

Vermont hospitals are safe. If you are having symptoms of a serious medical condition, such as heart attack or stroke, it is important to get medical care right away. Call 9-1-1, go to the emergency room, or call your doctor if your symptoms are not life threatening.

Use Cleaning Products Safely
Please make sure you are using cleaning products and disinfectants safely. The EPA has issued guidance about disinfectant product use. Always follow the product’s directions. Do not ingest disinfectant products, and never apply them to yourself or others.

You can chat with the Northern New England Poison Control Center on their website, call 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.

Volunteering

Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. Have medical supplies to donate? Visit the COVID-19 Donations site.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on May 1, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

+Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact: 

• If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
• If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions, call the Health Department at 802-863-7240. Calls are answered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Outside those hours, leave a message and your call will be returned.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

Testing

Vermont continues its work to increase and strengthen its testing and contact tracing programs. As the state begins to restart the economy, this will allow us to quickly identify and isolate outbreaks, and better understand COVID-19 in Vermont. Read the April 29 press release.

Vermonters can be tested at hospital locations statewide and health centers in Island Pond, South Hero and Wells River. Additional sites will be opened as needed.

• Everyone must have a referral from their provider in order to be tested.
• CALL your health care provider to be evaluated so the provider can determine if you need a test.
• Patients who are NOT experiencing symptoms will not be tested.

Health care providers are encouraged to order a test for patients with symptoms, and can visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

Protect Yourself and Others Near You

We still need to physically distance ourselves from one another and follow other health guidance. Keep 6 feet between you and others, and give each other a wide berth when walking or biking. It is also more important than ever to make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Going outdoors for air and exercise is encouraged when you take the proper precautions.

For more outdoors info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19 and remember, the ticks are out! Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

Take Care of Your Emotional and Mental Health

Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 30, 2020

Find this update on healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

The path to restart Vermont

Vermont is increasing and strengthening its testing and contact tracing programs. As the state begins to restart the economy, this will allow us to quickly identify and isolate outbreaks, and better understand COVID-19 in Vermont. Read the April 29 press release.

The plans to be phased-in over the next month call for:

• Conducting up to 7,500 tests per week of certain populations.
• Using SARA Alert technology for contact tracing efforts ­– a text-based illness monitoring system.
• Handling 300-900 cases and contacts per week under the new strategy.
• Establishing of the Vermont Enhanced Testing and Tracing Task Force to help monitor new developments and recommend new strategies.

Gov. Scott emphasized these efforts won’t completely eliminate the risk. We still need to physically distance ourselves from one another and follow other guidance, but it will help in the state’s phased approach to get more Vermonters back to work and increasing activities. It’s still up to each and every one of us to make this work, he said.

It is also more important than ever to make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

WIC program is still open and ready to serve Vermonters

The Vermont Department of Health WIC Program, and other public programs, remain open to serve Vermonters. Vermont WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant and postpartum Vermonters and infants and children up to their 5th birthday. Good nutrition and WIC foods help to support a strong immune system.

If you are pregnant, postpartum, or are the caregiver for an infant or child under 5, apply today. Medical providers, with patient permission, can refer patients to WIC here.

• All appointments are being done by phone. WIC staff are primarily working remotely.
• WIC has expanded its approved foods list to make it easier to find WIC foods in the grocery store.
• WIC is beginning to offer breastfeeding classes online.

If your family financial circumstances have changed due to a job loss or reduced hours, you could be eligible for WIC. Apply today. For more information on food access, visit hungerfreevt.org/coronavirus.

New on healthvermont.gov
A new map of Vermonters who have tested positive for COVID-19 by town can now be found at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (click on the map of Vermont). The data reflects lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Vermont residents, by town of residence. All case data is preliminary and is updated as new information comes in.

Residents of a long-term care facility or inmates at a correctional facility are counted in the town where the facility is located when they were tested. Information that had 38 cases at Northwest State Correctional Facility mistakenly counted in Swanton (the facility’s mailing address) will be listed under St. Albans Town (physical location) when the map is updated on Friday.

The map does not represent people with active infections, and no town is “safe” from COVID-19 regardless of how many – or few – lab confirmed cases are listed. We know the virus is in our communities and we should continue to follow stay home orders and health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 – no matter what town we live in.

Meal Distribution to Vermonters
DATES HAVE BEEN UPDATED AND A NEW LOCATION ADDED for the Vermont Foodbank and Vermont National Guard’s food distribution to those in need. Read the press release.

From 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day:

• Thursday, April 30 - William H Morse State Airport (Bennington)
• Friday, May 1 - Northeast Kingdom International Airport (Coventry/Newport)
• Friday, May 1 – Folsom Educational Center (South Hero)

Accessing Emergency Care

Vermont hospitals are safe. If you are having symptoms of a serious medical condition, such as heart attack or stroke, it is important to get medical care right away. Call 9-1-1, go to the emergency room, or call your doctor if your symptoms are not life threatening.

Use Cleaning Products Safely
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that calls to U.S. poison centers about cleaner and disinfectant exposures have increased by 20%. Please make sure you are using cleaning products and disinfectants safely.

The EPA has issued guidance about disinfectant product use. Always follow the product’s directions. Do not ingest disinfectant products, and never apply them to yourself or others.

See the CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfection for Households guidance.

You can also chat with the Northern New England Poison Control Center on their website, call 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.

Volunteering

Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. Have medical supplies to donate? Visit the COVID-19 Donations site.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on April 30, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

⁺Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information as they are able.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact: 

• If you are sick:
• 
  
  • If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
  • If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.

• Most information is online: Visit our regularly updated Frequently Asked Questions.

• You can also type in a question to our Ask A Question tool.

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions: Call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• 
  
  • Calls are answered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Outside those hours, leave a message and your call will be returned.

• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

Testing

The Department of Health continues to test Vermonters with COVID-19 symptoms to help increase contact tracing efforts and prevent the virus from spreading. Vermonters can be tested at hospital locations statewide and health centers in Island Pond, South Hero and Wells River. Additional sites will be opened as the needs are determined.

IMPORTANT: Everyone must have a referral from their provider in order to be tested.

• CALL your health care provider to be evaluated so the provider can determine if you need a test.
• DO NOT go to a testing site without an order from your provider.
• Patients who are NOT experiencing symptoms will not be tested.

Health care providers are encouraged to order a test for patients with symptoms, and can visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Going outdoors for air and exercise is encouraged when you take the proper precautions.

For more outdoors info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19 and remember to Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

If you are or someone you know is in crisis
Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 29, 2020

Find this update on healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

The path to restart Vermont

Governor Phil Scott and Health Department officials today announced the state is increasing and strengthening its testing and contact tracing programs. As Vermont begins to restart the economy, more testing and tracing – coupled with technology – will be used to quickly identify and isolate outbreaks, and better understand COVID-19 in Vermont. Read the press release.

Governor Scott, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD and State Epidemiologist Patsy Kelso, PhD today detailed a phased-in approach to have the state conduct up to 7,500 tests per week – more than triple the current number. The increase will take place in stages over the next month, each expanding on the targeted populations to be tested. The Governor also announced the establishment of the Vermont Enhanced Testing and Tracing Task Force to help monitor new developments and recommend new strategies.

The Health Department will enhance its contact tracing efforts using SARA Alert technology, a text-based illness monitoring system that will allow us to keep in touch with contacts and help them manage symptoms. The state plans to handle 300-900 cases and contacts per week under the new strategy. The state currently has 53 trained contact tracers who could handle up to 500 contacts per week and is implementing a plan to train additional tracers as needed.

Gov. Scott emphasized these efforts won’t completely eliminate the risk. We still need to physically distance ourselves from one another and follow other guidance, but it will help in the state’s phased approach to get more Vermonters back to work and increasing activities. It’s still up to each and every one of us to make this work, he said.

It is also more important than ever to make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

WIC program is still open and ready to serve Vermonters

The Vermont Department of Health WIC Program, and other public programs, remain open to serve Vermonters. Vermont WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant and postpartum Vermonters and infants and children up to their 5th birthday. Good nutrition and WIC foods help to support a strong immune system.

Vermont WIC is open and invites new and returning families to join. Since March 16, over 600 new participants joined WIC for the first time. If you are pregnant, postpartum, or are the caregiver for an infant or child under 5, apply today. Medical providers, with patient permission, can refer patients to WIC here.

We’ve made a few changes to keep our families and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• All appointments are being done by phone. WIC staff are primarily working remotely.
• WIC has expanded its approved foods list to make it easier to find WIC foods in the grocery store. These changes include larger bread loaf sizes, more varieties of eggs, and shredded cheese.
• WIC is beginning to offer breastfeeding classes online.

If your family financial circumstances have changed due to a job loss or reduced hours, you could be eligible for WIC. Apply today. For more information on food access, visit hungerfreevt.org/coronavirus.

New on healthvermont.gov
A new map of Vermonters who have tested positive for COVID-19 by town can now be found at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (click on the map of Vermont). The data reflects lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Vermont residents, by town of residence. All case data is preliminary and is updated as new information comes in.

Residents of a long-term care facility or inmates at a correctional facility are counted in the town where the facility is located when they were tested. Information that had 38 cases at Northwest State Correctional Facility mistakenly counted in Swanton (the facility’s mailing address) will be listed under St. Albans Town (physical location) when the map is updated on Friday.

The map does not represent people with active infections, and no town is “safe” from COVID-19 regardless of how many – or few – lab confirmed cases are listed. We know the virus is in our communities and we should continue to follow stay home orders and health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 – no matter what town we live in.

Meal Distribution to Vermonters
DATES HAVE BEEN UPDATED for the Vermont Foodbank and Vermont National Guard’s food distribution to those in need. Read the press release.

From 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day:

• Thursday, April 30 - William H Morse State Airport (Bennington)
• Friday, May 1 - Northeast Kingdom International Airport (Coventry/Newport)

Accessing Emergency Care

Vermont hospitals are safe. If you are having symptoms of a serious medical condition, such as heart attack or stroke, it is important to get medical care right away. Call 9-1-1, go to the emergency room, or call your doctor if your symptoms are not life threatening.

Use Cleaning Products Safely
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that calls to U.S. poison centers about cleaner and disinfectant exposures have increased by 20%. Please make sure you are using cleaning products and disinfectants safely.

The EPA has issued guidance about disinfectant product use. Always follow the product’s directions. Do not ingest disinfectant products, and never apply them to yourself or others.

See the CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfection for Households guidance.

You can also chat with the Northern New England Poison Control Center on their website, call 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.

Volunteering

Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. Have medical supplies to donate? Visit the COVID-19 Donations site.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on April 28, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

⁺Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information as they are able.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact: 

• If you are sick:
• 
  
  • If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
  • If you are having symptoms of COVID-19, call your health care provider.

• Most information is online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

• Type in your question in our Ask A Question tool and the web bot searches our information for you! Added today:

Who is getting tested for COVID-19 in Vermont?

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions: Call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• 
  
  • Calls are answered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Outside those hours, leave a message and your call will be returned.

• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

Testing

The Department of Health continues to test Vermonters with COVID-19 symptoms to help increase contact tracing efforts and prevent the virus from spreading. Vermonters can be tested at hospital locations statewide and health centers in Island Pond, South Hero and Wells River. Additional sites will be opened as the needs are determined.

IMPORTANT: Everyone must have a referral from their provider in order to be tested.

• CALL your health care provider to be evaluated so the provider can determine if you need a test.
• DO NOT go to a testing site without an order from your provider.
• Patients who are NOT experiencing symptoms will not be tested.

Health care providers are encouraged to order a test for patients with symptoms, and can visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Going outdoors for air and exercise is encouraged when you take the proper precautions.

For more outdoors info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19 and remember to Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

If you are or someone you know is in crisis
Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 28, 2020

Find this update on healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

The path to restart Vermont

Governor Phil Scott last week announced some additional openings to restart Vermont’s economy, but stressed the need for continued – and even expanded – vigilance to slow the spread of the virus. The Stay Home, Stay Safe order is still critical, and each of us must remain committed to doing our part.

It is more important than ever to continue physical distancing and to make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home. Learn more about why and how we need to wear masks.

In the meantime, please do maintain your social connectivity, which is important for everyone’s physical and emotional health!

WIC program is still open and ready to serve Vermonters

The Vermont Department of Health WIC Program, and other public programs, remain open to serve Vermonters. Vermont WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support to pregnant and postpartum Vermonters and infants and children up to their 5th birthday. Good nutrition and WIC foods help to support a strong immune system.

Vermont WIC is open and invites new and returning families to join. Since March 16, over 600 new participants joined WIC for the first time. If you are pregnant, postpartum, or are the caregiver for an infant or child under 5, apply today. Medical providers, with patient permission, can refer patients to WIC here.

We’ve made a few changes to keep our families and staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic:

• All appointments are being done by phone. WIC staff are primarily working remotely.
• WIC has expanded its approved foods list to make it easier to find WIC foods in the grocery store. These changes include larger bread loaf sizes, more varieties of eggs, and shredded cheese.
• WIC is beginning to offer breastfeeding classes online.

If your family financial circumstances have changed due to a job loss or reduced hours, you could be eligible for WIC. Apply today. For more information on food access, visit hungerfreevt.org/coronavirus.

New on healthvermont.gov
A new map of Vermonters who have tested positive for COVID-19 by town can now be found at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (click on the map of Vermont). The data reflects lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Vermont residents, by town of residence. All case data is preliminary and is updated as new information comes in.

Residents of a long-term care facility or inmates at a correctional facility are counted in the town where the facility is located when they were tested.

The map does not represent people with active infections, and no town is “safe” from COVID-19. We know the virus is in our communities and we should continue to follow stay home orders and health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 – no matter what town we live in.

COVID-19 Dashboard provides expanded race, ethnicity and mortality data

Data about COVID-19 deaths are now included in the dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (click on the map of Vermont). Data about race and ethnicity of COVID-19 cases are also included in the dashboard. We can use this data to help to prevent the spread of illness, improve care for patients, and present a more complete picture of how COVID-19 may be affecting everyone in Vermont.

New pages have been added and updated:

• About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) - highlighting prevention, symptoms and testing
• Communities and Workplaces - resources for food, volunteers, food & lodging businesses and more

Meal Distribution to Vermonters
DATES HAVE BEEN UPDATED for the Vermont Foodbank and Vermont National Guard’s food distribution to those in need. Read the press release.

From 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day:

• Wednesday, April 29 - Hartness State Airport (Weathersfield/Springfield)
• Thursday, April 30 - William H Morse State Airport (Bennington)
• Friday, May 1 - Northeast Kingdom International Airport (Coventry/Newport)

Accessing Emergency Care

Vermont hospitals are safe. If you are having symptoms of a serious medical condition, such as heart attack or stroke, it is important to get medical care right away. Call 9-1-1, go to the emergency room, or call your doctor if your symptoms are not life threatening.

Use Cleaning Products Safely
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that calls to U.S. poison centers about cleaner and disinfectant exposures have increased by 20%. Please make sure you are using cleaning products and disinfectants safely.

The EPA has issued guidance about disinfectant product use. Always follow the product’s directions. Do not ingest disinfectant products, and never apply them to yourself or others.

See the CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfection for Households guidance.

You can also chat with the Northern New England Poison Control Center on their website, call 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.

Expedited Temporary Licenses for Health Professionals

Health professionals can quickly become temporarily licensed to provide care during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Volunteering

Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. Have medical supplies to donate? Visit the COVID-19 Donations site.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on April 28, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

⁺Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information as they are able.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact: 

• If you are sick:
• 
  
  • If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
  • If you are having symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath), call your health care provider.

• Most information is online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page. You can also use our Ask A Question tool. Type in your question and the web bot searches our information for you! New questions include:

What is contact tracing?

Is the state reopened?

What do employers need to do to reopen their business?

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions: Call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• 
  
  • Calls are answered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Outside those hours, leave a message and your call will be returned.

• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

Testing

The Department of Health continues to test Vermonters with COVID-19 symptoms to help increase contact tracing efforts and prevent the virus from spreading. Vermonters can be tested at hospital locations statewide and health centers in Island Pond, South Hero and Wells River. Additional sites will be opened as the needs are determined.

IMPORTANT: Everyone must have a referral from their provider in order to be tested.

• CALL your health care provider to be evaluated so the provider can determine if you need a test.
• DO NOT go to a testing site without an order from your provider.
• Patients who are NOT experiencing symptoms will not be tested.

Health care providers are encouraged to order a test for patients with symptoms, and can visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Going outdoors for air and exercise is encouraged when you take the proper precautions. Please stay close to home, practice social distancing, choose low-risk activities, and respect all signs for closed areas.

Ticks are starting to come back - Use insect repellent, avoid wooded and brushy areas, and always do a tick check when you get home. Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

For more outdoors info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

If you are or someone you know is in crisis
Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 27, 2020

Find this update on healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

The path to restart Vermont

At Monday’s press conference, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD emphasized that as the state takes its deliberate steps toward reopening, it does not mean an end to the actions we all must continue to take to slow the spread of the virus. Physical distancing from others “is here to stay,” he said, until an anti-viral treatment or a vaccine is developed. In the meantime, we will work to maintain our social connectivity, which is healthier for us all.

Dr. Levine also repeated a call for Vermonters to wear cloth face coverings to protect one another. Many people are wearing them, but we can do better, he said. Learn more about the importance of wearing a cloth mask and how to wear it the right way.

Governor Phil Scott last week announced some additional openings to restart Vermont’s economy, but stressed the need for continued – and even expanded – vigilance. The Stay Home, Stay Safe order is still critical, and each of us must remain committed to doing our part to help prevent the spread of the virus.

For a full list of health and safety requirements for all businesses and specifications for each newly opened operation, click here to view Addendum 11. Read the press release.

New on healthvermont.gov
A new map of Vermonters who have tested positive for COVID-19 by town can now be found at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (click on the map of Vermont). The data reflects lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among Vermont residents, by town of residence. All case data is preliminary and is updated as new information comes in.

Residents of a long-term care facility or inmates at a correctional facility are counted in the town where the facility is located when they were tested.

The map does not represent people with active infections, and no town is “safe” from COVID-19. We know the virus is in our communities and we should continue to follow stay home orders and health guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 – no matter what town we live in.

COVID-19 Dashboard provides expanded race, ethnicity and mortality data

Data about COVID-19 deaths are now included in the dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (click on the map of Vermont). Data about race and ethnicity of COVID-19 cases are also included in the dashboard. We can use this data to help to prevent the spread of illness, improve care for patients, and present a more complete picture of how COVID-19 may be affecting everyone in Vermont.

New pages have been added and updated:

• About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) - highlighting prevention, symptoms and testing
• Communities and Workplaces - resources for food, volunteers, food & lodging businesses and more

Meal Distribution to Vermonters
DATES HAVE BEEN UPDATED for the Vermont Foodbank and Vermont National Guard’s food distribution to those in need. Read the press release.

From 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day:

• Wednesday, April 29 - Hartness State Airport (Weathersfield/Springfield)
• Thursday, April 30 - William H Morse State Airport (Bennington)
• Friday, May 1 - Northeast Kingdom International Airport (Coventry/Newport)

Accessing Emergency Care

If you are having symptoms of a serious medical condition, such as heart attack or stroke, it is important to get medical care right away. Call 9-1-1, go to the emergency room, or call your doctor if your symptoms are not life threatening.

Vermont hospitals are safe. They have measures in place to protect patients and staff from contracting COVID-19. There is a greater risk to your health and life by staying home when experiencing symptoms of a serious medical condition than by going to the hospital.

Use Cleaning Products Safely
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that calls to U.S. poison centers about cleaner and disinfectant exposures have increased by 20%. Please make sure you are using cleaning products and disinfectants safely.

The EPA has issued guidance about disinfectant product use, reminding people to always follow the product’s directions. Do not ingest disinfectant products, and never apply them to yourself or others.

See the CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfection for Households guidance. You can also chat with the Northern New England Poison Control Center on their website, call 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.

Expedited Temporary Licenses for Health Professionals

Health professionals can quickly become temporarily licensed to provide care during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Volunteering

We still need your help! Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. Have medical supplies to donate? Visit the COVID-19 Donations site.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on April 27, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

⁺Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information as they are able.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact: 

• If you are sick:
• 
  
  • If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
  • If you are having symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath), call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage. You can also use our Ask A Question tool. Type in your question and the web bot searches our information for you!
• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions: Call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• 
  
  • Calls are answered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Outside those hours, leave a message and your call will be returned.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

Testing

The Department of Health continues to test Vermonters with COVID-19 symptoms to help increase contact tracing efforts and prevent the virus from spreading. Vermonters can be tested at hospital locations statewide and health centers in Island Pond, South Hero and Wells River. Additional sites will be opened as the needs are determined.

IMPORTANT: Everyone must have a referral from their provider in order to be tested.

• CALL your health care provider to be evaluated so the provider can determine if you need a test.
• DO NOT go to a testing site without an order from your provider.
• Patients who are NOT experiencing symptoms will not be tested.

Health care providers are encouraged to order a test for patients with symptoms, and can visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Going outdoors for air and exercise is encouraged when you take the proper precautions. Please stay close to home, practice social distancing, choose low-risk activities, and respect all signs for closed areas.

Ticks are starting to come back - Use insect repellent, avoid wooded and brushy areas, and always do a tick check when you get home. Be Tick Smart: healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

For more outdoors info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

If you are or someone you know is in crisis
Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 24, 2020

Find this update on healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

The path to restart Vermont

Governor Phil Scott today outlined additional openings as part of the phased restart of Vermont’s economy introduced last week.

Modeling indicates Vermonters’ actions in maintaining social distancing are clearly connected to significantly slowing the spread of the virus. But as the nation reached a grim benchmark of 50,000 deaths associated with COVID-19, Governor Phil Scott emphasized the need for continued – and even expanded – vigilance. The Stay Home, Stay Safe order is still critical, and each of us must remain committed to doing our part to help prevent the spread of the virus and protect the vulnerable by following all social distancing and public health guidance.

The Spigot Opens Another Turn

The Governor’s most recent order, signed Friday, expands health and safety requirements for businesses, including mandatory training. Certain businesses will be allowed to operate with five total workers per location.

Farmers markets can open May 1 with strict alterations that focus on food distribution and preventing congregating. They must meet the same health and safety requirements of all other operations and are directed to use a pre-order/pick-up model whenever possible. Local municipalities must approve reopening. Additional guidance will be provided by the Agency of Agriculture.

For a full list of health and safety requirements for all businesses and specifications for each newly opened operation, click here to view Addendum 11. Read the press release.

Accessing Emergency Care

Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD, is urging Vermonters in need of emergency care to not hesitate to seek that care, including going to a hospital.

If you are having symptoms of a serious medical condition, such as heart attack or stroke, it is important to get medical care right away. Call 9-1-1, go to the emergency room, or call your doctor if your symptoms are not life threatening.

Vermont hospitals are safe. They have measures in place to protect patients and staff from contracting COVID-19. This includes separating patients with COVID-19 from other patients.

There is a greater risk to your health and life by staying home when experiencing symptoms of a serious medical condition than by going to the hospital.

Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 by Wearing a Cloth Face Mask

As the state begins taking measured steps toward re-opening, it is more important than ever to make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home – and to be sure to wear them the right way.

Recent data has revealed more about how the virus can spread, even before a person shows any symptoms. Since you may be infected and not know it, wearing a face covering helps protect people around you from exposure to the virus. Read the press release

We all still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people, even when wearing a mask, practice good hand hygiene and follow the state’s Stay Home, Stay Safe guidance.

Businesses must follow new guidelines from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development that requires employees to wear non-medical cloth face coverings (bandana, scarf, or non-medical mask, etc.) over their nose and mouth when in the presence of others.

2020 Census

If you haven’t already, please take five minutes today to complete the 2020 Census online at 2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020. Getting a complete count of is critical to our efforts to help support the needs of all Vermonters.

Use Cleaning Products Safely
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that calls to U.S. poison centers about cleaner and disinfectant exposures have increased by 20%. Please make sure you are using cleaning products and disinfectants safely.

The EPA issued guidance about disinfectant product use yesterday, reminding people to always follow the product’s directions. Do not ingest disinfectant products, and never apply them to yourself or others.

See the CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfection for Households guidance. You can also chat with the Northern New England Poison Control Center on their website, call 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.

New on healthvermont.gov

COVID-19 Dashboard provides expanded race, ethnicity and mortality data

Data about COVID-19 deaths are now included in the dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (click on the map of Vermont). Data about race and ethnicity of COVID-19 cases are also included in the dashboard. We can use this data to help to prevent the spread of illness, improve care for patients, and present a more complete picture of how COVID-19 may be affecting everyone in Vermont.

New pages have been added and updated:

• About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) - highlighting prevention, symptoms and testing
• Communities and Workplaces - resources for food, volunteers, food & lodging businesses and more

Meal Distribution to Vermonters
The Vermont Foodbank and Vermont National Guard is distributing food to those in need at five different areas of Vermont to meet the increased demand on food shelves. Read the press release.

Dates and locations (9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day):

• Monday, April 27 - Hartness State Airport (Weathersfield/Springfield)
• Tuesday, April 28 - William H Morse State Airport (Bennington)
• Wednesday, April 29 - Northeast Kingdom International Airport (Coventry/Newport)

Expedited Temporary Licenses for Health Professionals

Health professionals can quickly become temporarily licensed to provide care during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Volunteering

We still need your help! Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. Have medical supplies to donate? Visit the COVID-19 Donations site.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on April 24, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

⁺Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information as they are able.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact: 

• If you are sick:
• 
  
  • If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
  • If you are having symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath), call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage. You can also use our Ask A Question tool. Type in your question and the web bot searches our information for you!

• 
  
• New questions that were added today:

Is it safe to go to the hospital?

How is the Health Department enforcing COVID-19 regulations and guidelines at restaurants that are serving to-go food?

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions: Call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• 
  
  • Calls are answered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Outside those hours, leave a message and your call will be returned.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

Testing

The Department of Health continues to test Vermonters with COVID-19 symptoms to help increase contact tracing efforts and prevent the virus from spreading. Vermonters can be tested at hospital locations statewide and health centers in Island Pond, South Hero and Wells River. Additional sites will be opened as the needs are determined.

IMPORTANT: Everyone must have a referral from their provider in order to be tested.

• CALL your health care provider to be evaluated so the provider can determine if you need a test.
• DO NOT go to a testing site without an order from your provider.
• Patients who are NOT experiencing symptoms will not be tested.

Health care providers are encouraged to order a test for patients with symptoms, and can visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Going outdoors for air and exercise is encouraged when you take the proper precautions. Please stay close to home, practice social distancing, choose low-risk activities, and respect all signs for closed areas. For more info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Ticks are Terrible at Social Distancing

As you go safely outdoors, remember that the ticks are starting to come back and are hungry for their spring meal. It’s up to us to stay away from them. Use insect repellent, avoid wooded and brushy areas, and always do a tick check when you get home. Get more tick tips at healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

If you are or someone you know is in crisis
Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 23, 2020

Find this update on healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19 by Wearing a Cloth Face Mask

As the state begins taking measured steps toward re-opening, it is more important than ever to make wearing cloth face coverings a habit whenever we leave home – and to be sure to wear them the right way.

In a press release Thursday, the Health Department said recent data has revealed more about how the virus can spread, even before a person shows any symptoms. Since you may be infected and not know it, wearing a face covering helps protect people around you from exposure to the virus.

We all still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people, even when wearing a mask, practice good hand hygiene and follow the state’s Stay Home, Stay Safe guidance.

The face covering must be worn properly to be effective and avoid the spread of germs:

• Wash your hands before putting it on.
• Be sure your mouth and nose are covered.
• Hook loops around your ears or tie it snugly.
• Do not touch the mask or pull it down while in public.
• Keep it on until you get home.
• Remove the mask without touching your eyes, nose or mouth, then wash your hands immediately.
• Wash the mask and make sure it’s completely dry before using again. Have a few on hand so you can rotate for washing.

Businesses must follow new guidelines from the Agency of Commerce and Community Development that requires employees to wear non-medical cloth face coverings (bandana, scarf, or non-medical mask, etc.) over their nose and mouth when in the presence of others.

2020 Census

If you haven’t already, please take five minutes today to complete the 2020 Census online at 2020census.gov or by calling 844-330-2020.

At Wednesday’s press conference, Gov. Phil Scott emphasized the importance of getting a complete count of everyone in Vermont. Federal funds distributed based on census data go toward disaster relief, infrastructure projects, school food programs more. Getting a complete count is critical to our efforts to help support the needs of all Vermonters.

Use Cleaning Products Safely
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that calls to U.S. poison centers about cleaner and disinfectant exposures have increased by 20%. Please make sure you are using cleaning products and disinfectants safely:

• Follow the directions on the label
• Don’t mix chemicals
• Wear protective gear (such as gloves)
• Use them in a well-ventilated area
• Store them out of reach of children

See the CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfection for Households guidance. You can also chat with the Northern New England Poison Control Center on their website, call 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.

The path to restart Vermont

Our efforts to flatten the curve are starting to make a difference — but this is far from over yet.

As the state takes measured steps toward restarting the economy, Vermonters’ cooperation and support in preventing the spread of the virus is critical. That means staying home, keeping a distance of 6 feet away from others, wearing a cloth face covering and practicing hand hygiene. If you’re sick, stay home and call your health care provider. All these actions continue to help save lives.

For information on the reopening of certain businesses in strict accordance with mandatory health and safety requirements visit: accd.vermont.gov/covid-19. Outdoor businesses, construction operations, retail operations, and low or no contact professional services now have new guidance for reopening. 

New on healthvermont.gov

Dashboard provides expanded race, ethnicity and mortality data

Data about COVID-19 deaths are now included in the dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 (click on the map of Vermont). Data about race and ethnicity of COVID-19 cases are also included in the dashboard. We can use this data to help to prevent the spread of illness, improve care for patients, and present a more complete picture of how COVID-19 may be affecting everyone in Vermont.

Meal Distribution to Vermonters
The Vermont Foodbank and Vermont National Guard is distributing food to those in need at five different areas of Vermont. These points of distribution will meet the increased demand on food shelves around the state. Read the press release.

Dates and locations (9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. each day):

• Monday, April 27 - Hartness State Airport (Weathersfield/Springfield)
• Tuesday, April 28 - William H Morse State Airport (Bennington)
• Wednesday, April 29 - Northeast Kingdom International Airport (Coventry/Newport)

Expedited Temporary Licenses for Health Professionals

Health professionals can quickly become temporarily licensed to provide care during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Volunteering

We still need your help! Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. Have medical supplies to donate? Visit the COVID-19 Donations site.

Case Information

Current COVID-19 Activity in Vermont

As of 11:00 a.m. on April 23, 2020

*Includes testing conducted at the Health Department Laboratory, commercial labs and other public health labs.

⁺Death occurring in persons known to have COVID-19. Death certificate may be pending.

Hospitalization data is provided by the Vermont Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Coalition and is based on hospitals updating this information as they are able.

Find more information on new data dashboard at healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking on the map of Vermont.

Guidance for Vermonters

Who to contact: 

• If you are sick:
• 
  
  • If you are having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital.
  • If you are having symptoms of COVID-19 (cough, fever, shortness of breath), call your health care provider.
• Most information is online: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions webpage. You can also use our Ask A Question tool. Type in your question and the webbot searches our information for you!

Here are the new FAQs added today:

• 
  
  • How do I practice safer drug use?
  • Are syringe service programs (needle exchanges) still open?
  • I don’t have a house or a home, how can I stay safe?

• If you still have health-related COVID-19 questions: Call the Health Department at 802-863-7240.
• 
  
  • Calls are answered 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week. Outside those hours, leave a message and your call will be returned.
• For non-health related questions, dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.

Testing

The Department of Health continues to test Vermonters with COVID-19 symptoms to help increase contact tracing efforts and prevent the virus from spreading. Vermonters can be tested at hospital locations statewide and health centers in Island Pond, South Hero and Wells River. Additional sites will be opened as the needs are determined.

IMPORTANT: Everyone must have a referral from their provider in order to be tested.

• CALL your health care provider to be evaluated so the provider can determine if you need a test.
• DO NOT go to a testing site without an order from your provider.
• Patients who are NOT experiencing symptoms will not be tested.

Health care providers are encouraged to order a test for patients with symptoms, and can visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-providers for more information.

Enjoy the Outdoors Safely
Going outdoors for air and exercise is encouraged when you take the proper precautions. Please stay close to home, practice social distancing, choose low-risk activities, and respect all signs for closed areas. For more info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19

Ticks are Terrible at Social Distancing

As you go safely outdoors, remember that the ticks are starting to come back and are hungry for their spring meal. It’s up to us to stay away from them. Use insect repellent, avoid wooded and brushy areas, and always do a tick check when you get home. Get more tick tips at healthvermont.gov/BeTickSmart.

If you are or someone you know is in crisis
Feeling anxious, confused, overwhelmed or powerless is common during an infectious disease outbreak. If you or someone you know needs emotional support, help is available 24/7:

• Call your local mental health crisis line
• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255
• Text VT to 741741 to talk with someone at the Crisis Text Line.
• For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.

Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 22, 2020

Find this update on healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking
the “See the Latest Update” button.

Please visit the Vermont Department of Health’s updated COVID-19 web pages — including the new data dashboard: healthvermont.gov/covid19.

Use Cleaning Products Safely
The Centers for Disease Control has reported that calls to U.S. poison centers about cleaner and disinfectant exposures have increased by 20%. Please make sure you are using cleaning products and disinfectants safely:

• Follow the directions on the label
• Don’t mix chemicals
• Wear protective gear (such as gloves)
• Use them in a well-ventilated area
• Store them out of reach of children

See the CDC’s Cleaning and Disinfection for Households guidance. You can also chat with the Northern New England Poison Control Center on their website, call 1-800-222-1222 or text POISON to 85511.

The path to restart Vermont

At a press conference Wednesday, Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD presented an overview of findings regarding 29 of the 40 Vermonters whose deaths were associated with COVID-19. While the numbers of people in Vermont who have died as a result of the pandemic are relatively small, each life lost to this disease is devastating.

Dr. Levine explained that the data available through April 14 reflects that older adults and people with serious underlying medical conditions appear to be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. This is in line with what is being seen nationally and around the world.

Our efforts to flatten the curve are starting to make a difference — but this is far from over yet.

As the state takes measured steps toward restarting the economy, Vermonters’ cooperation and support in preventing the spread of the virus is critical. That means staying home, keeping a distance of 6 feet away from others, wearing a cloth face covering and practicing hand hygiene. If you’re sick, stay home and call your health care provider. All these actions continue to help save lives.

For information on the reopening of certain businesses in strict accordance with mandatory health and safety requirements visit: accd.vermont.gov/covid-19. Outdoor businesses, construction operations, retail operations, and low or no contact professional services now have new guidance for reopening. 

Cloth Face Coverings 
The department recommends that all Vermonters wear cloth face coverings when outside of the home, since COVID-19 can spread before a person has any symptoms. Learn more in this fact sheet. NEW: Find a list of where to buy cloth face coverings.