by Timothy McQuiston, Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health today reported only four new cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). There was one more death, bringing the total in Vermont to 29. The total number of positive tests is 752. This is the smallest one-day increase since March 18 despite an increase in testing over the last two weeks. Dr Mark Levine said yesterday that the state was moving toward a "plateauing" in the state's infection rate. Despite that, he and Governor Scott urged Vermonters to remain vigilant and wear face masks while in close contact with others out in public.
The number of hospitalizations has also held steady in the low 30s in the number of positive cases and similar in the number of hospitalized patients under investigation. Today those numbers stood at 31 and 33, respectively. Yesterday they were 33 and 33.
Exactly one week ago there were 32 new cases for a total of 575, with 23 deaths, 29 hospitalized and 51 under investigation. (Note that there is some adjustment in numbers as results are confirmed. See tables below.)
Also of note, Windham County (57) has surpassed Addison County (56) for third most cases, behind only Chittenden (372) and Franklin (84) counties.
Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
April 14, 2020
New information is in red
Find this update on healthvermont.gov/covid19 by clicking the “See the Latest Update” button.
Please visit and share the Vermont Department of Health’s new COVID-19 web pages, including the new data dashboard for an in-depth picture of COVID-19 activity in Vermont at healthvermont.gov/covid19. Visitors can access the dashboard by clicking on the map of Vermont.
COVID-19: An Additional Important Reason to Quit Tobacco & Vaping
The new coronavirus attacks the lungs, making it harder for people who smoke or vape – tobacco, cannabis or anything else – to fight off the virus and putting them at much greater risk of severe illness, even death. Through outreach and social media promotion, the Health Department has been helping Vermonters to learn that there has never been a better time, and there has never been a better reason, to quit. Vermonters can find online or phone quit coaching, quit resources and tools at 802quits.org.
In fact, they have been – in greater numbers than before.
The state’s Tobacco Control Program has seen an encouraging uptick in requests for Quitline and Quit Online services compared to March 2019. Our phone- and web-based services, as part of 802quits.org, are designed to effectively assist Vermonters age 13 and older with reducing and quitting tobacco use, including vaping. 802Quits sent 2,200 encouraging text messages to Vermonters last month, a doubling over the number sent in February. We also see greater percentages of those currently using e-cigarettes seeking out 802Quits.
802Quits Activity in March
Phone registrations:
2019: 87
2020: 123 (41% increase over previous year)
Web registrations:
2019: 193
2020: 516 (167% increase over previous year). For ages 18-24 we see a 152% increase.
The Tobacco Control Program also launched a youth cessation digital media campaign to support parents who may recognize their teen is addicted to vaping and want help. Formative research showed that youth may be reluctant to sign up for help on their own. The campaign educates parents – and youth influencers – on free 802Quits resources by phone and online for teens 13 and older, 802quits.org/teen-vaping/.
New on healthvermont.gov
Our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions have been expanded, organized and redesigned in a user-friendly format that is easily searchable. Visit healthvermont.gov/covid19-faq and click the “See all frequently asked questions” button.
You can also find new guidance on preventing the spread of COVID-19 for managers and owners of apartment complexes and senior living communities at healthvermont.gov/covid19-groupliving. The guidance calls for making a plan, preparing common spaces and communicating with residents/staff, in addition to outlining the role of the Health Department.
Cloth Face Coverings
Facial coverings are encouraged for essential workers in stores and their customers. The Health Department released new Health & Safety Tips for Essential Businesses, which, in addition to wearing cloth face coverings, includes tips like sanitizing high-touch areas, installing plastic shields, limiting the number of customers in a store, and more.
The Health 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. Watch a video of the U.S. Surgeon General on how to make your own face covering using items around the house.
Expedited Temporary Licenses for Health Professionals
The department announced that health professionals can quickly become temporarily licensed to provide care during the COVID-19 public health emergency. The new emergency measures grant a temporary license for health professionals who:
- Are licensed and in good standing in other states
- Were licensed in Vermont, but whose licenses lapsed in recent years
Vermont’s Response
On April 10, Governor Phil Scott extended Vermont’s State of Emergency through May 15. All measures, including the Stay Home, Stay Safe order are now in effect until midnight on May 15 (note: schools remain dismissed for in-person instruction through the end of the school year). Read the press release.
Forecasting of COVID-19 cases
Current modeling shows that the mitigation measures have slowed the projected spread of COVID-19, but that the state has not yet hit its peak number of cases. To continue on this path, it is critical that Vermonters continue staying home and making their day-to-day sacrifices to help save lives.
Universal Testing at Facilities
The state is taking additional measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 in certain types of group living facilities. When a person tests positive at these facilities, everyone in the facility will be tested. This includes nursing homes, corrections facilities, residential home for those with disabilities, residential treatment centers, assisted living facilities and state psychiatric care facilities.
Travel & Lodging
Residents and non-residents coming to Vermont from outside the state – for anything other than an essential purpose – should quarantine at home for 14 days. Travel to Vermont by anyone from a COVID-19 “hot spot” is strongly discouraged at this time.
All lodging facilities are currently to be closed except for exemptions when supporting the state’s COVID-19 response. Governor Scott announced on April 10 that lodging operators may accept reservations for stays and events occurring on June 15 or later.
Volunteering
We still need your help! Please sign up to support the state’s COVID-19 response: https://vermont.gov/volunteer. Anyone with medical and healthcare skills is directed to the Medical Reserve Corps, and those with other needed skills to a quick registration process to sign up to help.
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 14, 2020
|
Total cases* |
752 |
||
|
Currently hospitalized |
31 |
||
|
Hospitalized under investigation |
33 |
||
|
Deaths+ |
29 |
||
|
Total tests |
10,585 |
||
|
People being monitored |
35 |
||
|
People completed monitoring |
796 |
*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.
Counts by County |
Guidance for Vermonters
Who to contact:
- If you have questions: Use the Ask A Question tool on healthvermont.gov and review other FAQs. You can also dial 2-1-1. If you have trouble reaching 2-1-1, dial 1-866-652-4636.
- If you are sick: Stay home and contact your health care provider online or by phone. Do not go to the hospital, except in a life-threatening situation.
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
Spring in Vermont is great – so take the proper precautions and go outside. Just be sure to stay close to home, practice social distancing, choose low-risk activities, respect all signs for closed areas and check regularly for ticks. For more info visit: https://fpr.vermont.gov/recreation/outdoor-recreation-and-covid-19 and 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: Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Trained helpers are available 24/7. Or text VT to 741741 to talk to someone at the Crisis Text Line. For more information visit healthvermont.gov/suicide.