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VDH COVID-19 Update: Four new cases, one more death, one less hospitalized

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Daily Update on Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

April 27, 2020

New information is in red

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.

As of today's VDH report, there are 855 statewide cases of COVID-19, which is an increase of four cases from Sunday. There are 47 related deaths, which is an increase of one. And there are 33 total hospitalizations, which is a decrease of one.

Also, below is a new map of cases by town.

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. He added that there is no guarantee when or if a vaccine will be 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:

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

Total cases*

855

Currently hospitalized

11

Hospitalized under investigation

22

Deaths+

47

Total tests

15,073

People being monitored

13

People completed monitoring

830

*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: